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Inclusivity: Awakening to the Global Embrace of Beloved Community in Joy and Grief

Inclusivity sunset Forward by The Rt. Rev. Phyllis A. Spiegel

By Laura Orcutt & The Rev. Catherine Amy Kropp

In this emerging world of global connection, I was once again struck by the use of technology to offer profound spiritual encounters that would not be possible in-person. On a winter’s night in January, people made space and time in their lives to connect with great intentionality. Our purpose was modest, the most basic of spiritual encounters, and yet often the most difficult to realize: that what separates us in the form of time and space is far less powerful than what connects us, which is Spirit and a longing of the divine for oneness.

Such evenings, with no agendas, but only space, intentionally designed for wonder and spiritual ponderings, are in and of themselves agents of connectivity—yes, connection to the speaker and to the other participants, but also in a profound way to a deeper part of one’s self. These evenings are about making space in one’s life to notice the light, the dark, the shadows, the connections, the disconnects, the joys and the griefs. To set such time within the construct of our overly scheduled lives is a true respite to the soul.

I want to express my gratitude to the Rev. Catherine Amy and Laura Orcutt for inviting us into such a bountiful, generative evening of the soul. The invitation lingers long past this particular gathering, beyond the list of participants; the invitation is always open to us: Gather, connect, enter into the space between, and open the space within.

The Rt. Rev. Phyllis A. Spiegel

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah

How do we embrace “the other” in inclusivity and in community and do it globally? Newly elected Bishop Phyllis Spiegel, Bishop of the Diocese of Utah, opened this embrace and space during a unique online gathering on Zoom, from the opening land acknowledgment to the closing light liturgy, on Friday, January 27, 2023, engaging that heart space in conversation. Inviting those gathered into wonderment, she asked: What is it like to intentionally grow our faith by stretching beyond what we know? Does our faith diminish if we are not actively expanding it? The spiritual guide through such searching questions was The Rev. Catherine Amy Kropp of the Diocese of Alaska, currently volunteering in north Lebanon with Relief & Reconciliation International in support of their inter-faith, educational, community-building mission among Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities. Joining Bishop Spiegel and 44 people across the Earth, from Alaska to Lebanon, The Rev. Catherine Amy explored a continuum of space and time, light and holy night, as part of a gender-inclusive and powerful spiritual awakening of beloved community.

The remote, mountainous area of Lebanon along the border with Syria presents a geography of encounter, civilization, faithful witness and historical legacy, connecting to an ancient weave of the human family. The Rev. Catherine Amy described the mission of the small organization, Relief and Reconciliation, to engage with communities across difference, building foundations and bridges, for the future of the youth. Life offers numerous challenges with refugee and host communities alike facing incredible hardships and increasing uncertainty. The value of the currency has been plummeting within a long-standing economic crisis. The public school system has been closed for months due to a lack of funding. The ones who fled Syria live mostly in tents or garages, even after years. There is minimal or no heating or electricity. Garbage piles up on the agricultural terrain as there is no pick-up, while some families burn the trash to keep warm. The internet, if available, is unstable. Yet, the online gathering was blessed with a continuous connection, even though the many planning meetings were almost always interrupted.

Within this realm of beauty and degradation, hope and desolation, The Rev. Catherine Amy guided those gathered into a liminal space, drawing from the spiritual imagination of the land, overcoming the spatial and temporal boundaries such as distance and time zone, to encounter the expansive inner landscape in which the feminine of God offered a pathway to open up to one another. The thread of feminine divine within the Holy Scriptures, she noted, offers a tangible realm extending the capacity of divine love in community (Wisdom 7:21-30; Proverbs 8:22-31; Job 28:20-21; 1 Cor 1:24). Yet, this pre-existent, creative energy is often unseen and unused in our lives today.

As most of those gathered were entering the night, the land of Lebanon was visibly entering into the daylight. The simultaneous setting and rising of the sun across the surface of the planet revealed how fluid the boundaries are between us and how inter-connected we were. The sense of proclamation that there was urgent work to do in the phenomenon of the risen life and light of Christ became palpable. Something was happening in and through us. Each one of us was beloved, precious and necessary. This was a moment of sending.

To celebrate and affirm this power of connectedness, in the season of Epiphany, those present were invited to gather in small groups to share a sense of individual and collective awakening to the feminine divine in their lives. Within this lens of the feminine, The Rev. Catherine Amy expanded the heart space into the global embrace of beloved community, bearing witness to a rising human consciousness of the feminine divine, and discovering together that when we transform and open our hearts, we become generative in divine love and beloved community within and beyond our own geographies.

At the closure, Bishop Phyllis led an integrated closing liturgy, with many voices and languages proclaiming God’s love, light and wisdom into the world, into the night, and into the light. As The Rev. Catherine Amy stepped outside to share the light of the new day illuminating the ancient landscape, the others were able to witness the dawning light from afar. The Rev. Catherine Amy was being carried into the light while the collective human heart was illuminating the shadows in the holiness of the night.

Just a few days after this gathering of awakening, on February 6, 2023, a catastrophic and record-setting natural disaster occurred with the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquakes, not far away from The Rev. Catherine Amy, impacting the communities and land around her. The heart space that was affirmed globally in celebration of beloved community only days before had become, in an instant, the heart space to hold thousands of people in grief, with loved ones dead or missing and homes and communities reduced to rubble.

