European-American University™

What is the Society for Humanistic Potential?
The Society for Humanistic Potential (SHP) is a religious organization without borders and the parent organization of European-American University. SHP had its beginnings in the late 1990s and acquired its present form in 2007. In 2008, it was formally incorporated as a dependent religious society of the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church, an independent Catholic (not Roman Catholic) denomination established in 1950 in the United Kingdom. Further information about the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church is contained on its own website.

SHP defines all learning and degrees as both religious and spiritual in nature, within a context where "religious" is defined as "a cause, principle or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith" and "spiritual" is defined as "of religion, sacred, devotional, or ecclesiastical; not lay or temporal." In terms of its formal structure, SHP is an international corporation registered in the Commonwealth of Dominica, and operates on a strictly non-profit basis.

The key principle underlying SHP is that of the honoring of human diversity. SHP is a credal association in the terms of its creed as outlined below, but is in no way dogmatic, instead honoring the right of the individual to determine truth and belief as he or she sees fit. As a non-sectarian and non-denominational organization, SHP does not discriminate on any basis, including sex, age, national origin and theology. Students at European-American University are automatically admitted as Student Members of SHP when they matriculate; they retain this status until they graduate, when they cease to be members of SHP.

SHP is strongly influenced by the ideas and example of Carl G. Jung, Alfred North Whitehead, Carl R. Rogers, Maria Montessori, Melvin Maier Suhd, Raymond Chasse, the Association for the Integration of the Whole Person, Mustard Seed Ministries, the University Without Walls project and others who have established a framework for humanistic potential that rests on a firm philosophical and practical basis. Our creed is based on that used by both AIWP and MSM; however, SHP is worldwide in its scope and not restricted to the United States. Ideas from these sources establish the potential of human development as central to any appreciation of human life and place lifelong learning at the heart of the human experience when lived to the full.

>>Society for Humanistic Potential Official Blog

What is the Society for Humanistic Potential not?
The SHP is not an organization set up to avoid taxation, an association without purpose, a "rival" to other established groups, or a promoter of new age or old age teachings that seek to destroy or harm the moral fabric of civilization. It is also not an organization that promotes the ordination of unqualified individuals.

SHP is privately funded and does not seek or require monetary donations from its members or from the public.

The Creed of the Society for Humanistic Potential
Love of life and of all humanity is achieved by integrating physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional activities and thoughts. All of life is a spiritual experience, as realized in the temple of one's inner self. I am performing a religious and spiritual service when my thoughts and deeds demonstrate an affirmation of life.

My congregation involves myself, and others who seek my assistance, support, and counsel in striving towards self education, learning, and integration of mind, body, and spirit. To serve humanity for fee or gratuity as they seek spiritual guidance in the pursuit of this religious, spiritual experience is my commitment to humanity, and my right as a person, free from persecution, as guaranteed by all countries that recognize basic human rights.

Membership in the Society for Humanistic Potential may be denied or revoked if I personally interfere with or deny the rights of any other person in regards to freedom of speech, religious or spiritual thought, or any act of discrimination, such as those relating to sex, age, or nation of origin; or to participate in any criminal act or practice, such as practice medicine or other prohibited activity, without a properly issued license. My service, either for fee or gratuity, as a minister, counselor, or spiritual advisor is limited to areas for which I have been qualified.

Key quotations and resources - and some of SHP's history
>>SHP key quotations and resources

Student Membership of the Society for Humanistic Potential
When a learner applies successfully for a place on a program at EAU, they are indicating a broad acceptance of the religious context in which EAU operates. This does not mean that a credal commitment is required of them, nor that they must profess specific beliefs. 

However, by entering EAU, just as if they had walked into a synagogue or gurdwara, they have entered a spiritual place that is the realization of specifically religious values and ideas. As a result, all who become students at EAU also become Student Members of SHP for the duration of their studies. This membership costs nothing and imposes no conventional dues or demands. What it offers, by contrast, is an opportunity to contextualize studies within the specifically religious ethos in which they are offered. This opportunity offers the chance for spiritual growth; it also offers the chance to be part of a humane and wide-ranging organization that seeks to be of service to the world citizen.

At the conclusion of studies, Student Membership of SHP lapses automatically.

Pathways to ordination
At times, a student at EAU will feel called to pursue ministry according to the ethics and values established by SHP during the time of their studies. There is no barrier to students pursuing lay ministry during their time as members of the SHP and this is encouraged in keeping with the SHP creed as stated above.

However, some students will feel called to pursue formal ordination on the conclusion of their studies. Such students may then elect to present themselves as candidates for the ordained ministry in the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church. They may be required to complete additional educational prerequisites and to undergo other tests of formation. They must be self-funding, since the LCAC does not exercise a stipendiary ministry. They must also be prepared to travel or to fund the costs of travel for LCAC clergy, since all ordinations in the LCAC take place face-to-face through the laying-on of hands. Above all, they must outline a clear plan and purpose for their ministry such as to establish that they will be able to sustain the demands of independent sacramental practice.

The Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church is a denomination in the historic Apostolic Succession and all ordinations take place in that succession. Further details are at the LCAC website.

Mailing address
The Society for Humanistic Potential, Ltd.,
Copthall,
P.O. Box 2331,
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica 00152