Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

Jan 30, 2025

In response to the evolving needs of our students, the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is excited to introduce the Cherry Tree Pathway for 2025. This innovative two-year Spiritual Development and Ministry Training programme offers a blended learning experience, combining online and in-person elements to cater to diverse learning preferences.

A Blended Approach to Learning

The Cherry Tree Pathway is designed to provide a rich and engaging educational journey through a combination of live weekly webinars, a bespoke online classroom filled with resources, and a dedicated student communications platform. For those seeking in-person connections, the programme includes optional workshops and retreats, offering opportunities for embodied learning and community building.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum is dynamic and responsive, structured around six key strands:

  • Exploration of Faith Paths and Worldviews: Delve into diverse spiritual traditions to broaden your understanding and appreciation of global faiths.

  • Ceremony and Ritual: Learn to design and lead meaningful ceremonies that honour various life events and spiritual milestones.

  • Deep Listening Skills: Develop the ability to listen empathetically, fostering genuine connections with others.

  • Spiritual Accompaniment: Gain skills to support others on their spiritual journeys with compassion and insight.

  • Psycho-Spiritual Development: Engage in self-reflective practices to deepen self-awareness and personal growth.

  • Spiritual and Pastoral Service in the Community: Prepare to serve your community through various forms of ministry and outreach.

Key Features of the Cherry Tree Pathway

  • Weekly Webinars: Participate in live sessions every Wednesday evening, featuring a mix of whole-class meetings and small group work, all facilitated by experienced tutors.

  • Online Classroom: Access a bespoke online platform that supports your independent learning with a wealth of resources and materials.

  • Tutor Support: Benefit from regular one-on-one meetings with your tutor team, providing personalised guidance and support throughout your training.

  • Optional Modules: Enhance your learning experience by participating in optional modules, available in both online and in-person formats.

  • Spiritual Practice: Engage in daily spiritual practices integrated into webinars, one-on-one sessions, and study groups, supporting your ministerial development.

Join Us on This Transformative Journey

The Cherry Tree Pathway is more than a training programme; it’s an invitation to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and community service. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your own spiritual practice or feel called to serve others as an Interfaith Minister, this pathway offers the tools, support, and community to help you flourish. Enrolment is now open until 30th September.

For more information and to apply, please visit our Ministry Training Page. Embrace the opportunity to grow within a diverse and inclusive community, and take the next step on your spiritual journey with OneSpirit.

OneSpirit Staff Reflections: Kailee

In this first staff reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series and the first reflection of 2025, Kailee shares her journey to becoming the Communications Lead at OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Driven by a lifelong passion for global cultures and inclusive communication, Kailee reflects on her diverse experiences—from teaching English abroad to advocating for marginalized communities in Washington, D.C. She explores how these experiences have shaped her work at OneSpirit, where she is inspired to create content that fosters connection and empowers individuals in alignment with the foundation's interfaith mission.

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold dignity, equality, and freedom for all. Inspired by our foundation's origins, we honour this day with a call to action, inviting reflection, kindness, and community efforts to support human rights worldwide.

Celebrating Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day, celebrated on December 8th, honours the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and invites us to awaken our own compassion, clarity, and kindness. Reflect on the light within, and embrace acts of mindfulness and connection on this special day.

OneSpirit Faculty Reflections: Monica

In this first faculty reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, Monica Douglas explores the profound power of togetherness and connection. Reflecting on her experience as a tutor for the Class of 2024 OneSpirit Interfaith Ministers, Monica candidly shares the challenges and joys of guiding a diverse group of individuals through their journey towards ordination. With heartfelt insight, she highlights how true togetherness is not about agreement or avoiding difficult conversations, but about embracing differences and standing in loving connection, even through the messiness of life. Monica also speaks to the importance of nature in fostering a sense of unity and self-love, and encourages us to find solace in the interconnectedness of the natural world. Through her reflection, she offers a message of hope, reminding us that by embracing connection, we can create a better world—one relationship at a time.

All Saints’ Day: A Time of Honour, Reflection, and Interfaith Resonance

All Saints' Day, traditionally a Christian celebration honouring saints known and unknown, carries themes that resonate across many faith traditions. This article reflects on how the values of love, service, and compassion, central to All Saints' Day, are also present in spiritual practices worldwide. By recognising the common virtues that unite us, we honour not only Christian saints but also the countless individuals from all beliefs who inspire us to lead with kindness and purpose.

Scottish Interfaith Week

As Scottish Interfaith Week approaches from 11 to 18 November, we reflect on the resilience and vitality of interfaith engagement across the nation. Despite the closure of the larger interfaith network, local groups continue to foster dialogue and compassion. Two of our dedicated ROSIM members have reached out to share their involvement in exciting events during this week. Join us as we highlight these opportunities for connection, reflection, and growth within our interfaith community!

Transgender Day of Remembrance: A Call for Reflection & Action

Join us in honouring the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th, as we reflect on lives lost to transphobia and stand together for dignity, acceptance, and justice for all.

OneSpirit Student Reflections: Andrew

In this first student reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, a member of Aspen Class, Andrew, shares a deeply personal ceremony held at a local beach, marking the transition from year 1 to year 2 of their Interfaith Minister training. The reflection weaves together themes of gratitude, self-discovery, and connection to nature, as the student honours the sacredness of everyday moments and the role ceremony plays in their spiritual journey. This intimate experience offers insight into the evolving relationship between the student and the Earth, celebrating the sacredness of place and the power of ritual in marking life's pivotal moments.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

The Cherry Tree Pathway is our new blended learning programme, offering a mix of online and in-person experiences for those seeking a flexible approach to spiritual development. 

Redefining Interfaith: Holistically and Inclusively

We celebrate a new, inclusive vision of interfaith, one that welcomes all spiritual paths, honoring the richness of personal experience beyond traditional religions.

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