As The Rev. Catherine Amy continues her work there in a most profound way, reaching out to the children, youth and families all around her to heal, comfort and restore functionality to their lives, please hold these devastated communities in prayer. Within a collective heart space, here is the prayer that she composed in the tender morning just hours after the first earthquake, on February 6, 2023:

As the light dawns on this fragile Earth, our hearts open into a great and painful silence. We are taking in the magnitude of human and earthly destruction in the wake of the powerful earthquakes to the north in Syria and Turkey.

The tremors that shook our homes, our communities, and our bodies continue to reverberate in our hearts with feeling, compassion, and a palpable sense of fear. Across boundaries, across difference, across the devastation of this life, we reach out with a deep and universal longing.

Below us the earth is shifting.

Within us the world is changing.

Around us we are called into this moment.

Let us be still.

Let us be still with the knowledge that the deep layers of the Earth and the deep layers of our hearts may find a common resting place.

Within the rubble of our hearts and the devastation of our world, may we come to know safety as well as peace, comfort as well as community, refuge as well as strength.

For the children and all the people trapped in the rubble, may they be rescued.

For those in need of medical care, may they be brought to safety and cared for.

For the brave ones responding to the broken spaces and entering the debris, may they be protected.

For all who are afraid, may they be comforted.

For those who mourn, may they be lifted up.

As we bear witness to the world that is crushing our hearts, may we become more awake, more resilient, more kind, and more courageous.

May we be held within a mysterious trust that we are beloved, wonderfully made, and drawn into greater being.

In the prayer attributed to St Francis, Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

Amen.

The Rev. Catherine Amy Kropp

Priest, Episcopal Diocese of Alaska, U.S.A.

International Volunteer, Relief & Reconciliation Lebanon

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T18:54:33+00:00August 1st, 2023|

Veteranos de Guerra tras las rejas

Vietnam Veterans ECW Escrito por Marie Wunderlich

Cualquier día en América, atestiguas el hecho de como los veteranos de guerra son agradecidos por sus servicios. En las noticias nocturnas, caravanas y eventos en ciudades pequeñas, ves cabinas alusivas a los veteranos establecidas en varias asociaciones, corporaciones, y sociedades patrióticas. Pero quizás lo que nunca has considerado es lo siguiente: ¿Como le agradeces a un veterano de guerra encarcelado?

El Grupo de Echebucsassa, conocido por las siglas DAR, como una conmemoración a los veteranos de guerra de Vietnam, fue contactado en enero de 2023 y se le pidió que organizara un evento conmemorativo para Veteranos de guerra de Vietnam de Zephyrhills, grupo #195 para veteranos encarcelados. El tomar en cuenta este pedimento y los individuos que participarían fue importante. La percepción de que estos veteranos de guerra encarcelados recibirían a este grupo proveniente de las afueras para conmemorar la guerra de Vietnam y su participación en ella pudo haber sido un asunto delicado. Algunos veteranos de guerra todavía se sienten molestos sobre cómo fueron tratados cuando regresaron a casa de la guerra, y sobre cosas que vieron que nunca podrán borrar de su memoria. Los voluntarios para este comité necesitaron ser habilidosos en su inclusión y diversidad, al igual de ser sensibles y genuinos de corazón. Estos hombres serían capaces de determinar el nivel de sinceridad y compromiso para proveerles una “bienvenida a casa” genuina momentos después de arribo.

Hubo muchos requerimientos únicos y regulaciones que necesitaban de ser completadas por cada miembro de nuestro comité antes de que se les permitiera sostener cualquier evento en el departamento de correccionales. Considerando cada uno de estos problemas, y el nivel de compromiso requerido, Karen Patterson, que actualmente funge como presidenta nacional de ECW (Grupos de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal), fue impelida para servir como capellán para liderar las oraciones. El Capitulo estuvo consciente de que Karen se había entrenado en diversidad, y otros cursos ofrecidos por la Iglesia Episcopal, y supimos que ella ofrecería su sinceridad y calidez natural que requeriría este evento. El segundo miembro fue Margaret Ann Swinford. Su esposo combatió en Vietnam y por ello ella tenía una perspectiva única. Terri hensley fuel el tercer miembro, quien nació en una base naval, criado en un hogar militar, por un padre que sirvió por 25 años y cuyos hermanos también sirvieron en Vietnam en diferentes momentos. Todos sintieron que, indistintamente del por qué estos veteranos de guerra hayan sido encarcelados, ellos eran todavía, de hecho, veteranos de guerra que le habían servido a su país en un momento en el que su país más los necesitaba.

A los participantes se les pidió el ser revisado por el Departamento de Correccionales de la Florida, formularios tuvieron que ser rellenados los cuales documentaban la información del individuo, las reglas para las visitas y los requerimientos necesitados de ser revisados por cada miembro para cerciorarse que se sometan a la ley con el Departamento de Correccionales. Hubo reuniones en las que se planeó, mensajes de textos enviados y llamadas hechas en lo concerniente a la presentación. Preguntas requerían tener respuestas y ser comunicadas en lo atinente a los atuendos que podían usarse, lo que podía entrar y salir del recinto, la cantidad de dinero que se puede traer, procedimientos de búsquedas, requisas…Incluso el uso del baño tiene reglas que deben seguirse. Reuniones fueron sostenidas con el representante del Grupo del VVA acerca de la agenda especifica y quien participaría. Fue durante estas reuniones que aprendimos que los botones conmemorativos de los Veteranos de Guerra de Vietnam no serían permitidos. Basado en esta información, nosotros rápidamente ideamos una solución que fue la de diseñar un afiche que contenía en el frente y el reverso del botón, todos los nombres de los 26 veteranos de guerra. El afiche se colgaría de manera permanente en el recinto de reuniones de los correccionales donde se reunían los veteranos.

