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Reflection Volume 13,Issue 3, Fall 2016 26 interview interview interview interview Short interview with Bishop interview interview interview interview Peter Baaij What made you participate in the lcc? Bishop Peter: As a twelve year old I started accompanying my parents and became part of their reli-shopping , their pilgrimage. My own pilgrimage started when I was asked to assist the, inmy eyes, oldmen in the choir. Looking back at this moment, joining was a true gift , a way of contact with all that is deposited in oneself. What is your own mission or vision being a bishop? Would you like to share some of your personal life? Bishop Peter: This question appeals tomany layers inmy consciousness, therefore a complete answer will be too extensive. But, I’ll try. At the end of March 2003, amidst the intensive negotia­ tions in the now-called ‘conservative branch’ of the lcc I decided to quit the church. The pressure by the strict and inquisitorial manner of conduct in regards to the more open-minded churchprov- ince in the Netherlands became toomuch for me. Some- thing inme stoppedme from actually quitting. In the middle of 2004 it became clear what was happening: I was asked to become a part of the episcopate lcc. I spent the next sixmonths reflecting on it and it became clear tome that this was a necessary step. I had to do it, but not because of me. Then a lot started happening. Not just for my inner world, but the world aroundme affirmed the correctness of this choice without knowing precisily what was happening; the higher planes were already ready for this. Personally, for me it meant that I would do it, but not along the lines of the strict and inquisitorial manner. On the whole, I see a church as an institution that helps people on their pilgrimages. Every church they enter has something that canmake a contribution to their inner journey. For me this also includes the personal individual mission in life of growing consciousness in freedom . Nothing more. The inner resonance while travelling the pilgrim- age. The seven initiations that we call sacraments assist us as a church. The more conscious life is, the more Christ can become manifest in one’s heart. What is your wish for the future of the lcc? What is your wish for the future of mankind? Bishop Peter: For me, the church is like an instrument. The pelgrimwho enters may play the instrument. A complicated task at the same time. We clearly need rules so that we can function as a whole, you could call it the skeleton that gives the institute its shape. It is important that everyone who is part of this church also looks at the world outside. As I said in the opening words of the congress: ‘ It is un- thinkable that while the universe expands, the development of mankind does not. It may seem an illogical thought for others, because we, people who shape the LCC, will expand with the same irrationality. Acknowledging this makes us leap into the future if we will search for the ‘why?’in the manner of a true esoteric. ’ It is necessary that we, apart from the meditative element that the church offers us, are capable of exploring and examining this itself. Therefore I’m strongly convinced that in this manner the church can assist man to reach the final goal, asmentioned extraordinary in the Katha Upani- shad is verwoord: ‘ When the five instruments of knowledge stand still, together with the mind, and when the intellect does not move, that is called the Supreme State. ’ [Katha Upanishad VI, 10.] Has the geS exceeded your expectations? Bishop Peter: In the run up we have worked hard in the preparation of the ges; organising it and alsomany differ- ent propositions concerning liturgy, ceremony, mission and vision. What we prepared, we have discussed. A day could bemore efficiënt than another day. One day especial- ly there were good interchanges of insights that we will process further in new, to be submitted, actualised Dutch proposals. This ges is a collegewith (just) one bishopwhowasmember of the ‘ conservative branch ’, the other geswithin the lcc. Therefore there is a small base of episcopal experience. As in a family there is a lot to learn from an older sister or brother. It means that it needs a lot of consciousness to challenge each other. n interview interview interview interview Short interview with Bishop interview interview interview interview interview interview interview interview Short interview with Bishop interview interview interview interview Has the geS exceeded your expectations? Bishop James: Yes, it was a powerful exchange of issues, ideas, solutions, andmost of all the beauty of visioning, networking, truth telling, learning and LOVING! It was wonderful to spend quality time with friends I have not seen in years!! Has the Congress exceeded your expectations? Bishop James: JYes, when like-minded people from all over the world have a chance to eat together, listen to excellent lectures, visit local attractions together, learn from each other, and best of all find love flowing every- where, including Happy Birthday with singing and a big Bouquet of Flowers! I was very Happy! n