This is how I would live if I could choose. This is what is possible. ~ Adrienne Rich
Well, now Spring is really here. And the little pea shoots on our windowsill have me thinking about interdependence. Well, the pea shoots, and also the inspiring movement building happening across the province, as people continue to speak up and stand together to protect fragile ecosystems from the inevitable damage that would be caused by pipelines and by tarsands expansion.
Bruce Alexander is our guest speaker this month (April 29th – RSVP here). Bruce and I got to talking this afternoon, about atheism and religion and liberation theology and such. We were talking about a longing for something bigger and more meaningful, and wondering if that is exclusive to belief in a god, or whether there is in fact some equally compelling way of speaking to that longing amongst ‘non believers’. I got onto a humanism kick, and suggested that it’s all about relationship and our love for one another. And Bruce spoke about Gaia, a much larger and perhaps more inspiring interdependence.
Both of these, I think, hint at why increasing numbers of people are expressing concern about the pipelines. At a people-level, we know there continues to be a human toll for climate change, and we know that we need to change course. Relationally, I think we also ache for the devastating history of colonization in this country, and are eager (or in some cases at least willing) to stand in solidarity and support with Aboriginal leadership on the issue. And on a larger scale, we British Columbians have a love for the beauty of our coastline that we aren’t willing to risk. Is all of it as compelling as fire and brimstone theology? Maybe not. But maybe one of our tasks is to figure out the language to make it so.
I’ll tell you what’s compelling me in this moment: the pea shoots on the windowsill. And the feeling that we’re all in this together.
Until we see each other again – below are some exciting upcoming events that I thought might interest you. And, again, now’s a great time to RSVP for dinner on April 29th.
With love and gratitude, Chris.
Protecting Our Sacred Waters
April 21st: This two-part event, organized by the InterSpiritual Centre of Vancouver, will examining how political decisions and global economic activities have affected the condition of our rivers and oceans. The daytime portion (10-5) is for young adults (16-22) and the evening event (7-9:30) is open to the general public. You can find out more and RSVP here.
Your Voice, Your Power, Your Gifts
May 1-16th at Naramata Centre. This powerful program invites those age 18‐25 you are invited to bring your stories, storms, questions, fire, wisdom, and laughter, to build a powerful and soulful community of exploration, authenticity, and possibility. Led by an incredible team of David Hatfield, Nan Maxon, Kevin Millsip and Ruth Whyte. More info here. (Note the registration dealine is SOON).
Community Garden Building
There’s been lots of talk and excitement about building a community garden at Lakeview Multicultural United, where Spirited Social Change is housed. A Rocha and the Christian Food Security Network are hosting a workshop on garden building at Lakeview on May 5th (there will be some faith discussion, but you don’t need to be Christian to attend). Interested in the workshop? RSVP here. Interested in helping build a garden at Lakeview? Email Christine.
Thomas Merton: Spirituality and Religion
Thomas Merton was a Trappist Monk, author and outspoken social activist. On Wednesday, April 18th, the Thomas Merton Society and the Vancouver Public Library are hosting a public talk on Thomas Merton’s Spiritual and Religious Vision for the 21st Century. Admission is free and seating is limited. More information here.