El día del evento finalmente llego, y nuestras emociones estaban a flor de piel. Habíamos planeado o practicado, y ahora estábamos listos para ejecutar. El programa fue extremadamente exitoso, bien recibido y apreciado. Cada veterano en asistencia y otros visitantes estaban entusiasmados y agradecidos por el programa y contenido suministrados. Se dieron refrigerios después del programa y pudimos así hablar de forma privada con cada uno de los asistentes.

Concluida la conmemoración de los Veteranos de Vietnam, cada uno de nosotros expreso sus propios sentimientos de gratitud por el ser permitidos de presentar la bandera de los veteranos de Vietnam y el afiche para ellos. Nuestros corazones estaban sobrecargados de emoción tras escuchar los comentarios positivos de estos hombres. Un veterano recalco: “Esta es la primera vez en 47 años que me he sentido bienvenido en casa, respetado y agradecido por mi servicio al país.” Muchos veteranos tenían lágrimas en sus ojos y sus emociones fueron de gratitud, y yo creo que el honor de cada uno de ellos fue reestablecido.

No sabemos lo que depara el futuro para estos hombres, pero aspiramos a que el respeto, honor y la apreciación comunicada a ellos durante nuestro evento haya sanado sus almas, aunque sea un poco.

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T18:43:53+00:00August 1st, 2023|

Veterans Behind Bars

Vietnam Veterans ECW By Marie Wunderlich

On any given day in America, you witness veterans being thanked for their service. On the evening news, during parades and small town events, you see booths set up by various associations, corporations and patriotic societies. What you may not think about, or consider, is: How do you say thank you to an incarcerated veteran?

The Echebucsassa Chapter, DAR, as a Vietnam War Commemoration partner, was contacted in January 2023 and asked to conduct a commemorative event by the Zephyrhills Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter #195 for incarcerated veterans. Considering this request and the individuals who might participate was important. The perception of the incarcerated veterans to receiving an outside group to commemorate the Vietnam War and their participation in it could be a very delicate matter. Some veterans are still very angry about how they were treated when they returned home, and things they had seen that could never be unseen. The volunteers for this committee needed to be skilled in inclusion and diversity, as well as sensitive and genuine of heart. These men would be able to determine their level of sincerity and commitment to provide them with a genuine “Welcome Home” within moments of their arrival.

There were many unique requirements and regulations that needed to be completed by each member of our committee prior to being allowed to proceed with holding an event at a Department of Corrections facility. Considering each of these issues, and the level of commitment required, Karen Patterson, who currently serves as the National ECW president, was asked by the DAR chapter to serve as chaplain to lead the prayers. The chapter was aware that Karen had taken training in diversity, and other courses offered by the Episcopal Church, and we knew that she would offer the sincerity and genuine warmth that would be needed at this event. The second member was Margaret Ann Swinford. Her husband served in Vietnam and she had unique insight and awareness into their welcome at that time. Terri Hensley was the third member and has an active duty son. The fourth member, Marie Wunderlich, was a “Navy brat” born on a base, raised in military housing, with a father who served for 25 years and brothers who served in Vietnam at different times. All felt that regardless of why these veterans were incarcerated, they were, in fact, still veterans who had served their country at a time when their country needed them most.

Participants were required to be vetted by the Florida Department of Corrections, forms were required to be filled out documenting individual information, and visitation rules and requirements needed to be reviewed by each member to ensure compliance with the Department of Corrections. There were many planning meetings, texts and phone calls concerning the presentation. Questions needed to be answered and communicated on what could be worn, what could be carried in/out, how much money could be brought in, search procedures, pat-downs… Even using the restroom has rules that must be followed. Meetings were held with the VVA Chapter representative regarding the specific agenda and who would be participating. It was during these meetings that we learned that the actual Vietnam Veterans Pin would not be allowed. Based on that information, we quickly created a solution by designing a poster containing the front and back of the pin, with all 26 veterans’ names displayed. The poster will hang permanently in the Correction Facility’s VVA meeting room.

Event day finally arrived, and our emotions were running full speed ahead. We had planned and practiced, and were now ready to implement. The program was extremely successful, well received and very much appreciated. Each veteran in attendance and other visitors were enthusiastic and grateful for the program and content provided. Refreshments were served post-program and we were able to speak one on one to many of the attendees.

At the conclusion of the Vietnam Commemoration, each of us expressed our own feelings of genuine gratitude for being allowed to present the Vietnam Veterans Flag and poster to the veterans. Our hearts were overflowing at the warm reception and positive comments made by the men. One veteran stated: “This is the first time in 47 years that I have felt welcomed home, respected and thanked for my service to my country.” Many veterans had tears in their eyes and their emotions were of gratitude, and I believe some of their honor had been restored.

