Statement from Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith, CSL Spiritual Leader
Responding to Recent Military Actions Against Iran
CSL Chooses Compassion Over Conflict, Unity Over Division, Love Over Fear, March 5, 2026
At this time of growing conflict and deep uncertainty in the Middle East and beyond, I speak to you from my heart, grounded in the teachings of Science of Mind, reminding us that all life is a unified expression of an infinite, loving Universal Spirit. We witness with deep concern the expanding military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran that have brought widespread suffering and loss of life across the region.
CSL stands in solidarity with other spiritual organizations, faith communities and seekers of peace everywhere. We affirm that the longing for compassion, understanding and harmony is universal, and that every tradition holds wisdom that can help heal the world.
These values are not distant ideals. They are living spiritual truths, rooted in the understanding that there is one Infinite Reality, that love is the self-giving impulse of Spirit and that every person is an individual expression of the One, connected with all others through the field of universal consciousness.
As Ernest Holmes said in his “Spiritual Armament” radio address, “Yes, the world is possibly at the point of the greatest crisis in all human history, and there seem to be two attitudes we can assume. One is calmness, faith and conviction; the other world, despair. And despair is unthinkable. Let’s then, each in our own way, dedicate our time, service, hope and spiritual conviction to the common cause of liberty and justice for all. And let’s work without tiring and pray without ceasing.”
We recognize that humanity stands at a pivotal spiritual threshold where patterns of division, fear and rigid attachments to identity continue to generate suffering. Yet these do not define the deeper truth of who we are together. From the Science of Mind perspective, as we shift our thinking from separation to interconnection, from fear to love, we participate in creating a world that more fully reflects the spiritual laws of unity, peace and mutual respect.
Across cultures and nations, we see a profound yearning for peace, compassion and ways of being that honor the sacred bond we share with one another and this living Earth — fragile, beautiful and entrusted to our collective care. Every expression of Spirit advances the cause for peace on Earth. We can answer the call to love, justice, tolerance and reverence for all life.
Living these commitments requires more than intellectual agreement. We must be willing to transform our consciousness, look within, align our thoughts with higher truth and to act in ways to serve the wellbeing of all life. As Science of Mind teaches, our inner transformation ripples outward, influencing the field of consciousness in ways that nurture harmony, compassion and greater understanding among peoples.
We therefore call on ourselves and all leaders, communities and individuals, across every tradition and geography, to acknowledge that what affects one part of humanity affects the whole, that our highest spiritual calling is to choose compassion over conflict, unity over division and love over fear.
May we not only affirm these principles with our words and thoughts, but live them through our actions so peace, justice and compassion are revealed as our spiritual legacy.
CSL Formally Severs Any Ties to Chopra in Education or Publications, February 23, 2026
As the elected spiritual leader of CSL, I want to speak directly and with clarity about our community’s values and commitments. We are a spiritual organization dedicated to love, truth and the inherent dignity of every human being.
We unequivocally stand against all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse and predatory behavior, and we do not condone or support sexual predators in any form, regardless of reputation, prominence or contribution to spiritual literature or culture.
Over the years, Deepak Chopra’s teachings on consciousness and healing have influenced many people within CSL and other New Thought traditions. His teachings have often been received as revolutionary. No matter how popular, spiritual leaders do not have immunity to engage unethically with the world.
That concern deepens with his repeated appearance in the publicly released Epstein files, which include deeply troubling correspondence with Epstein after Epstein’s conviction and public exposure as a serial abuser of girls. The correspondence with Chopra reveals language that trivializes harm, invokes secrecy and reflects profound power imbalance.
In light of these revelations, we are taking steps to address this situation. First, out of deep respect for survivors of abuse and in keeping with our highest ethical standards, we are removing any educational material we’ve used in the past related to Chopra. He is removed from all CSL programs and offerings. We believe it’s essential that the resources we provide as a spiritual community align fully with our commitment to safety, integrity and spiritual empowerment for everyone.
