Initiated in 2016, with the permission of Father Thomas Keating, as the Future of Religion and Interspirituality (FRIS) Dialogues, these dialogue-retreats in the spirit of the Snowmass dialogues (1984- 2015, originally convened by Keating), are held in monasteries and spiritual communities around the world.
In a relaxed, collegial, contemplative retreat environment, an intimate group of twelve teachers, thinkers, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds are gathered over five days to participate in facilitated dialogues and shared contemplative practice, focused around a particular topic. Participants are chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their ability to collaborate creatively with others, with an eye towards religious, gender, racial, and cultural diversity.
The Charis Snowmass Dialogues have explored general topics such as spiritual formation, practice, community, and the future of religious traditions and their relationship to interspirituality, but also colonialism, racism, and gender. These dialogues are central to the work of Charis, building organic relationships among advanced spiritual practitioners and thinkers with a broad range of religious and cultural perspectives — giving birth to numerous collaborations among participants.