What is Initiatives of Change?
How did it start?
Is Initiatives of Change a religious organization?
What are the main ideas?
What is a 'quiet time'?
Why does Initiatives of Change advocate absolute moral values?
Where does Initiatives of Change get its funding?
How many people work for Initiatives of Change?
How do I get involved with Initiatives of Change?
How can I get in touch?

1. What is Initiatives of Change?

Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a global network of people who are committed to transforming society by starting the process of change within themselves. People who

• take the first step in mending a broken relationship or
• pay back money or goods they have obtained by dishonest means
• give up destructive habits

not only find that their spirits are lighter, they begin to find a new sense of purpose for their lives. Experimenting with ‘listening’ to the deepest truths within their hearts – which many call the voice of God – is a new source of effectiveness and direction. Starting a new way of life is both exciting and challenging. Working in teamwork with others with a similar commitment helps provide mutual support and encouragement – and leads to effective action.

Our vision is of a transformed UK and world that has

• the courage to admit what is wrong and do what is right
• the will to establish moral and spiritual values
• respect for individuals and the environment
• trust-worthy and competent leadership which brings purpose, harmony and hope.

2. How did it start?

Initiatives of Change was initiated by an American Lutheran pastor, Frank Buchman, (see www.frankbuchman.info for a searchable biography) almost a century ago. In a church in the English Lake District, he had an overwhelming experience of finding freedom from resentment towards people who he felt had wronged him. He wrote a letter to each of them, apologising for ‘nursing ill will’ against them. For Buchman, it was an experience of the transforming power of the Cross of Christ. This was a dramatic turning point in his life. As his own life changed, he was able to help others find personal transformation in their lives, often with beneficial results to others. His insight that deep personal transformation is the key to social change inspired students in America and Europe in the 1920s and 30s – a period of global depression and the rise of communist and fascist dictatorships. His work spread to many sectors of society and became a world-wide movement of moral and spiritual renewal. Read a fuller history >> 

Buchman, was a devout Christian but his work included people of other faiths and none. Buchman's approach, of appreciating people of diverse cultures and beliefs, was far ahead of its time. Today, with so many inter-community tensions around the planet, IofC reaffirms its commitment to building relationships of trust across the world's social, ethnic and religious divides. All are enabled to work together for a lasting change in society.

3. Is Initiatives of Change a religious organization?

IofC is faith-based in its work and lifestyle, and is open to all. Frank Buchman’s aim from the beginning was to help each person find their calling in life. He invited everyone to face the wrong in their lives in the light of absolute moral standards, to ask for forgiveness, to make appropriate restitution, and to surrender their self-will to God or the highest they knew. For many, the result of this spiritual cleansing has been to trigger a life-long sense of being guided by a Higher Power. Daily morning quiet times refresh this experience and give direction. From this comes the renewal of relationships, new energy, and clarity about purpose in life. This approach has become an effective basis for people of different cultures, religious beliefs or none, to work together to respond to urgent world needs. IofC is a challenge to everyone to live this out and to express their experiences sensitively as an enrichment to others.

IofC is not affiliated to a particular church or faith community. Rather, it encourages people of faith to explore the roots of their own faith tradition and to discover and respect the beliefs of others. For those who have no faith, IofC challenges them to live in a way that is relevant to answering society's needs by beginning a process of change within themselves. All are encouraged to take time each day for silent reflection in their lives.

4. What are the main ideas?

Initiatives of Change emphasizes that there is a profound connection between the personal and the global: when people and relationships change, situations change. Frank Buchman believed foremost in helping people unlock their potential and find a sense of calling for their lives. With this in mind, IofC emphasizes:

• Inner reflection – listening to, and tapping, the deep inner wisdom which many call the Spirit of God, while others may refer to the voice of conscience;
• Commitment to the highest moral and spiritual values – a 'reality check' revealing the truth about ourselves and inspiring a humble search for deeper integrity, and a greater unselfish purpose;
• Forgiveness – letting go of hate, resentment, indulgent habits, and judgement of people (including ourselves) – a process that can un-cloud our judgement and see the potential in ourselves and others;
• To find a vision of a world transformed – daring to imagine a world where the needs of the whole human family are met, and to discover our unique part in bringing about this vision.

Whenever anyone, prompted by compassion and conscience, faces reality about themselves and takes honest steps towards change, that action affects the lives of others. It inspires a growth in the human spirit that in turn kindles initiatives of change in families, communities and beyond. This integrity could be the engine which drives social transformation in the 21st Century - a growing wave of people who become agents of change and reconciliation.

5. What is a 'quiet time'?

A quiet time is a period set aside, ideally each day, to listen to the deepest voice in your heart, which for many is the Spirit of God – to consider what changes may be needed in your own life and to seek for fresh inspiration. Some have experienced it as ‘two-way prayer’. It is often helpful to write down any thoughts that come and, when appropriate, to share them with others whom you trust. For a fuller explanation a booklet called The Sound of Silence is available to read online or to download.

6. Why does Initiatives of Change advocate absolute moral values?

Buchman had a gift for expressing spiritual truth in non-religious language. His experience of meeting and speaking with people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds showed him that in community after community, culture after culture, the principles of honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love were universal values to strive for. Given the human capacity for self-deception, Buchman recognised the need to consider these values as 'absolute'. There is a big difference between the questions, ‘Am I honest?’ and ‘Am I absolutely honest?’ These principles form the bed-rock of the changes in individuals upon which the various initiatives of change are built.

7. Where does Initiatives of Change get its funding?

IofC is financed largely by contributions from individuals who believe that this spirit and practice are needed. As a faith-based organisation, we have always aimed to do what we felt called to do in the belief that the Almighty would supply what is needed. In recent years, we have begun to raise more income through letting out rooms in our headquarters building. As a charity, IofC’s audited accounts are submitted to the Charity Commission.

The vast majority of those involved in Initiatives of Change act out of conviction without any central funding. However, there is a small staff of paid employees.

If you would like to contribute financially click here.

8. How many people work for Initiatives of Change?

There are almost 100 members of the Association of The Oxford Group in the UK but there are many more volunteers who aim to live out the ideas of IofC in their work and in their daily lives. Less than 20 people (full-time equivalent) are paid employees.

9. How do I get involved with Initiatives of Change?

Anyone who wants to experiment with the ideas put forward by IofC can become involved. If you are interested in learning more, Email us for information on the Initiatives of Change centre nearest you and also visit our Contact page. If you would like to give money, or your time and skills, please click here.

10. How can I get in touch?

Click here