QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"You know that their greed and violence have tried to silence your worships and
frustrate your witnesses in church, schools, and hospitals. You have discovered
that it is not the buildings that make a true church but the true foundations
on which your lives are built." Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams,
denouncing attacks on the Zimbabwean church in a sermon to thousands of
cheering Anglican members in Harare. (Source:Reuters)
+ Sign up to receive "Verse and Voice" - our daily quote and Bible verse e-mail
An Open Letter to the Occupiers from a Veteran Troublemaker
Get a free issue of Sojourners
Donate to support
Sojourners
You have awakened the sleeping giant, too long dormant, but ever present, deep
in the American democratic spirit. You have given voice and space to the
unspoken feelings of countless others about something that has gone terribly
wrong in our society. And you have sparked a flame from the embers of both
frustration and hope that have been building, steadily, in the hearts of so
many of us for quite some time.
Throughout history, often it has been left to the youth of a society to do
that, and you boldly have stepped into the role of the emerging generation,
which sometimes means saying and doing what others only think. You have
articulated, loudly and clearly, the internal monologue of a nation.
Some of you have told me that you expected only to foment a short-lived protest
and that you were as surprised by this "movement" as anyone else. Try to listen
and learn from those whose feelings and participation you are evoking by
encouraging more reflection than certainty.
While there are some among us who may misunderstand your motives and message,
know that you are an inspiration to many more.
One of you told me in New York City last week, "This is not a protest, but a
think tank." Another of your compatriots wanted me to understand that you are
trying to build something in Liberty Square that you aspire to create for our
global village -- a more cooperative society.
Most telling to me was the answer to the first question I asked of the first
person I talked to at the Wall Street demonstrations. I inquired of one of the
non-leaders who helped lead the first days of Occupation what most drew him to
get involved in the demonstration, and he replied, "I want to have children
someday, and this is becoming a world not good for children."
My 13- and 8-year-old boys came to mind when I heard his answer, and I felt
thankful. It is precisely those deepest, most authentic feelings and
motivations that should preoccupy you, rather than how best to form and
communicate superficial political rhetoric.
You are raising very basic questions about an economy that has become
increasingly unfair, unstable, unsustainable, and unhappy for a growing number
of people. Those same questions are being asked by many others at the bottom,
the middle, and even some at the top of the economic pecking order.
There are ethics to be named here, and the transition from the pseudo-ethic of
endless growth to the moral ethics of sustainability is a conversation
occurring even now in our nations business schools (if, perhaps, secreted
inside the official curriculum).
Keep pressing those values questions because they will move people more than a
set of demands or policy suggestions. Those can and must come later.
And try not to demonize those you view as opponents, as good people can get
trapped in bad systems and we've seen a lot of that. Still, you are right for
saying that we all must be held accountable -- both systems and the individuals
within them. It is imperative that we hear that message right now.
The new safe spaces you have created to ask fundamental questions, now in
hundreds of locations around the country and the world, are helping to carve
out fresh societal space to examine ourselves -- who we are, what we value
most, and where we want to go from here.
Instead of simply attacking the establishment "economists," you can become the
citizen economists, like the young economics major I met at the Wall Street
occupation who discussed with me new approaches for societys investment and
innovation. We desperately need new vision like hers to come up with
alternative ways of performing essential functions.
Keep asking what a just economy should look like and whom it should be for.
They are noble questions. But youd do well to avoid Utopian dreaming about
things that will never happen. Look instead at how we could do things
differently, more responsibly, more equitably, and yes, more democratically.
Dont be afraid to get practical and specific about how we can and must do
things better than we have in recent years. One of our best moral economists,
Amartya Sen, says that "being against the market is like being against
conversation. It's a form of exchange." You have begun such a conversation
about what markets could and should be. Keep talking.
Even in forums where business and political leaders meet, they too are asking
those questions and using terms like "a moral economy" as a way to interrogate
our present and failed practices. Ive been in such a gathering this week --
just days apart from visiting yours -- where the participants slept on
featherbedding in five-star hotels rather than in pup tents on the sidewalk.
And yet, surprisingly, they were asking many of the same questions you are.