We do not know what the future holds for these men, but hopefully the respect, honor and appreciation we communicated to them during our event may have healed a damaged soul just a little.

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T18:42:25+00:00August 1st, 2023|

Medio Siglo de Trabajo

Escrito por Ann Smith

Cumpliendo 80, (conocida Jean Shinoda como una octogenaria), me da el humilde privilegio de mirar en retrospectiva a una vida como líder spiritual, secular y en la fe cuyo propósito ha sido el servir a nombre del empoderamiento y sanación de las mujeres. Mi gran pasión y recompensa es ver como las mujeres toman posiciones de liderazgo.

Gracias a Dios, atesoro muchas memorias, conexiones, colegas/amistades, habilidades de liderazgo, recursos y sabiduría colectiva que viene con la responsabilidad de dar de vuelta a la sociedad. Habiendo asistido a 55 conferencias junto a Episcopales, anglicanos, ecuménicos, Gente que profesa la Fe Interreligiosa, hombres y mujeres seculares, sé que existe una red de mujeres globales vistas y no vistas. Tras unírseme al Parlamento de Religiones Mundiales, desde el 14 al 18 de agosto, en la ciudad de Chicago, se convertirán en parte integral de este poderoso movimiento de mujeres para defender la libertad y los derechos humanos y cocrear una paz sostenible y justicia para toda la creación.

Las mujeres Episcopales/anglicanas han sido lideres en esta red global de mujeres al participar en la Tercera y Cuarta Conferencia Mundial de Las Naciones Unidas y Foros sobre Mujeres y la Comisión de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Estatus de Mujeres cada ano desde 1984.

El Movimiento Global de Mujeres continua su crecimiento y fortaleza, abarcando el liderazgo de Mujeres Y adolescentes y sus participaciones en todo estrato de la sociedad y jerarquía eclesial. Asistir al Parlamento es una oportunidad excelente de conocer, crear contactos y crecer, compartir historias, recursos y programas. Estoy honrada y privilegiada de cocrear con la provincia 8 del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal (siglas en ingles ECW) el programa “Liderando con el Circulo del Corazón”.

“La Carpa de Circulo Verde” (Green Tent Circle), mi más reciente empresa global, conducirá junto a “El Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal” (ECW) dos conferencias interactivas: Comunicaciones No-violentas, y la Comunidad organizacional de Tecnología de Espacio Abierto. Karen Patterson, la presidenta nacional del Grupo de Mujeres de la Iglesia Episcopal (ECW), será una de las panelistas. La Obispo Paula de Chicago será una de las ponentes.

Le daremos a los Acompañantes de La Cruz Santa la notoriedad necesaria al decirles como somos comunidad de mujeres comprometidas a la oración y acción y tenemos más de 750 compañeros que se reúnen regularmente en 32 Grupos a lo largo y ancho de los Estados Unidos y la India. Le diremos a nuestra casa espiritual Adelynroon, una conferencia histórica y un centro de retiros en Boston, donde sostendremos conferencias significativas, días de parsimonia y retiros espirituales y todos están bienvenidos. Tendremos panfletos disponibles, y al participar activamente con mujeres de otras creencias religiosas, vamos a cocrear redes de colaboración y asociaciones.

Por más de 50 años he tomado una fuerte posición sobre los derechos de las mujeres, he ayudado en la creación de refugios para mujeres, ensenado programa de capacitación laboral y me he asegurado de que las marginadas tomaron parte de nuestro circulo de sanación, empoderamiento y protección. Juntos hemos creado conciencia sobre el racismo, discriminación del tipo sexista, heterosexismo, cambio climático, pobreza, crisis de los sin hogar y violencia de Genero que incluye el tráfico humano, mutilación de los genitales, y feminicidio. En los Estados Unidos, una mujer es fatalmente disparada por un familiar o compañero intimo cada 16 horas. Estamos en un momento crítico de nuestra historia en arreglar un mundo en crisis.

El Grupo Laboral de las Mujeres de PoWR motiva y capacita a la acción colectiva e individual para promover la dignidad de los derechos humanos de las mujeres y adolescentes, para detener la violencia que se justica religiosamente en contra de las mujeres y niñas adolescentes, y la promoción del liderazgo de mujeres y la participación equitativa en instituciones de Fe, espirituales, y grupos de otra índole. Con el circulo “Millionth” del parlamento en Barcelona, sostuvimos un “circulo religioso” en un salón grande que tenía un solo cuarto. En mi circulo estuvo la primera mujer gurú de una “ashram” famoso. Cuando se enteró del liderazgo compartido, les dijo a sus seguidores que prestaran atención porque esta iba a ser la nueva manera de actuar dentro de su comunidad. En la Ciudad de Salt Lake, sostuvimos en evento de pre-mujeres copatrocinado por el grupo “Mujeres de Fe y Espíritu”, y el grupo “Reúne a las Mujeres y el Circulo Millionth”, donde todos tenían la oportunidad de estar en un círculo sagrado y que sus voces se respetaran y fueron escuchadas. Se marcharon empoderadas para ser parte del Parlamento de Miles. La mañana de la apertura, 3,000 mujeres se reunieron para cantar, dar charlas, bailar dentro del parlamento como lideres fuertes. En Toronto también sostuvimos un círculo Sagrado de Mujeres donde de nuevo la diversidad de mujeres asistido en hermandad para ser el cambio que quieren ser. Ahora sirvo en su nombre al Grupo Laboral de Mujeres y el Grupo Laboral del Cambio Climático como Fideicomisaria Parlamentaria. Con su ayuda, le daremos prioridad a las problemáticas y al liderazgo Espiritual.

