What’s new in the neighborhood? Monks!
Many faith blogs are closely following the faith-led pro-democracy uprising. Church of the Brethren blog, Nonviolence News asks: “Note the role of prayer and spiritual leadership in this story. What form will your spiritual leadership take?”
Avaaz has a petition aiming for a 250,000 person show of support for the monks. The petition calls on both the UN and China — the two entities with the most leverage over Myanmar — to exert pressure on the regime.
Speaking of justice, Mainstream Baptist asks what color it is.
The Rev. Chuck Currie weighs in on the debate over Ahmadinejad’s speech. He writes:
We are called to seek reconciliation and peace with those who oppose our communities. Dialogue between those with strong disagreements is important if we are ever to truly bridge the divide. Perhaps churches here in the United States should be reaching out to religious leaders in Iran and attempt to set-up a system of exchanges with a twin goal of building relationships between Iranians and Americans and a long-term goal of bringing reconciliation between our two nations. Maybe religious people have the potential to do something great in this area.
And then look at that, two days later. . .several historic peace churches and about 140 religious leaders met with Iranian president Ahmadinejad on Wednesday.
Jim Wallis remembers a call from the president (US) and in light of S-CHIP, wonders what (the hell) has happened to Bush. The Rev. Chuck Currie gives you something to do about it.
Ouch. Rabbi Jill Jacobs says I told you so to the communities who tossed out immigrants and now want them back.
Xpatriated Texan talks about how to build a pro-choice, pro-woman message, including: “If God wanted to stop abortion, He wouldn’t need a law.”
Note to Condi Rice: No! This is what the birth-pangs of democracy are. Speaking of, Islamicate states: Communism is the Opiate of the Masses
Faithfully Liberal has been tearing up the ‘sphere with interviews of late and this one, with the head of Clergy United for the Equality of Homosexuals covers some interesting ground, including:
I’ve discovered that the refusal to marry same-sex couples comes more from polity than from belief. If the restriction were lifted, there would be immediate and wholesale gay marriages performed all over the country. In spite of the restrictions, many clergy do it anyway, and many others perform union blessings that are in reality marriage by another name. I find it very curious that we won’t allow gays and lesbians to marry, and then accuse them of not behaving as we straights (should) behave!
The other day I stumbled across Interfaith Tech Associates. They write:
The ultimate goal of ITA is peace among communities of faith. In a world more and more troubled by religious fanaticism and sectarian violence, information and communication technology can help to break down walls of ignorance and fear, thus promoting peace
.
I have no idea what they do. But they just combined a whole lotta good ideas.