The Fourth Order+
“God has made of me a new kind of fool in this world.” – Francis of Assisi
The Fourth Order +
Inter-tribal Fools, Poets, Madmen, Clowns & Wandering Mystics
The Results Are In
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Our 20 year discernment process is complete! Here we will share with you those results and the next steps the Fourth Order will take to serve the Great Mystery, the creation, and each other. We invite you to reflect on it and send your feedback.
“Buddha with an Attitude” courtesy of Michael Green
Discernment Process: The Name Change
The Fourth Order is an ecumenical community whose companions practice radical awareness of the divine presence within ourselves, in others and in all creation.
Although we come from diverse faith traditions or none at all, we proclaim the transcendent unity and transforming power of divine love proclaimed by the prophets and holy persons of many faiths and experienced through prayer, contemplation, joy, suffering and compassion.
The Fourth Order does not represent any particular religion or denomination. Companions of the Fourth Order maintain ecumenical practice as well as practice within their own faith traditions.
The Fourth Order is a deeply ecumenical community inspired by the lives and teachings of Francis and Clare of Assisi and other ancestors from the great indigenous, religio/mystic, and scientific paths whose teachings and spirituality express the wisdom of foundational unity and original blessing. Francis himself crossed the lines during the 5th Crusade and met with Sultan al-Kamil. They ate together and prayed together. When he returned he directed his brothers to live in peace with Muslims, as they were brothers in the Lord.
These teachings have been passed on through the generations and continue to this day. Those who follow them carry these ancient teachings of love, simplicity, gratitude, compassion, creativity, responsibility, and transformation forward. Our diverse community expression is varied but always focuses on these. Because we are ecumenical our name must imply that identity. There is only One Source and we are of that Great Unseen Source.
There Is Only One
In this night, Beloved,
there is only you.
In this moment,
there is only you.
As I breathe this breath,
there is only you.
I breathe this breath,
and there is only you.
In this silence,
there is only you.