No daremos marcha atrás y permitiremos que la amenaza del nacionalismo religioso nos quite nuestros derechos y la potestad de levantar nuestras voces. Tampoco permitiremos un incremento de la violencia en contra de mujeres y niñas adolescentes. Nos uniremos con mujeres y hombres alrededor del mundo para llevar a la palestra el manto de la Defensa de la Libertad y los Derechos Humanos, que ha sido la misión principal de la Iglesia Episcopal.

habrán más de 70 conferencias de mujeres para las mujeres. Habrá oraciones, adoración, ceremonias, rituales, y celebraciones interreligiosas. Habrá una Asamblea de Mujeres y Villas de Mujeres de acción del Cambio Climático donde reuniones informales y círculos sagrados proveen varias oportunidades para reunirse con viejos amigos, la oportunidad de crear nuevas amistades y educarse y adquirir habilidades de liderazgo para que te lleves a casa, tu iglesia, tu comunidad lo aprendido.

Tendremos reuniones vía zoom para las mujeres y chicas adolescentes episcopales que asistieron previamente, organizaron tertulias durante, y sostuvieron reuniones vía zoom después. Tendremos muchas oportunidades para conocernos los unos a los otros y conectarnos con nuestras hermanas en la fe interreligiosa y ecuménica. Les avisaremos donde y cuando se llevaron a cabo estas reuniones y conferencias. Estar juntos para compartir experiencias y reflexionar en lo que se ha escuchado enriquecerá nuestro tiempo en el parlamento después.

Antes de la Cuarta Conferencia Mundial de Mujeres de Las Naciones Unidas, escribimos la Oración del mediodía de Beijing que fue convertida en una tarjeta postal en los 5 idiomas de las Naciones Unida, enviada a lo largo del mundo, por el Gobierno Chino, cosa nunca escuchada, y orada diariamente en el foro de Paz de Tent. Cuando Hillary Clinton termino su discurso en el Foro, ella sostuvo la carta y rezo la oración. Ha sido adaptada para las reuniones de los estatutos de la Comisión de la Naciones Unidas y dicha en la celebración +25 anglicana/Episcopal. La adoptaremos para el Parlamento y diremos al mediodía en Espacio de Sagrado de las Mujeres.

Nos uniremos a los miles de hermanos y hermanas en la fe y otras tradiciones espirituales de las 8p países en convertirse en una familia globa unida en amor y respeto mutuo. Nuestra luz espiritual se convertirá tan brillante que brillará hasta el cielo.

Para averiguar aún más sobre el Parlamento, Accesa la página web y observa el video que muestra al Parlamento en acción. Registra y dona el fondo Global de las Hermanas. Cada donación nos ayuda a traer Ponentes increíbles, músicos, artistas, y activistas espirituales para la villa de mujeres y lugares de reunión para sostener conversaciones donde tú puedes conocer a otros, compartir sueños, ideas, y recursos. Necesitamos el Parlamento y el Parlamento nos necesita. www.parliamentofreligions.org.

La oración del mediodía para el Parlamento de las Religiones del Mundo

Querido Dios, creador del cielo y la tierra, oremos por los que están reunidos en Chicago en el Paramento de las Religiones del Mundo. Bendicelas.

Ayúdanos a vernos los unos a los otros a través del prisma iluminado del entendimiento y compasión.

Libéranos de prejuicios para que podamos recibir las historias de nuestras hermanas y hermanos con respeto y atención.

Abre nuestros oídos a los gritos de mundo sufrientes y a la sanación de las melodías de paz.

Empodéranos para ser instrumentos para traer Tu Justicia, paz y equidad en todos lados y a toda la creación

Amen

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T18:28:02+00:00August 1st, 2023|

A Half Century of Work

By Ann Smith

TURNING 80 (known by Jean Shinoda Bolen as an OctoGeranium), gives me the humble privilege to look back at a long life as a faith, spiritual and secular leader whose purpose has been to be of service with, for and on behalf of women’s healing and empowerment. My greatest passion and reward is seeing women stepping into leadership.

Thanks be to God, I have a treasure trove of memories, connections, colleagues/friends, leadership skills, resources and collective wisdom that comes with the responsibility to give back. Having attended 55 world conferences with Episcopal, Anglican, ecumenical, interfaith, spiritual and secular women and men, I know there is a global women’s network both seen and unseen. By joining me at the Parliament of World Religions, August 14-18, in Chicago, you will become an integral part of this powerful women’s movement to defend freedom and human rights and co-create sustainable peace and justice for all creation.

Episcopal/Anglican women have been leaders in this global women’s network by participating in the Third and Fourth United Nations World Conferences and Forums on Women and the UN Commission on the Status of Women every year since 1984.

The global women’s movement continues to grow and strengthen, embracing women’s and girls’ leadership and participation on every level of society and the church. Attending the Parliament is an excellent opportunity to meet, network and learn, and to share stories, resources and programs. I am honored and privileged to co-create with the ECW of Province 8 the Leading with Heart Circle Leadership program.

