I’m thrilled to share a pivotal moment in the history of the Center for Process Studies (CPS), as we embark on a transformative new chapter. CPS and the Cobb Institute are merging! This merger marks the dawn of a new era, filled with potential, not only for our organizations but for the world as we confront some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
The Path to Merger
When CPS was founded by John Cobb and David Griffin in 1973, it was established as a faculty center at Claremont School of Theology (CST) in affiliation with Claremont Graduate University. We were grounded in academia, but over the past half century, we have grown far beyond our initial role, becoming a vibrant hub for scholars, educators, and activists worldwide.
In 2019, CPS was relocated to Oregon as part of CST’s attempt to integrate with Willamette University. Recognizing that the relocation of CPS would leave a process-sized hole in the local Claremont community, the Claremont Institute for Process Studies was formed, which was renamed the Cobb Institute (CI) in 2020. The Cobb Institute continued the legacy of providing process-relational programming to the greater Los Angeles area, and during the pandemic it expanded its reach globally through online education and community building. During that same period, CPS also became a largely online organization, with occasional in-person conferences held in partnership with host institutions. In 2023, CPS legally separated from CST and reestablished itself as an independent 501c3 nonprofit, with staff working remotely. With two Cobb-inspired, Claremont-born, process organizations conducting online programming for the global process community, the need for CI/CPS collaboration became urgent.
CPS and CI found themselves converging in mission and scope. Both organizations were dedicated to offering transformational education, fostering research that bridges process thought with various fields of inquiry, and serving the common good. With similar programming, audiences, and donor bases, it became clear that a unified approach would best serve the process community. This merger represents a collective solution to the overlapping missions and activities of CPS and the Cobb Institute, allowing the newly unified CPS to enhance its educational offerings and community-building initiatives.
Here’s What’s Changing
As CPS and the CI merge, here are some important changes to be aware of:
Legal and Financial Integration: CPS will serve as the sole legal and financial entity for the merged organization. This means that all donations intended to support the Cobb Institute should now be sent to CPS, as designated for Cobb Institute programs (i.e. education and community building). If you have the Cobb Institute in your will, please update your information to list the Center for Process Studies as the new beneficiary.
Contact Info: The mailing address and phone number of the Cobb Institute will now be the Center for Process Studies:
- Mailing Address: 5678 SE Harlene St., Portland, OR 97222
- Phone Number: +1 (503) 454-6619
What Stays the Same
While these institutional adjustments are important, the heart of our work remains unchanged. All existing program offerings of the Cobb Institute, such as John Cobb & Friends Gathering, online courses, learning circles, etc. will continue under CPS. CPS emerges in this new era, enriched by all that CI has become, committed to advancing social, spiritual, and environmental wellbeing through education, research, and community engagement. This merger enhances our ability to do so by consolidating resources and fostering synergy across our programs. We are confident that these changes will strengthen our organization, allowing us to better serve the process community and create lasting impact.
Seizing the Moment: Here’s How You Can Help CPS
We stand at a profound crossroads in human history. The failures of modern industrial civilization—widening inequality, environmental degradation, and the erosion of meaningful community—are becoming undeniable. Old paradigms that once shaped our economies, societies, and our relationship with nature are crumbling. A new paradigm is needed.
Across the globe, there is a groundswell of interest in alternative ways of understanding the world, what it means to be human, and how we should live. Scientific advancements in quantum physics, systems theory, and ecological sciences point to the very process-relational insights that the Center for Process Studies (CPS) has championed for decades. Growing dissatisfaction with stale religion has people searching for alternative ways of being spiritual, experiencing beauty, and making meaning consistent with process-relational models.
Meanwhile, increased interest in CPS from academic institutions, governments, and NGOs signals an unprecedented opportunity for new collaborations, strategic partnerships, and global impact. This has been most visible in recent years through the CPS China Project, where our programs have engaged an estimated 34 million people last year!
A Future Built Together
Our time has come, and with the CI/CPS merger, more will be possible than ever before. But if we’re going to make the most of these opportunities, we’ll need the support of friends and donors like you. Whether through financial gifts or sharing your skills as a volunteer, you can be a vital part of our future success. Here’s how:
3-Year Commitment: We’re asking for individuals to make a 3-year funding commitment to support this expansion period; ensuring the success of this new era for CPS. As a merging (and emerging) organization, we have a unique opportunity for rapid growth. However, such growth requires a stable foundation. A 3-year commitment from our supporters ensures we have the resources necessary to navigate this critical transition period, invest in new initiatives, and secure the long-term sustainability of our programs. Your pledge will provide the steady support needed to make this vision a reality, setting CPS on a path for success in this new era..
1-Time or Recurring Gift: We understand that a multi-year commitment may not be possible for everyone. One-time gifts and small monthly recurring donations are also greatly appreciated. Every contribution, no matter the size or frequency, helps us build a more sustainable future together.
Planned Giving: You may also consider a planned gift by including CPS in your will, trust, or as a beneficiary of your retirement or insurance plan, ensuring that your values and commitment to our mission continue to create positive change for generations to come. If you already have CPS in your will from when we were part of CST, please update your documents to include our new legal identity: Center for Process Studies, tax ID 88-3398956. For more information on planned giving, please contact Andrew Schwartz (andrew@ctr4process.org or 503-454-6619).
Volunteer Opportunities: For those who are unable to contribute financially, we invite you to share your time and skills as a volunteer. Whether it’s helping with events, facilitating courses, or contributing your expertise in other areas, your involvement plays a crucial role in advancing our mission. Together, we can create lasting change. You can sign-up to join our list of volunteers here.
We invite you to join us in realizing this vision. Together, we can reshape the future of process thought and contribute to a world where personal flourishing, just and compassionate communities, and a healthy planet are not just ideals but realities.
With deep gratitude and optimism for what lies ahead,
Wm. Andrew Schwartz, PhD
Executive Director
Center for Process Studies