Keep driving both the moral and practical questions about the economics of our
local and global households, for that is what the discipline was supposed to be
about in the first place.
I know you believe that the leadership on Wall Street, and Constitution and
Pennsylvania Avenues have all failed you. Indeed, they have failed us all. But
while you feel betrayed by both our business and political leaders, dont give
up on leadership per se.
We need innovative leadership now more than ever. And you are providing some of
it.
Think of stewards rather than masters of the universe as the model for
leadership.
And remember, non-violence is not just a critical tactic but a necessary
commitment to moral and civil discourse that can awaken the best in all of us.
There is much to be angry about, but channeling that energy into creative,
non-violent action is the only way to prevent dangerous cynicism and nihilism
that also can be a human response to the injustice and marginalization many
people now feel.
The anarchism of anger has never produced the change that the discipline and
constructive program of non-violent movements has done again and again.
I remember what it feels like to see your movement as a lead story on the
evening news every night, and the adrenaline rush that being able to muster
10,000 people in two hours' time to march in protest against injustice and
inhumanity can bring. I was in your shoes 40 years ago as a student leading
demonstrations against the Vietnam War, racism, and nuclear proliferation.
I would advise you to cultivate humility more than overconfidence or self
indulgence. This really is not about you. It's about the marginalized masses,
the signs of the times, and the profound yearning for lasting change. Take that
larger narrative more seriously than you take yourselves.
Finally, do not let go of your hope. Popular movements are the only force that
truly brings about change in society. The established order is never as secure
and impervious to change as those who preside over it believe it to be.
Remember that re-action is never as powerful as re-construction. And whatever
you may think of organized religion, please keep in mind that change requires
spiritual as well as political resources, and that invariably any new economy
will be accompanied by a new (or very old) spirituality.
So I will say, may God bless you and keep you.
May God be gracious to you and give you - and all of us -- peace.
Jim Wallis is the author of Rediscovering Values: A Guide for Economic and
Moral Recovery, and CEO of Sojourners. He blogs atwww.godspolitics.com. Follow
Jim on Twitter @JimWallis.
E-mail this article to friends
Share this article on Facebook
Comment on this article on the God's Politics Blog
ON THE GOD'S POLITICS BLOG
+ See what's new on the blog of Jim Wallis and friends
Say NO to the Pipeline
by Rose Marie Berger and Heather Wilson
On Oct. 7, the State Department held its final public hearings on the proposed
U.S.-Canada pipeline, including testimony from various activists and faith
leaders. A decision on the Keystone XL pipeline is expected from the Obama
administration by the end of the year. Watch Sojourners Associate Editor Rose
Marie Berger address hundreds gathered near Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C.
+ Click to continue
Welcome to the Poverty Thunderdome
by Cathleen Falsani
Earlier this week, professional loudhailer Bill O'Reilly welcomed -- well,
welcomed might be a bit generous -- radio and TV host Tavis Smiley and
Princeton University professor Cornel West to his FoxNewsChannel show to yell
at them....I mean, to interview the pair about poverty in America and the
Occupy Wall Street demonstrations.
+ Click to continue
Alabama Immigration News Roundup
by Jack Palmer
Alabama Workers Skip Work to Protest Immigration Laws; Hey Alabama, Take A Hint
From California; Alabama's immigration law prompts alarm; U.S. Seeks to Block
Alabama Immigration Law; and many more reports.
+ Click to continue
Of Traffic and Tee Times: The Grace of Unexpected Community
by Caroline Langston
If we didn't leave the house right then, we were never going to get to my
seven-year-old son's inaugural golf lesson at the East Potomac Park course,
where a Washington, DC-wide "golf and leadership skills" enrichment program was
set to take place in thirty-five minutes.
+ Click to continue
We Must Continue to Stand with Pastor Nadarkhani
by Jack Palmer
It is often easy to feel that we, as Christians in the West, face persecution
from "the secularization of society." But at this moment, we should be far more
concerned about those whose physical lives are put in real danger each day as
they preach the gospel.
+ Click to continue
Adam Phillips answers, "What is an Evangelical?"
by Adam Phillips
This video is the latest installment in an ongoing series at God's Politics
blog where we've asked leading clergy, writers, scholars, artists, activists
and others who self-identify as "evangelical" to answer the question, "What is
an Evangelical?"
