A few years ago I wrote about why I had left CPSP, primarily due to what I viewed as significant dysfunction in its leadership structure. I had hoped for years that the structure would change and become a more healthy version of itself. Unfortunately that never happened during my tenure as a member and leader. However significant changes at CPSP have been made that allow me to, at the very least, encourage people to consider CPSP again as an organization. As of 2025, Raymond Lawrence is no longer in a leadership or advisory role within CPSP. The position of General Secretary itself has been removed from its organizational structure, at least as far as I can tell on its web site. The new President, Rev Dr Rachel Greiner, has been involved in CPSP since roughly 2016.

I don’t know exactly how the transition happened, as those proceedings would have been kept at a members-only level, and I didn’t wish to pry too heavily into the situation with those colleagues I have who are still in CPSP. Suffice it to say that whatever roadblocks that were in place prior to this leadership change were overcome.

Since then the healing within the organization is already apparent. In a video on CPSP’s web site, it was reported that they now have an agreement with the Association of Professional Chaplains and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains regarding the recognition of CPE units within those organizations. The CPSP web site as well has been revamped to make access to groups and leaders easier, and newsletters are readily available online.

The change also has been very respectful, acknowledging Lawrence’s foundational role in the organization as well as the difficult but necessary need for leadership change. Thankfully many key people remain in leadership roles from prior years, so there is no lack of experience to fall back on.

While these changes made me consider moving back to CPSP, I don’t think I will. This not due to the organization though, but rather my own personal trajectory and career path. Starting in 2027 I plan on working towards becoming a CPE supervisor through CPEI. I strongly considered doing this through CPSP because of my prior connections, however there simply wasn’t space available for me to pursue this locally through CPSP.

I’m very glad to see these changes in place, and very glad to see the commitment both the leaders and members of CPSP have towards the organization, and especially towards each other.