On August 19, 1999, The Circle of Atonement filed a legal complaint for declaratory relief against Ken Wapnick's Foundation for A Course in Miracles (FACIM) and the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP), the current and original copyright holders for A Course in Miracles, and also Penguin Books, the publisher of A Course in Miracles.
As many Course students know, we received a cease and desist letter in July from FACIM's lawyers, demanding that we stop distributing most of our materials. Our efforts to dialogue with Ken Wapnick publicly and to discuss the matter with him privately have failed. Ken has recently asked that we stop exchanging letters.
After a great deal of prayer and guidance-seeking, we decided to follow what we believe is the only available option that will allow our work to continue. We have filed a "declaratory relief" suit, which, technically speaking, asks for relief from a legal threat against us. In the language of the complaint, its purpose is "to establish the right of Circle of Atonement to fairly use A Course in Miracles and other related works in its publications." You can view this complaint at:
http://whitmorelaw.com/Copyright/COA.Complaint.html
It does not ask for damages from FACIM or compensation for legal costs. It simply appeals to a judge to resolve for us a matter which we are unable to resolve amongst ourselves.
In a situation as potentially divisive as this, we appeal to all Course students to watch for any anger and judgmental thoughts about this situation, and to practice what the Course has taught us: forgiveness. Please do not interpret our action as evidence that we have abandoned forgiveness. We have done a great deal of work in this area, and hope to show the fruits of it through the spirit in which we conduct this suit. We are resolved to conduct it in as loving and open a way as possible, remaining continually open to an amicable, non-judicial settlement. We pray that our action will lead only to healing for all concerned.