Green Tent Circle, my newest global endeavor, will be a co-host with ECW in presenting two interactive, skill-building workshops: nonviolent communications and community organizing using Open Space Technology. Karen Patterson, National ECW president, will be a panelist. Bishop Paula of Chicago will be a keynote speaker.

We will give the Companions of the Holy Cross visibility by telling how we are a community of women committed to prayer and action and have over 750 Companions that meet regularly in 32 chapters across the United States and India. We will tell about our spiritual home Adelynroon, a historic conference and retreat center in Boston, where we hold meaningful conferences, quiet days and spiritual retreats and all are welcome. We will have brochures available, and by actively participating with other women of faiths, we will all co-create networks of collaboration and partnerships.

For 50 years I have taken a strong stand on women’s rights, helped start women’s shelters, provided job-training programs and made sure the most marginalized were in our circles of healing, protection and empowerment. Together we have raised awareness about racism, sexism, heterosexism, climate crisis, poverty, homelessness and gender-based violence including sex trafficking, genital mutilation and femicide. In the United States a woman is fatally shot by a family member or intimate partner every 16 hours. We are at a critical moment in our history in turning around a world in crisis.

The Women’s Task Force of PoWR encourages and enables collective and individual action to promote the dignity and human rights of women and girls, to stop religiously justified violence against women and girls, and to promote women’s leadership and equal participation in religious, faith, spiritual and other institutions. With the Millionth Circle at the Parliament in Barcelona, we held a sacred circle in a large hall that was standing room only. In my circle was the first woman guru of a famous ashram. When she heard about shared leadership, she told her followers to pay attention because this was going to be the new way of being in their community. In Salt Lake City, we held a pre-women’s event co-sponsored by Women of Spirit and Faith, Gather the Women and Millionth Circle, where everyone had a chance to experience being in a sacred circle with their voices heard and respected. They left feeling empowered to be part of the Parliament of thousands.

The morning of the opening, 3,000 women came together in song, drumming and speeches, and we danced our way into the Parliament as strong women leaders. In Toronto we also held a pre-women’s sacred circle where again the diversity of women came together in sisterhood to be the change we wanted to see happen. I am now serving on your behalf in the Women’s Task Force and the Climate Action Task Force as a Parliament Trustee. With your help, we will bring our issues, voices and faith-based spiritual leadership center stage.

Together we will bring about the mandate on the Parliament’s foundational document Towards a Global Ethic, the Declaration for the Dignity and Human Rights of Women, and the International Declaration by Religious and Spiritual Leaders and Advocates to End Sexual Violence.

We will not move backwards and allow the threat of religious nationalism to take away women’s rights and voices. Nor will we allow an increase of violence against women and girls. We will join hands with women and men around the world to carry out the theme of Defending Freedom and Human Rights, which has long been the mission of the Episcopal Church.

There will be 70 workshops and panels by and for women. There will be prayers, worship, ceremonies, rituals and interfaith celebrations. There will be a Women’s Assembly and Women’s and Climate Action Villages where informal and sacred circle gatherings provide many opportunities for meeting old friends, making new ones and gaining education and leadership training so that you can take what you learned back home to your church, family and community.

We will host Zoom meetings for Episcopal women and girls attending before, arrange gathering times during, and hold Zoom meetings after. We will have many opportunities to get to know one another and connect with our ecumenical and interfaith sisters. We will post times and places for meetings and workshops and panels. Being together to share experiences and to reflect on what we have heard will enrich our time at the Parliament and afterward.

Before the UN Fourth World Conference on Women, we wrote the Beijing Noon Day Prayer that was made into a postcard with the five UN languages, approved by the United Nations, sent around the world, approved by the Chinese government, which was unheard of, and said daily in the Peace Tent at the Forum. When Hillary Clinton ended her speech at the Forum, she held up the card and read the prayer. It has been adapted for the UN Commission on the Status of Women meetings and said at the Episcopal/Anglican Beijing +25 Celebration. We will adapt it for the Parliament and say it at noon in the Women’s Sacred Space.

We will join with thousands of sisters and brothers of faith and spiritual traditions from more than 80 countries in becoming One global family united in love and mutual respect. Our spiritual light will become so bright it will shine to the heavens.

To find out more about the Parliament go to the website and watch the video that shows the Parliament in action. Register and donate to The Global Sisters Fund. Every donation helps us to bring outstanding speakers, musicians, artists, and spiritual activists to the Women’s Village and gathering places to hold conversations where you can get to know one another, share dreams, ideas, and resources. We need the Parliament and the Parliament needs us. www.parliamentofreligions.org

Parliament of World Religions Noon Day Prayer

Dear God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, we pray for all who gather in Chicago at the Parliament of World Religions. Bless them.

Help us to see one another through eyes enlightened by understanding and compassion.

Release us from prejudice so we can receive the stories of our sisters and brothers with respect and attention.

Open our ears to the cries of a suffering world and the healing melodies of peace.

Empower us to be instruments in bringing about Your justice, peace and equality everywhere and to all creation.

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T18:24:33+00:00August 1st, 2023|

La Plaza: Segunda Parte

Escrito por Dennis Clark, PPP
Parlamentario Nacional del ECW

Así será Mi palabra que sale de mi boca;

No volverá a mi vacía,

Sino que hará lo que yo quiero,

Y será prosperada en aquello para lo que la envíe.

