Seeking Unity, Building Community

More Than Numbers

On Sunday March 21, the attention of many in our nation, including mine, was on the debate about health care reform. While this historical process was happening in DC, thousands of Americans (many of the Latinos) were gathered at the National Mall in support and calling our nation to a just immigration reform. This great gathering was an ecumenical gathering. During the weekend hundreds of Christians were gathered for the  Ecumenical Advocacy Days, the culmination of which was the rally for immigration reform. More than 200,000 people participated in the rally.

By some estimates by 2050 Latinos will constitute at least a quarter, and perhaps close to a third, of the U.S. population. (Currently Latinos comprise about 15 percent of the population). In a recent article Peter Steinfels, a New York Times religion columnist and the co-director of the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture said referring to Christian Latinos that “At the very least, "they will not only have a place at the table, they will be the hosts of the table" (this is the Lord’s Table).

The Rev. Claudio Burgaleta, who coordinates the Latino studies program at Fordham's Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, noted that a majority of U.S, Latino Catholics identify themselves as "charismatic". While Catholic, they embrace a Pentecostal-like worship, believe in miracles, are biblically conservative and believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, watches over them.

This growing trend present many challenges to Latinos and to other Americans. Knowing very well my culture and its religious experience I know that as other cultures we have much to learn in regards to tolerance and acceptance of the other. As we grow in numbers in this country we must also grow in our appreciation of the political and religious perspectives different than ours.

We need an immigration reform, at the same time we must continually reform our tolerance, respect and love for all of God’s children.

Carlos M

Do I Want to Follow Them?

Last night I finished reading a recount of what happened during the genocide in Rwanda. In the book “Left to Tell”, Immacule Ilibagiza, describes the horrific way in which her mother, father and two brothers were brutally murdered. She also remind us of how almost a million others had the same fait as her family. It is almost surreal to read how she was able to walk to the jail were the assassin of her parents was held and almost force him to look at her to bless him with her forgiveness. I always think that I would be able to forgive anything, when I read her story, I wonder. The truth is that it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that such forgiveness can be extended.

“he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil 2.8

Jesus did not have to endure total humiliation. In a second He could have ended the insult. With one word Angels could intervene and wipe out the throng. He endured, he persevered, he was faithful.

Jesus, and Jesus like people, like Immacule Ilibagiza modeled for us God’s heart. For many of us today this is just plain ridiculous, for those who have endured this, it is salvation.

Carlos M

I’m Pro Israel and I’m Pro Palestine - I belong to Jesus

Through out all my life I have had a strong interest in politics. That include an ever present temptation or desire to run for office, as we say. One thing has stop me from getting involved in active politics, it is that I’m convinced I don't have the right motivation. My interest in politics goes back to the times when, since age 14, I helped my dad in preparing propaganda materials for some of the candidates in our hometown. I’m sharing this just to say that even though my life have been permeated by politics since my childhood, I have never been able to master the art of politics, including church politics. One truth I'm learning is that politics can take us so far in solving our human problems.

A few days ago I listened to a podcast about the “Parents Circles” an organization that educates Palestinians and Israelis about alternative approaches to the political situation in their land. One of the main arguments of the speakers was that politicians are one of the greatest obstacle to peace in the Middle East. They offer a non political approach to the search for peace among the two nations. Interestingly enough they criticize the divestment approach taken by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and others. I must confess once more some of my ignorance on the in’s and out’s of the political realities behind this conflict.

I do believe that the solution to this and other ethnic and racial conflicts reside in the recognition of our common humanity and the dignity of every person. In the teachings of Jesus I find the foundation of my belief in the option of love above all other options to solve our human conflicts. Jesus unequivocally taught to love our neighbors. Jesus unequivocally taught to love our enemies. Nobody is to be excluded from our love. He spoke about a love that is all encompassing. The highest aspiration of a Christian, or any person, should be to live by a radical inclusive love. The love I have experience in the person of Jesus Chris

I invite and challenge you to listen the Speaking of Faith podcast titled: No more Taking Sides

Here is a summary of the podcast: "Robi Damelin lost her son David to a Palestinian sniper. Ali Abu Awwad lost his older brother Yousef to an Israeli soldier. But, instead of clinging to traditional ideologies and turning their pain into more violence, they've decided to understand the other side — Israeli and Palestinian — by sharing their pain and their humanity. They tell of a gathering network of survivors who share their grief, their stories of loved ones, and their ideas for lasting peace. They don't want to be right; they want to be honest."

To listen go here: http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2010/no-more/ (copy and paste)

Carlos M

ONE MORNING IN YOGYAKARTA

We sat on mats under the columned roof of the front pavilion, with neighbors, one Christian (a convert) and one of his Muslim relations. After the coureous inquiries about ages ( both of these local men were in their 70's) and families, and with tea served, we discussed relations between those of different religions in the village.

What they said about this was very much an idea that they shared. The Muslim said it this way:

"Our religions are for the purpose of developing our understanding and wisdom. Understanding is for the prupose of living in respect and harmony with others, even though we are different. If religious understanding does not produce this result, it is not true understanding. There are always those who will use interpretations of our texts and traditions for division or other wrong things. This is why we must guard against the misuse of our religions, and stand firmly for true religion."

More stories and pictures from Indonesia to come!

Jay Rock

The Ecumenical Movement of the Cross

Sermon for the service of installation of Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit as General Secretary of the World Council of Churches

"The cross is and will forever be the sign of the church. This is the symbol that we have together, the symbol of what we have together, the symbol of what the churches have to give to the world. From the beginning to the end.

Nothing except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Nothing except the cross. Nothing except ..."

Links to full sermon:

English: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/general-secretary/sermons/the-ecumenical-movement-of-the-cross.html

Spanish: http://www.oikoumene.org/es/documentacion/documents/el-secretario-general-del-cmi/sermons/el-movimiento-ecumenico-de-la-cruz.html