Pagan In Paradise
Occupy Faith leaders from the four corners of our nation are gathering in Berkeley California to discuss the Occupy movement, future actions and the impact faith leaders have on the movement.
Day one of this conference started with a brief blessing by a Rabbi, an invitation for all to participate in Haiku introductions and group sessions.
Opening blessings on this first day of the conference included both Hebrew and English translations in call and response. All seemed to enjoy the slightly irreverent way in which this was accomplished. There appeared to be at least 80 faith leaders present.
Next up were the introductions. Imagine 80 members of the clergy having the opportunity to introduce themselves. It could have taken hours, except for a very creative idea: each leader was limited to a 12-word Haiku introduction. What followed was applause, laughter, touching moments and a real bond between the participants. Hats’ off to the organizers for this idea, it was brilliant.
As a next step, affinity groups were formed and they tackled the first challenge of the day. Discussing what has worked and what has not as related to the efforts of the faith community. After some 55 minutes the group reconvened and presented their findings. The process was insightful, surprising and left all with a good idea of where we need to start.
The day ended for this participant with a planning meeting for an interfaith service at the Oakland Occupy site. It was incredibly refreshing in be involved in this process. During discussions the idea came up of the opening and closing of a circle. Suddenly, in this diverse interfaith group Pagan beliefs were front and center, with no effort put it out there to make it so. Being involved in such an open group of diverse faith leaders is such a Blessing.
Tonight will be the Interfaith Panel on Occupy; it should prove to be a great event.
More tomorrow
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