We are also suspending any sales of Science of Mind magazine that include content featuring Chopra. We will not promote, distribute or profit from material connected to individuals whose conduct raises serious ethical questions, and we will continue to review our publishing and educational practices so they reflect the values of our organization. Additionally, we ask that all CSL affiliates refrain from using Chopra’s material.
At Centers for Spiritual Living, we uphold ethical standards that honor the sacred worth of every individual. We are committed to transparency, accountability and compassion, and we will continue working to ensure our teachings and community practices nurture healing, respect and trust. We seek to create and sustain a spiritual environment where every person feels valued, safe and respected.
A Statement on the Events in Minneapolis, January 19, 2026
At the heart of Science of Mind is the recognition that Divine Spirit is present as everyhuman life, and that true spiritual practice calls us to honor the dignity, safety, and well-being of every living being. We affirm that every individual is an expression of Spirit, worthy of love, respect, and justice. We are deeply troubled by the events unfolding in Minneapolis, where the unprovoked fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent has sparked profound pain, fear, and widespread protest.
This situation, and the broader harsh patterns of law enforcement that have affected immigrant families and communities nationwide, have struck at the heart of our shared humanity and raised urgent questions about how we protect life, uphold due process, and honor the spiritual worth of all people. How would you want to be treated in this situation?
Perhaps you or your loved ones, community members, friends, family have been affected directly or indirectly by what has happened in Minnesota or elsewhere across the country. Perhaps, you can only imagine the pain of what is happening to others.
As people of faith rooted in the Science of Mind, we cannot stand silently by while fear,vviolence, and policies that undermine human dignity persist. We join our voices with interfaith leaders and diverse community groups calling not just for prayer and vigils, but for peaceful, public action that furthers justice, compassion, and human rights. We stand arm-in-arm with our immigrant family, knowing that immigration status is not a symbol of relative worth.
Our teaching urges us to act. Ernest Holme’s own words remind us we each have a role to play in preserving democracy: Democracy is a spiritual idea and it must and will be preserved…A duty is imposed upon all of us to take our part, each in his small way, toward the keeping and guarding of that freedom without which life could have no meaning to any of us” (“This Thing Called Life, 8/6/50).
In this same radio address, Holmes reminds us to act, noting that prayer alone is not enough. “We should not only pray, we should act, each contributing the best they have to the common purpose, each willing to make any sacrifice necessary, not a sacrifice reluctantly made but as one who offers all that he has to give for two great purposes – one, in a certain sense, a selfish one, for we all desire self-preservation but the other in the greater sense that there can be no individual self-preservation without the preservation of all.” Thus, we encourage our Centers for Spiritual Living communities to respond in ways that reflect our spiritual principles and values:
Pray and hold conscious intention for peace, healing, and protection for all who are suffering, especially immigrant families, community members, and those advocating for humane reform.
Wherever you live, consider participating in peaceful demonstrations and marches for justice, including events like the “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” march and rally planned in downtown Minneapolis on January 23, to stand visibly and heartfully for human dignity, due process, and compassionate policy.
Support ongoing peaceful gatherings and witness events happening across the country such as weekly peaceful protests, bridge brigades, and community witness actions that uphold the pursuit of justice through nonviolent protest.
We can all offer practical support and solidarity, such as providing resources to immigrant defense networks, participating in “know your rights” trainings, and offering safe, compassionate accompaniment to neighbors who feel targeted or unsafe, no matter where we live.
We can also engage in advocacy and civic action by contacting elected leaders, supporting legislation that protects human rights and due process, and aligning with interfaith coalitions supporting immigrants. We can support local foodbanks providing food to people too afraid to leave their homes.
The Science of Mind teaches that true spiritual change is expressed outwardly in actions that liberate, heal, and uplift. In this moment, our prayer and intention must be joined with courageous, compassionate action that brings light into places of fear, not fear into places of light.
