The speech - A More Perfect Union

It was the most prolific speech of his presidency thus far. Sure, the stakes are high, but Obama has proven, yet again, this week and before that, that he is clearly up to the task.

Following is an excerpt of the speech:

We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles – principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings." This is an excerpt from the NY Times report on the speech.

As a woman of great faith, born Episcopal, converted to Mormonism and lived that life for almost a quarter century who has now come full circle and reaffirmed her christian faith in the Episcopal church, I resonate with the words: "justice and progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings."

I was for a time affiliated with an amazing group called MESJ - Mormons for Equality and Social Justice. The group seeks to create understanding amongst Mormons and promote equality and social justice for those who are on the fringes of society. Some of you may recall that I have spoken of this group in earlier posts.

The work we have ahead of us is clearly not easy - it will take an effort on all of our parts to see that the Obama administration is successful.

A more perfect union is possible.

Father Oprah Episcopal

I wrote earlier this month about the struggle of Father Cutie of Florida. He is in love with a woman and yet at the same time, a Roman Catholic Priest. Pictures surfaced of the two of them frolicking on a beach together, clearly a couple in love.

He took a step back and time to regroup and think about what he wanted to do with his life. He indicated that he had long struggled with celibacy and needed to speak with his priest about the situation.

Today the news came that he has decided to join the Episcopal church - what a huge blessing. Earlier this month in the post, I wrote of my own Father Joe, a former celibate Catholic Priest who left the priesthood after finding a woman he fell in love with.

Father Cutie has my prayers as he makes this transition - he will likely continue to be an excellent priest, just in another fashion.

Here is the link to the story that broke only minutes ago. It is surely a day for celebration: http://news.aol.com/article/father-oprah-episcopal/474500?icid=mainmaindl1link4http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Ffather-oprah-episcopal%2F474500

A Jewish carpenter and a cross

I have attended quite a few religious services in this past week - my first Good Friday morning and afternoon services, my first Tenebrae service and my first Saturday night Easter Vigil, complete with bonfire, drum, candles and procession. They were all deeply moving and for varied reasons.

At the church where I presently worship, there is a day program for stroke survivors. It is a place for stroke survivors to fellowship and socialize, spending time with friends and making new ones. Father Joe, the priest in charge of St. Andrew's Episcopal church asked one of the participants - a carpenter who is also Jewish - to make a cross for the parish to celebrate Good Friday.

The wood was chosen - then lovingly fashioned into a cross - for religious services in a religion with which the carpenter likely had/has significant differences of opinion. The deep stain was applied and buffed to a high polish. It stood in the Narthex (entry to the church) complete with a crown of thorns. The sight was indeed moving.

When the Father explained the origin of the cross, I began to weep openly - the significance of it was so very real.

At one point during the service, we were advised by the priest that we could go forward and show a sign of respect - he went out of his way to explain to the congregants that a sign of respect could be anything from kissing, to kneeling, to genuflecting etc. There were a few Catholics at the service that night, and as is traditional at Easter - a few people who come to service once a year to show their love for the Saviour. He was explaining various modes of worship/respect in order to make them feel at ease. Feeling at ease is not something we all are able to do in church, particularly during High Holidays or Holy Week and even more so if we are not regular attendees.

I touched the cross and said a prayer and went back to my seat - a changed person - after all these years of calling myself a saint - as in a Latter Day Saint - one who follows the Saviour, I finally understood the crucifixion and suffering, as well as the Easter season.

On Saturday, I reaffirmed my Christian faith - helped along by a very dear friend. My mother sang a beautiful solo and many friends were in attendance. It has been a long path - this journey that I am on - the story is not finished - I continue to walk with God and remember that he loves all of his children - regardless and in spite of their religions.

Vermont has spoken

Wow and wow again!

The Governor thought that he could overturn the decision to allow gay marriage in Vermont - did he ever underestimate the lobbying and grassroots activism and power in the GLBT and allies community.

A poll today conducted by AOL asked whether people support gay marriage - 54% said no and 46% said yes. The gap is certainly closing between the supporters and the naysayers.

I was at a wonderful church service this past Sunday. The congregation was incredibly diverse - children, young and old, couples, singles and my favorite - gay couples - openly gay couples who are loved, appreciated and accepted in the Episcopal church. They have an outreach program for GLBT churchgoers and truly go out of their way to be their "brother's keeper".

This victory in Vermont speaks volumes - I predict that California's Proposition 8 will be overturned by the California Supreme Court.

It is coming whether people want it or not - EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE!

Beautiful hair, Goree Island and the Episcopal Church

I have a love-hate relationship with my hair. I am always trying to do something new - translation - I have been trying to grow "natural" hair or "dreads" for years. Whenever I think I am close to the final product, I grow impatient and run to the beauty shop so I can get curls again.

Today I went to church services and was greeted by a beautiful Jamaican woman who commented on how much she preferred my hair in it's present (read "processed") state, versus the natural state that I had been sporting for several months, while desperately trying to get my hair to behave and grow into those beautiful twists that so many of my African sisters seem to do effortlessly to their hair here in New York.

I commented to the woman that I was ambivalent with my hair, and much preferred it in its natural state, since I am from Africa originally and my hair should reflect my heritage. She asked me pointedly if I had no proof that I am African. I told her I didn't need proof - I simply knew.

In October, my mother took a historical trip to Senegal to visit my sister who works for the U.N. The trip was therapeutic, filled with good food, sunshine and all manner of amazing indigenous experiences orchestrated by my sweet sister. As we looked through the digital slide show on mum's camera upon her return, I marveled at the beauty of the land, culture and people. At one point, the camera showed a hollow looking building - it was Goree Island - I had never heard of this island, growing up in post-colonial England and learning little of my African heritage, but the picture haunted me and my eyes filled up with tears - instinctively, I knew that there was great pain associated with the place.

I don't need anyone to prove to me that I am from Africa - I know where my roots are from, my curly processed hair notwithstanding.

Today, I made the decision to join the Episcopal church again - it is going to be a transitional time for me. I need to fellowship and take communion and feed my soul - attending services does that for me. The congregation where I currently attend is not as diverse as I need it to be, but it will serve its purpose for the time being. I have my eye on another church when the time is right: The UCC Church at Chatterton......a place where everyone is welcome regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Now THAT's my kind of church.