In February the Institute challenged an exclusively neo-pagan religion presentation at the University of Utah Graduate School of Social Work 1999 Winter Institute. The continuing education presentation by United Methodist minister, Rev. Howard Clinebell, occurred on January 30, 1999. Rev. Clinebell, the only speaker, lectured and handed out materials to be used by social workers to "awaken people to ecological spirituality--the Divine Spirit in all nature." See Summary Report.

The Institute advised the university's legal counsel of its concerns. Thereafter, on March 4, 1999, the Graduate School of Social Work held a workshop entitled "Diversity Conference, Spiritual Diversity: Incorporating Spiritual Awareness in Health and Human Services Practice." This time there was diversity with one panel discussion involving a Baptist minister, a Hindu, a Ute Indian, a Jewish Rabbi, a Catholic Priest and a Mormon Bishop. However, the remainder of the seven-hour conference was devoted overwhelmingly to New Age/Neo-Pagan spirituality. Of the 14 workshops, none dealt specifically with spirituality issues in counseling Mormons, Protestants, Catholics, Jews or Moslems. Eleven of the workshops involved: American Indian Spirituality, "Body-Mind-Spirit" therapeutic message, effective prayers through "Religious Science," "Alchemy of Touch," shamanistic spiritual healing modalities, breathing techniques to bring personal and planetary health, eco-psychology for health and wellness, yoga, breath and chakra toning, and Zen Meditation. The only non-New Age workshops were devoted to couples counseling, substance abuse counseling, and conflicts between community standards and polygamy. Participants not only learned about New Age spiritualities and modalities but were taught and, actively participated in, the rites. "Please wear loose, comfortable clothing," advised the workshop brochure.

In the meantime the Institute learned that one of the first two charter schools approved by the Utah State Office of Education would be the elementary level Sundance Mountain School at Sundance, Utah. The school's mission statement is, "To create a school for the 21st Century that fosters knowledge of and responsibility for the environment through art, science, math and physical education ..." Given that Robert Redford, owner of Sundance Resort, has proclaimed wilderness to be sacred (See That Which May Not Be Spoken), and given that Rev. Clinebell's presentation had emphasized the urgent need for facilitating spiritual eco-bonding between children and Nature, the Institute was concerned whether state funds were being applied to establish a charter school dedicated to eco-spirituality.

The Institute queried the State Office of Education whether procedures had been established to assure that eco-religion would not be blended into the school's curricula. In its response the Office of Education assured the Institute that "simply because (Rev. Clinebell) wishes to tie the word "ecology" to religious feelings does not mean that others must follow his lead. Be assured that the Utah State Board of Education and the Utah State Office of Education support current U.S. and Utah Supreme Court positions regarding the separation of religion and government as a protection of human liberties." This assurance would have been more comforting had it been accompanied by a commitment to implement specific procedures to protect against eco-spirituality being blended into the curricula.