I affirm, we, as a spiritual movement, respond with clarity, courage, and love, standing with those who feel vulnerable, marching for justice, and proclaiming with heart and commitment that no one is “illegal” in the mind of God.
Statement on Peace, January 3, 2026
As a community rooted in the philosophy of Science of Mind, we affirm our belief in the unity of all life and the infinite value of every human being as a unique expression of Spirit. We hold that the nature of God is loving, creative, and inclusive, and that each of us is called to embody that spirit in our thoughts, words, and actions.
These teachings invite us to move beyond fear, division, and domination toward harmony, compassion, and wholeness.
The recent unfolding of military actions involving the United States against Venezuela, including large-scale strikes and the capture of Venezuela’s president represents a dramatic escalation in conflict that has already caused suffering and uncertainty for countless people. Many nations, international legal experts, and many faith leaders across the globe have expressed concern about the legality and humanitarian impact of these actions.
From a Science of Mind perspective, we are guided by principles that call us toward peace, justice, and the transformation of consciousness. The belief in the unity of all life and the indwelling Spirit means that no nation, group, or individual is separate from the whole, and that violence and coercion distort our shared humanity rather than heal it.
We acknowledge the legitimate complexities inherent in international relations, including concerns about human rights, governance, and the rule of law. Yet we are called to respond not from fear or retribution, but with clarity of mind and compassion of heart, seeking pathways that prioritize diplomacy, mutual respect, and peaceful resolution. We hold a vision of a world that works for everyone, one in which conflicts are resolved through understanding and cooperation, rather than force.
We join with the World Council of Churches , Pope Leo and with interfaith leaders across the world, in reiterating, that these actions set a dangerous precedent and example for others who seek to shrug off all constraints against the use of armed aggression and brute force to achieve political objectives.
We pray for all those affected by these events, Venezuelans, Americans, and the global community, that peace may take deeper root in human consciousness, that compassionate dialogue may prevail, and that the Spirit of unity may guide leaders and citizens alike into right action.
Let us each be instruments of healing in our spheres of influence, committing to work for peace within ourselves and in our world.
Sacred Oneness: A Call to Heal Divisions,
September 12, 2025
Science of Mind teaches that all life is one, a divine unity binds together every person, every event, every moment. In this understanding, separation is illusion; our thoughts, words and deeds are powerful, and what happens to one is part of what happens to all. Each life is sacred, and each act of violence wounds the whole.
Today, as we witness an alarming rise in gun violence in the United States, we see this oneness deeply violated. As of September 11, 2025, there have been 301 mass shootings in the U.S. In 2024, there were 503 mass shootings. It is difficult to understand this amount of violence. In Minnesota this year, two state legislators were assassinated in their homes: Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded, targets of political violence that puncture the idea of safety in public service.
Also in Minnesota, on August 27, 2025, two young children (ages eight and ten) were killed and dozens more injured in a school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, when a gunman opened fire during the morning Mass.
Now, in another shocking act of political violence, Charlie Kirk, conservative activist, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. On the same day, in Evergreen, Colorado, a student shot two students, then himself. The two wounded students were hospitalized, one in critical condition.
We are living in a moment where isolated incidents no longer feel isolated. The oneness of life means that when politicians or public figures are shot, or children die during a school Mass, all of us are touched, all of us suffer in some way. Such events shake our sense of community and our spiritual peace.
From the teachings of Science of Mind, we are being called to more than grief or outrage. We are being called to raise our thoughts, to hold an inner vision of peace, justice and compassion. We are being invited to act from the realization that we are all in this together and that no one is free until we are all free. We are called to speak truth with kindness, to support measures that promote safety and dignity; to heal the divisions that let violence in. We must continue the struggle for justice, equity, inclusion and belonging if we truly envision a world that works for all.
As Ernest Holmes said in a radio address on August 6, 1950, “But faith without works is dead. We should not only pray, we should act, each contributing the best they have to the common purpose, each willing to make any sacrifice necessary, not a sacrifice reluctantly made but as one who offers all that they have to give for two great purposes — one, in a certain sense, a selfish one, for we all desire self-preservation but the other in the greater sense that there can be no individual self-preservation without the preservation of all.”
