TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I am an Episcopal priest with 33 years in the ministry. I have served in parishes and on diocesan staffs in Texas, Kentucky, California, Rhode Island and New York. I have also been a management consultant for over 20 years in both multinational corporations and small businesses. I work in both careers out of my central commitment to God as a priest.

I have been asked to write about the value of Landmark programs for myself and for others whom I know. I am happy to do so, for the programs have made a huge difference in my effectiveness as a person and in my professional life. I find for myself that the programs have enabled me to be centered and secure in my commitments in a way never before available to me. And the programs have given me ways of dealing with issues and people, which have made me much more effective in doing God’s work. I think of Landmark programs as being a sort of "mechanics school" for dealing with life and work.

I am aware that some people think of Landmark programs as cults, or that they promote a new religion, or even that they are anti-religious. From my own experience I find these claims surprising. There has never been one word of disparagement of the Church, or religion in general, spoken in my hearing. Indeed, I know a number of persons who have returned to religious practice as a result of their experience with Landmark. I have had occasion in the course of my work to speak with a large number of priests, ministers and rabbis who have taken Landmark programs, and without exception they have said that their experience was good and helpful in their ministries. I can only suppose that people who disapprove of the education that Landmark provides have never tried it out and are speaking speculatively.

When anyone asks if I recommend Landmark, I say yes. Those people who have attended upon my recommendation have always expressed their appreciation for the programs and thanked me for recommending them. And I am happy, with this letter, to commend the programs to the reader.

Yours faithfully,

The Reverend Robert L. Shearer, Priest-in-Charge
22 Coulter Avenue • Pawling, NY 12564
Office 914-855-5276 • Home and Fax 914-855-1912