We held the D-17 debrief in a financial district tavern--that old style kind of place which is dark, creaky and delightful. They were just retiring the saurkraut and bratwurst that was served up for lunch when we huddled around a table for our meeting. OWS uses places like this for stategy, conversation and the beer is cheap. (Later, I was in the public atrium at 60 Wall Street where, amidst a beehive of activity 10-12 working groups were convened.)
Not only was this the first time we had seen each other since the arrests it was also a reunion for many of them. Some had gone home to see families, others had visited companion Occupy settlements. One story was of the adventure with the Portland, Maine Occupy Movement. With no small amount of envy that narrative included how those protesters had secured an allowance from Portland to occupy the land. Of course, not so in the Big Apple. It was generally agreed that New York City only offered tantalizing but very barricaded options.
And so the conversation logically went to how churches perceive the OWS movement. An old question but not for these protesters. Despite earlier frustrations they were eager to cite sanctuaries--by name in New York City--of rest and protection with various faith communities. One member offered how the churches responded would be a turning point; his references to Dr. Martin Luther King drew approving nods around the table. All seemed so well versed in the civil rights connection with the religious community as to quote whole chunks of sermons to me.
Coincidentally, the producer of the Thom Hartmann show called to ask me to be on a panel discussing this very subject: OWS and the religious community. My thoughts are still cooking...I know the current mainline denomination's sideline cheering section is not enough. I venture into this a little with the entry on this blog, "Trinity's Compassion." Plainly we are not called to sneer at the law but if it keeps an unfair system in place what is our response? What was the response in the civil rights movement?
I'd be happy to hear your comments here.
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3 comments:
I have a personal anecdote from yesterday. I am in the Piedmont area of North Carolina and was helping the Walkupy folks on their way to Atlanta, by transporting their stuff in my car as they went through Burlington, NC. It was a cold rainy day and they had camped in the rain the night before and were trying to find indoor shelter for the night.
I was turned down by two churches with the excuse that they did not accept "secular" groups. They eventually found a Presbyterian church that gladly let them stay. At least two of the group remarked that they had had the most consistent luck with that denomination.
Chuck, I am glad that you found assistance from the Presbyterians. Bishop Packard, the church does need to move from the sidelines and into the midst of the people... Sadly, too many buy into the Gospel of Prosperity and ONLY on Saving souls through the four step conversion and sinner's prayer... There is so much more than "winning souls" (like we save anybody!)... We need to be about working for the Kingdom here on earth and not waiting for heaven... While that may be the destination, we are called to live the Gospel here and now. Thank you for your support, prayers and care!
I feel like part of the "cheering section" as I live and work so far away from the "halls of power" - whether Wall Street or Washington (I live in the mountains of northern NH). In the Diocese of New Hampshire we tried to listen with discerning hearts throughout Advent (see http://occupyadventnh.blogspot.com/ ) but now I'm ready for some kind of action. I look forward to hearing suggestions of what!
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