1. Spiritual Leadership In the 21 st Century Aisha Rafea

2. Major Questions Why do people—in the name of religion— have often violated the basic morals of ALL revelations, heavenly and natural? Is a shift of consciousness in the made lately? In what way does consciousness help in transforming our world into a more humane one? What is the role of spiritual leadership in such a world?

3. What Has Been Happening? Teachings Human oneness, connectedness & equality Mercifulness, peace & love. Respect of life Caring for each other Enhancing human dignity Freedom and openness Practices Superiority, competition, separation & segregation Violence, conflicts, fights & animosity Shedding blood Selfishness Humiliation & manipulation Coercion & rigidity

4. Possible Reasons Servanthood to God: Compliance to Authority, inner conflict, fear…. Commitment to Teaching: observing rituals is an end in itself and is the sign of faith. Religion and State: Conflict between Teachings and human experience.

5. Traditional Spiritual Leadership Directly or indirectly talking in the name of God. It is their responsibility to tell people what to do or not to do. People have to obey them as they know better. Humans are not allowed, nor is it their responsibility to make their minds in matters of religion. Promoting divine teachings AGAINST human experience (secularity).

6. Shift of Consciousness Servanthood to God: Experiencing God within and around, love, harmony, sense of safety. Commitment to Teaching: voluntarily seeking nourishing and loving energy. Rituals are means. Religion and State: harmony: interaction, deeper understanding

7. New Spiritual Leadership Nobody whatsoever has the right to directly or indirectly talk in the name of God. With loving energy they support people to recognize their ‘true identity’. They never assume that they know better, they inspire them with means to grow. They urge people to assume their own responsibilities.

8. A Conscious World Humans are guided by the innate divine spark, and get more depths of divine teachings. Humans are more encouraged to make good use of their God-given gifts. Relation with God and divine teachings is a non stop journey of liberation, safety, support and joy. Oneness of humanity is practically experienced: Respecting our diversity.