Praxis: A Community of Right Relationship

praxis
ˈpraksəs/
noun

1. practice, as distinguished from theory.

Praxis is a community of faith-rooted leaders who believe God calls us all to build libearting and joyful communities. To this end we have dedicated ourselves to ending oppressive cultures and systems of economic and racial injustice by challenging dominant systems of power. Through participating in a shared rule of life centered around prayer, right-relationship, and prophetic action we hope to join in God’s movement of liberation.

Rule of Life
The Praxis Community was founded with the belief that if we orient ourselves towards the liberating way of God, we and the world around us will be transformed. To this end, we have committed ourselves to a Rule of Life.  Praxis members incorporate these elements of practice into their lives over the year. We do not expect that they will all be done at once. Similarly, the rule isn’t quantifiable. We trust members to fit things into their lives as they are able. Our webinars are be organized to expand on each part of the Rule of Life. Each webinar either a member of Praxis Members or a guest shares one way of living into an element of the Rule of Life and members are able to share the gifts, challenges and questions they have about this aspect. Our Rule of Life has the following commitments:

• Take regular Sabbath
• Practice embodiment in a way that allows us to sense how the work of seeking justice is showing up in our bodies
• Use a relationship inventory tool that reveals how our relationship dynamics either support or thwart the ending of oppression
• Explore how we can intentionally use our money to end racial and economic injustices
• Take public action that demonstrates our prophetic voice

Rhythm of Praxis Community
The praxis community will gather in two configurations. The primary way of meeting will be in local “praxis circles,” small groups of leaders who come together monthly to share challenges and support each other in taking risks in their leadership.This year, Praxis circles will meet six times between April and November of 2018. Circles receive the Praxis Curriculum in the middle of March and are able to set their circles at times that suit their members.
In addition, we will meet as an entire community (about 40 members across the country) via webinars in which we worship, hear a reflection from a member, and then discuss in small groups. The community will gather as a group four times this year:

• March 21st – Full Community Online Gathering: Relationship Inventory
• July – Full Community Online Gathering: Date TBD  
• October- Online Gathering: Date TBD
• November 29, 30 & December 01 – Fall Retreat: Location TBA

Why Praxis
We believe it is a time when faith-rooted communities and grassroots organizations are called to take bold stands for healing and justice.  The Praxis Community seeks to support faith-rooted leaders in responding to this call the following questions: What if faith-rooted leaders were trained and supported to live into embodying this movement? What if we deepened our commitment to building authentic relationships, taking risks, acting for more just systems, and opening ourselves to our own transformation and prayer? What would be possible?

We don’t claim to know the formula for achieving justice but we are fully committed to staying in the process together as a community, working at the levels of our relationship with God, with ourselves, with others, and with society to to explore, learn, and practice how we may move closer to this vision.

Content for Praxis 2018  
This year’s curriculum will be organized around the theme of faith as social movement.  The curriculum will explore the ways that Scripture and spiritual practices connect to the social movements that are currently arising. In addition, it will support Praxis members to discern how we can act collectively for racial and economic justice by joining movements.  

The curriculum will be grounded in wisdom from: sacred scriptures, anti-racism pedagogy, contemplative practice and organizing theory. Circle members will be supported to engage in deep learning around these topics and to take collective action using the wisdom and practices from this deep learning. If it is desired, ECM can connect Praxis Circles to local organizing campaigns for action.  

Next Step
If you want to join the 2018 Praxis Community please email Natalie Finstad  at Natalie@EpiscopalCityMission.Org. Please make sure to mention if you were recommended to Praxis by a current member.