Let us come together now, across differences of party, belief and religion, and pray for the United States and for all places in the world where political, cultural or religious strife is impacting lives. Pray for the children and for the wounded students, the families torn apart.
Pray for our politicians and leaders, that they may find courage, wisdom and compassion; that they may put down weapons of division and instead collaborate for the good of the United States.
I pray we be moved by love. I pray we remember our oneness in every act, every word. I pray peace increases and violence is diminished. I pray we are rising now to the moment, united, compassionate and whole.
No Justification for Violence:
A Call for Due Process, Compassion, and Human Dignity,
June 10, 2025
We, the Centers for Spiritual Living, are profoundly concerned by the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and the President’s subsequent deployment of National Guard troops. These actions were taken without the consent of California’s governor. These events have inflicted deep wounds on communities already living under fear and uncertainty.
At the heart of Science of Mind is the recognition that every individual is a divine expression, deserving of dignity, respect, and justice. Recent events highlight a fundamental injustice against humanity. During workplace raids and unchecked deportations, some occurring without warrants or legal representation, due process has been openly ignored. Many detainees, including long-time residents and parents, were held in crowded, inhumane conditions without basic necessities. Some were deported within 48 hours under misleading circumstances, lacking proper paperwork altogether
Dr. Ernest Holmes challenges us: “All the power of the universe is with you. Feel it, know it, and then act as though it were true.”
Let these words inspire moral courage and wise action. The raids and military style response do not express life, peace, or justice. Instead, they sow terror, erode trust, and trample on essential constitutional rights that safeguard every person’s humanity.
The use of military force against civilians exercising peaceful protest, and the absence of legal protections, are profoundly inconsistent with the Science of Mind and the spirit of our nation. We stand in solidarity with Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, and legal advocates who affirm that no person should be deprived of their rights or torn from their families without due process .
In the face of this crisis, we call upon spiritual seekers and all people of goodwill to turn thought and prayer into compassionate action. We can uphold due process by demanding legal representation, transparency, and accountability for all. We can protect the vulnerable by supporting immigrant families and those unjustly targeted. We can pursue justice through peace by engaging in nonviolent advocacy that honors dignity.
True peace is not the mere absence of conflict, it is the presence of justice, respect, and the recognition of our shared human dignity. In this moment, let us act from the full power of our spiritual insight.
As Holmes reminds us, we carry divine potential to uplift and heal. Let that power guide our minds, words, and deeds. Remember that the definition of sacred activism is, the intersection where consciousness becomes action, where prayer becomes movement and where spiritual principle becomes practice. Sacred activism is the activity of bringing our CSL Global Vision into reality.
The Principles of Science of Mind and Immigration:
A Spiritual Perspective, April 10, 2025
In an increasingly interconnected world, immigration is a topic that touches nearly every society. While discussions often center on policy, borders and economics, Science of Mind offers a unique spiritual lens through which to view immigration — one rooted in oneness, love and the limitless potential of every individual. By applying the core principles of Science of Mind, we can shift the conversation from division to unity, inclusion and spiritual freedom.
Oneness and Unity: Beyond Borders
At the heart of Science of Mind is the principle of Oneness — the understanding that we are each individual expressions of the One Divine Life. Though human-made borders define nations, Spirit knows no boundaries. Immigration, at its core, reflects the universal impulse for expansion, movement and greater self-expression. Just as nature flows without restriction, so, too, does the human spirit seek environments where it can best thrive. Recognizing this truth allows us to see immigrants not as “others” but as fellow divine beings journeying toward fuller expression.
Love and Inclusivity: A Higher Law
Science of Mind teaches that Love is the highest principle and the ultimate reality. When we view immigration through the lens of Love, we naturally adopt an attitude of welcoming acceptance and compassion. Rather than approaching the subject with fear or scarcity, we are called to embrace those who seek a new home, recognizing their inherent worth and dignity. Love dissolves the illusion of separation and calls us into action as spiritual stewards of kindness and justice.
