Charles Loos

I’m about as far from being a cradle Episcopalian as one can get. Raised an atheist, I had a conversion experience at age 23 and became a zealous fundamentalist. After noticing how judgmental I’d become toward dear non-Christian friends, I recoiled from Christianity and entered a decade of agnosticism in my 30s. Then, in my late 30s, Marcus Borg’s books and the Red Doors led me back to Christianity. I’ve been a progressive Christian ever since.

I treasure my checkered spiritual history for the insight and empathy it gave me for people in various phases of their faith journey. I can meet many seekers where they are, because I’ve been there too.

For the last quarter-century, Cornerstone has been my spiritual home. Benedictine practice and weekly gatherings with my Cornerstone group frame my life. I walk with my group members, uplifted by the triune vows of stability, obedience and conversion of life. Together we name our faults, strive for better, celebrate each other’s growth and endlessly study the psalms and the teachings of Jesus. We delight in being perpetual beginners under an Abbot, and The Rule of Benedict.

I’m a Registered Professional Engineer, wrapping up a career in the electric power industry with a focus on project development, environmental permitting, conceptual design and field operations (columbiapowerconsulting.com). I grew up in a Southern California beach town and was in the water five days a week for over a decade. A waterman at heart, I row often and far in the ocean and big rivers. In the world of Oregon ocean boating and safety, I’m well known as a speaker and trainer, offering private coaching and digital courses on bar crossings, weather forecasting and navigation (theoceancoach.com).

Lauren and I have twice led Journeys, which is a three-year intensive study of the Bible. I was deeply involved in the Taizé and Healing Ministries at Trinity 15 years ago. I’ve completed Men’s Rite of Passage under Richard Rohr. In keeping with my Benedictine roots, I regularly attend Cynthia Borgeault’s Wisdom Schools. For the last year, I served as the Chaplain for the Dean Search Committee.