Isaías 55:11

Que todo se haga decentemente y en orden.

1 corintios 14:40

En la edición de la primavera de 2023, hablamos del aura de invencibilidad que rodea a nuestra nación, ejemplificado por actos de violencia perpetrados en contra de nuestros compañeros. Tristemente, lo antes mencionado no muestra señales de ser contrarrestado en los meses venideros del verano.

Reconocemos que la “Violencia” puede tomar diversas formas. El Señor Webster (Diccionario) nos dice que puede significar el uso de la fuerza física que causa lesiones, abusos, daño, o destrucción. También puede implicar lesiones por distorsión, transgresión, o profanación. Puede también significar un sentimiento vehemente o expresión.

La palabra “profanación” es una que es raramente escuchada o usada, aunque vemos cada vez mas y mas con el pasar de los días la consecución del acto. Desde el punto de vista expresivo, también nos podemos referir a esta palabra como blasfemia, sacrilegio, irreverencia, o impiedad.

Este articulo hablara acerca de esta forma de violencia, mucho más específicamente con respecto a reuniones que serán asistidas. Se puede dar por sentado que, gracias al incremento del uso de las redes sociales como un método de comunicación, se torna mucho más fácil el decir mensajes utilizando palabras especificas o insinuaciones que no se dirían en persona. Sin embargo, mientras nos alejamos de la dignidad y el amor por los demás a medida que tipeamos estos mensajes, ¿yo me pregunto si esto desvaloriza el dialogo que usamos el uno con el otro cuando hablamos?

El haber fungido como parlamentario por medio siglo me ha permitido observar y escucharlo todo en lo atinente con interacciones de miembros en reuniones de todo tipo. Hemos servido como parlamentarios para grupos tan diversos como la Asociación Nacional del Rifle (siglas en ingles NRA) y la Asociación Nacional de Padres y Maestros (siglas en ingles PTA); Condominios, variopintas asociaciones de razas de perros, grupos eclesiales de todas las denominaciones, juntas directivas de diversos negocios, y así sucesivamente.

La mayoría de las veces, todas las asociaciones comparten algo en común. A pesar de ello, cada miembro ha tomado la decisión de manera consciente de unirse al grupo. Por ende, sus motivos para hacer lo propio pueden diferir, su anticipación de lo que pueden ganar o de lo que deseen ofrecer a motus propio. Sin embargo, cada uno de nosotros ha asistido a reuniones en las que miembros, por sus palabras o acciones, le hacen creer a observadores que son sus mas grandes enemigos, sin tener nada en común.

La autoridad parlamentaria con la cual la Asociación Nacional de las Mujeres Episcopales, al igual que otras asociaciones de miembros han adoptado, es la última edición del libro “Las Reglas del Orden de Robert”. El libro ya va por la edición número 12.

Este manual habla sobre el comportamiento adecuado a seguir durante el debate de problemas que se dan antes de las asambleas cuando se llevan a cabo sus reuniones de negocios. Estos problemas se materializan en forma de mociones. Cuando una moción a debatir se presenta delante de la cámara, un de los principios mas importantes para los miembros que se deben saber y practicar es este; los miembros no deben cuestionar los motivos de otros miembros durante el debate de cualquier problema.

En otras palabras, debemos hacer a un lado diatribas personales, y pensar solo en los mejores intereses del grupo en su totalidad. Debemos asumir que otros miembros, que comparten los mismos intereses que nosotros, tras haberse unido voluntariamente a una asociación de individuos que piensan igual, que todos nosotros estamos actuando de la mejor manera. Quizás otras personas tienen una visión diferente de lo que se debe hacer. Dicho esto, NUNCA se debería discutir el POR QUE se deben hacer las cosas. Si esta regla se mantiene y es adherida por todos los miembros, y se puede hacer cumplir de manera uniforme y consistente por el director de la junta, todo el rencor que a veces se siente puede ser aleviado. Los miembros deben demandar que la regla sea seguida aun si el director no hace lo propio, por cualquier motivo.

El comportamiento adecuado en las reuniones debe ser la norma y no la excepción. Si los miembros ejercitan la prudencia y son circunspectos con su oratoria en los fórums abiertos, una sociedad será mucho mas dada a alcanzar los objetivos a los cuales sus miembros han jurado su alianza luego del compromiso a la membresía de las asociaciones a las que pertenecen. Si Dios trabaja y Sus palabras están inmersas en las nuestras, entonces, y solo entonces, todas las cosas se darán decentemente y en orden.

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T18:20:14+00:00August 1st, 2023|

Karen Patterson Episcopal Church Women President 2022 to 2024

A pesar de que el verano llega a su termino y las preparaciones para el Otoño/Invierno comienzan, no olvidemos los preparativos para la Trienal 2024 en Lousville, Kentucky. Su presidente y la Junta Directiva trabajan arduamente para que todas las cosas queden planeadas, agendadas, y organizadas. ¡Revisen nuestra página web de NECW mientras se actualiza! Ecwnational.org

Louisville representara algunos retos para nosotros. Por el momento, no vamos a estar en el mismo edificio que la Convención General. Tampoco estamos seguros si vamos a contar con recintos especializados y separados para talleres. Tendremos, sin embargo, una charla DINAMICA todos los días para todos ustedes.