Freedom and Creative Expression: Honoring the Soul’s Journey
A core tenet of Science of Mind is that every individual is a divine co-creator endowed with the
freedom to express their highest potential. Many immigrants leave their homelands due to
political oppression, economic hardship or personal danger — challenges that stifle their ability to fully express their divine nature. When we affirm the principle of freedom, we acknowledge that each person has a sacred right to seek a life where they can flourish. Supporting immigration with compassion aligns with this fundamental truth.
Plenty Not Scarcity: A Shift in Consciousness
Much of the resistance to immigration stems from a scarcity mindset — the belief that there is not enough space, jobs or resources to go around. However, Science of Mind teaches that we live in an abundant universe where prosperity is created through shared creativity and divine intelligence. When we embrace this truth, we move beyond fear and recognize that societies are enriched — economically, culturally and spiritually — by the presence of new voices, talents and perspectives.
Spiritual Responsibility and Right Action
With spiritual understanding comes the responsibility to live in alignment with our highest
values. Science of Mind calls us to take right action, not just in personal consciousness but in the real world. If immigration policies or societal attitudes create harm, we are invited to advocate for justice, equity and solutions that reflect our spiritual principles. Whether through prayer, activism, support for immigrant communities or simply shifting our own narratives, we
participate in shaping a world that mirrors divine wisdom and love.
Healing and the Power of Consciousness
Many immigrants carry deep emotional and physical wounds from their journeys from
displacement, systemic oppression or loss. Science of Mind affirms that healing is possible,
individually and collectively. Through affirmative prayer, intentional thought and conscious
action, we can help create environments where all people, regardless of origin, feel a deep sense of belonging and wholeness.
A Spiritual Call to Action
Science of Mind offers more than a philosophy. It is a call to live our spiritual truths in tangible
ways. Immigration should not be a political issue. It is a spiritual opportunity to embody oneness, love and abundance in action. By shifting our consciousness, supporting inclusive policies and extending compassion to those seeking a better life, we help co-create a world that truly reflects the Divine.
As practitioners of Science of Mind, we are invited to ask: How can I show up as love in this
conversation? How can I affirm there is enough for all? How can I embody oneness in a world
that seeks to divide? The answers to these questions will guide us toward a more inclusive,
spiritually aligned world — one where all are truly seen, valued and welcomed home.
On the U.S. Election, November 6, 2024
As we stand at the close of another election cycle, I know many of us may be feeling the weight of diverse emotions. In moments like these, it’s easy to want to bypass uncomfortable feelings, to quickly move on without acknowledging what’s real within us.
But we know that true spiritual growth calls us to be honest with ourselves. Whatever you are feeling, let yourself feel that. There is no need to push it away. Let these emotions be a part of your journey, for they are a part of our shared humanity.
As you hold these feelings, remember we’re not meant to bear them alone. I encourage you to connect with trusted friends, family members and spiritual companions who can offer support and solidarity. Sharing our hearts with each other is one of the greatest gifts we can give and receive. Together, we create space for healing, reflection and renewal.
In these times, it’s also essential to ground ourselves in the core values that define our community. We are Centers for Spiritual Living, a movement that believes in a world that works for all. This is more than a phrase; it’s a call to action. It’s an invitation to rise up and recommit ourselves to the work of building a compassionate, just and inclusive society. Let us remember that our principles and practices are not bound by election cycles. They are enduring lights guiding us toward the world we envision.
As we move forward, let’s carry these values with us. Let’s be the presence of peace, understanding and love that our communities and our country so deeply need. Every conversation, every connection and every act of kindness matters. Together, we will continue to make a difference. We will continue to show up, with open hearts and unwavering commitment, to help create a world that truly works for all.
Standing with you in love,
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
CSL Spiritual Leader