We Are Grateful
Thank you for participating in our multifaith conversation on June 17, 2021, called “Discerning Our Moral Commitments Together." Your voice was valued and essential. If you registered but were unable to join us, we missed seeing and hearing from you and look forward to our next opportunity to be together. We hope all of you can join the fall convening in October 2021, date to be determined.
Making Connections
Would you like to continue connecting with someone who participated in the convening – perhaps you have a question or shared interest you’d like to explore? We can help with those connections. MnMN will be sending registrant contact information soon and we encourage you to make new contacts directly. If you would like help convening a conversation or seeking a resource, please email MnMN at info@mnmultifaith.org. (Note: Should you wish to opt out of sharing your contact information with other registrants, please send an email message to info@mnmultifaith.org by June 24, 2021.)
Overview
All are invited to read highlights from our convening and to utilize the important resources listed below.
Highlights
Karen Wills, executive director at Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance, offered an inspirational opening blessing. Her words reflected on our shared humanity as well as the importance to breathe deeply and deliberately.
Professor Anantanand Rambachan, MnMN’s board chairperson, prolific author, and a global leader of interfaith networking, helped set the tone by reminding us that our religious, social, and professional destinies are joined, different faiths have common values, and conversations like this one break boundaries.
Reverend Jia Starr Brown, senior pastor of First Covenant Church, shared her own personal story about how she was present with and engaged with the community at 38th and Chicago, in reaction to George Floyd’s murder - “I plant my body in this space.” She spoke about how relationships move excuses out the window in order to make room for learning, authentic advocacy, and emotional connection.
Breakout sessions were compassionately facilitated by MnMN’s network members, board members, and operations team members and participants thoughtfully shared their experiences. Jamboard notes were taken and a WordCloud was formed (see below).
Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, senior rabbi at Mount Zion Temple, talked through next steps. He encouraged participants to reach out to one another and stay in relationship. Adam showcased MnMN’s mission, website, social media presence, logo, and overall function – to be a network that convenes and communicates - and he invited everyone back for MnMN’s next convening, currently planned for October 2021.
Chiemi Onikura Bly, minister in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition serving the Twin Cities Buddhist Association, closed the convening by sharing “The Golden Chain." Excerpt: "...the golden chain of love stretches around the world. I will keep my link bright and strong. May I be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself. May I think pure and beautiful thoughts, say pure and beautiful words, and do pure and beautiful deeds..."
Courageous Change Collective orchestrated MnMN's event and we are tremendously grateful to their team's expertise - thank you Sindy Morales Garcia, Nou Yang, and Kirsten Johnson.
Support the Network
MnMN relies on donor support to continue our mission of being the statewide network supporting faith and interfaith leaders and organizations working for a more just and loving world. Please donate what you can to support our interfaith work in Minnesota.