Como mujeres, entendemos el concepto de “adaptación” y el de ser “fluido” y estos van a ser nuestros refranes. Por favor asistan a la Trienal 2024. Si no puedes asistir durante toda su duración, por los menos se parte de una porción de esta. Tu no tienes que ser un delegado para asistir.

Una cosa que siempre parece confusa es el proceso de registro. Tú te registras para la Trienal a través de la oficina diocesana. (Sin embargo, su oficina ha decidido manejar los registros para la Convención General/Trienal). Dicho esto, después tu certificas tu registro con nuestra encargada, Beth Agar. De tener alguna pregunta acerca del proceso, contacta a Beth.

Como ya ha sido anunciado a través de la revista de noticias News Blast. Queremos darle la bienvenida a la Reverendo Luz Maria Lambis Garces como la representante Provinciana IX.

Karen Patterson
National Episcopal Church Women Presidenta 2022 – 2024

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T18:02:02+00:00August 1st, 2023|

Song at First Light

Winter nights wait in uncounted hours.
Snow drifts unseen, birds huddle behind
browning needles of wind burned pines.

Clouds scatter shadows, spilled ink smudging
sky-dark colors, hiding stars. Lost souls sleep,
drowned beneath fractured ice.

Then a stirring, a winter sparrow shakes free
from preying shadows, defying death. Alone
it streaks upward through the bitter mist.

Small sparrow wings mirror the first light
of morning. And it sings happy, holy hosanna
to the new day just born.

Marilyn Hanchett

Rolla, Missouri – 2023

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T17:58:24+00:00August 1st, 2023|

258

Let our works be a pulpit

From which You preach Your Word

So the message of Your love

Can be seen (in action) and not just heard.

Let our works be as a choir chancel bursting with song

So that its hearers may be consoled or stirred

Some to soothe their souls and some to sing along.

By messages that ring true and clear

And that are to You a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

Let our works be acts of worship

Offerings on the altar of thanksgiving

Heartfelt and true

Pleasing and acceptable to You… Always

A joyful sacrifice of praise

A pouring out of heart and soul

Your honor, Your glory and goodness to raise

Amen.

Author Kathy Culmer

From On The Wings of Prayer

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T17:56:29+00:00August 1st, 2023|

Plaza de Paz Respite Center: A Service Project for the Women of the Episcopal Church

By Cindy Mohr

Each day, individuals and families seeking asylum flee their home countries to escape violence, religious persecution and war. In 2019, the Diocese of West Texas formed Immigration Ministries to help with humanitarian needs for those seeking asylum.

On July 27, 2021, the Plaza de Paz Respite Center opened as a collaborative effort between the Diocese of West Texas and the Southwestern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Located in San Antonio, Texas, Plaza de Paz provides daytime welcoming services for families and individuals seeking asylum. Services provided include meals, assistance with travel arrangements, personal hygiene care, emergency housing and transportation within Bexar County to the airport or bus station. The center receives referrals from both Department of Human Services and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

When a family or individual seeking asylum is released from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody as part of the immigration process, they travel to join sponsors or family members throughout the United States. If a family or individual does not have family or sponsorship contacts in the U.S., however, they do not have access to housing or basic necessities, leaving them incredibly vulnerable upon their release.

Diocese of West Texas’ Service Project

We reach beyond ourselves to serve all people in our communities and throughout the world.

The diocesan Immigration Ministries supports the work of the diocese and its congregations as they respond to the needs of immigrants, refugees, and law enforcement along the border. We coordinate and lead initiatives to empower congregations and aid organizations to provide mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual resources for migrant communities.

The Diocese of West Texas saw in excess of 1,000,000 individuals seeking asylum in 2022, which is approximately half of those crossing the southwestern border. This is an increase of over 130,000 from the previous year as reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Flor Saldivar, director of Immigration and Refugee Ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, spoke about the possibility of losing FEMA funding over the next year and that the loss of these funds would greatly impact this ministry. She indicated that any assistance in obtaining supplies for this ministry would allow them to hopefully not lay off personnel. Currently, the respite center staff of four is comprised of people who share the migrant experience, allowing them to provide empathetic support and empowerment to guests served.

During the February 2023 national board meeting, the national board discussed this ministry and voted to have the Plaza de Paz Respite Center as a service project supported by the board. The service project runs until the end of the calendar year: December 31, 2023.

We encourage the women throughout the Episcopal Church to prayerfully consider supporting this project. Those interested in assisting with this ministry could help with supplies needed by ordering them online through the center’s Amazon Wish List. Items purchased are sent directly to the Plaza de Paz Respite Center by Amazon. Below is a direct link to their wish list. You can find the web links to the Amazon gift program and read more about their ministry by viewing the home page of our website, ecwnational.org.

Please consider making a purchase from this wish list that will be shipped directly to Plaza de Paz. Just make sure when you make your purchase that you change the shipping address to the center’s address, which will appear on the screen. It’s just that easy!

Information for this article from: Flor Saldivar, director of Immigration and Refugee Ministries and Immigration Ministries; Diocese of West Texas website.

Use the QR Code or visit the ecwnational.org homepage for a direct link to their Amazon.com ‘needs’ list.

Important: you will need to select the a ‘new’ shipping location: D’s Gift Registry Address

Episcopal Church Women2023-08-01T17:52:00+00:00August 1st, 2023|

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