+ Click to continue
Report from the Global Christian Forum in Indonesia: Day Four, Healing Memories
by God's Politics Editor
At day four of the Global Christian Forum, we heard the story of how those in
the Lutheran World Federation this year publicly asked forgiveness from the
Mennonite World Conference for wounds inflicted by their forbearers centuries
ago. Unforgiven sin has a corrosive power, even over tens or hundreds of years.
Forgiveness empowers and liberates those who have wronged one another.
+ Click to continue
Cold, Broken or Grumbled, Every Hallelujah Counts
by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira
Even though my heartbreak and disappointment were quite different than Amy
Dickinson's (my marriage, thank God, was not ending), I couldn't imagine
wanting to tell a soul. And yet, Dickinson -- a.k.a. "Ask Amy," the syndicated
columnist who filled Ann Landers's wise shoes -- laments that she could not
share her grief.
+ Click to continue
#OccupyWallStreet: Playing with Fire and Corraling the Golden Calf
by Anne Marie Roderick
In times of hopelessness and long periods of waiting for things to get better,
will we let ourselves be cast into the all-consuming fires of idolatry? Or,
will we stand up against the false gods and catch the flame of the Spirit in
our hearts and minds? Our nation may very well be on the threshold of a crucial
change. Who will you be standing with?
+ Click to continue
Jim Wallis on #OccupyWallStreet: "This Could Really Change Things" (Video)
by Cathleen Falsani
Last week, Sojourners CEO, the Rev. Jim Wallis, visited with #OccupyWallStreet
demonstrators in New York City. "As I listen to them, I recognize what I felt
as a young student-activist in the late '60s and early '70s," Wallis said. "I
just feel from them what I felt a long time ago, that we're part of something
much bigger than us, much larger than us...The visceral feeling [here] is,
'This could really change things.'"
+ Click to continue
#OccupyWallStreet: A Generation Finds Its Voice
by Tim King
Like many of my contemporaries, I found the non-violent protests in Egypt that
led to regime change earlier this year terribly inspiring. But, also like many
in my generation, I never thought such a movement could happen here.
+ Click to continue
Luci Shaw answers, "What is an Evangelical?"
by Luci Shaw
I wonder if the Lord God abhors labels as much as I do. Somehow we human beings
need to group and categorize people according to their behaviors and the
beliefs that seem to define them. I keep remembering our perceptions are not
God's; God looks at the heart and knows us from inside out.
+ Click to continue
Moving South: Day Three at the Global Christian Forum in Indonesia
by Wes Granberg-Michaelson
When I first saw the Atlas of World Christianity, I was stunned. This massive
work charts the changes in world Christianity over the past century, from 1910
to 2010. Numerous charts, maps, and graphs, along with 64 interpretive essays
by scholars from around the globe tell the dramatic story of how the center of
Christianity has moved to the global South.
+ Click to continue
Columbus Day, Wall Street, and Alabama Immigrants: "Its About Power, Stupid"
by Debra Dean Murphy
In 1992, political strategist James Carville coined the catchphrase that won
Bill Clinton the presidency: "It's the economy, stupid." Clinton made good on
his word to address the deficit and high unemployment and through both skill
and luck, presided over unprecedented economic growth and prosperity.
+ Click to continue
Naked Before the Lord: Unitarians Have More Fun
by Cathleen Falsani
A dozen men from First Parish, ages 64 to 87, got naked before the Lord (and
everyone else, for that matter), for a fundraising calendar called "Celebration
2012."
+ Click to continue
Report from the Global Christian Forum in Indonesia: Day Two
by Wes Granberg-Michaelson
This is the second in a week-long series of reports from the Global Christian
Forum in Manado, Indonesia filed by Wes Granberg-Michaelson, the former General
Secretary of the Reformed Church in America. The Governor of North Sulawesi
Province in Indonesia is a Christian, a unique feature in the country with the
world's largest Muslim population.
+ Click to continue
The Spiritual Side of #OccupyWallStreet
by God's Politics Editor
As Occupy Wall Street protests head into a new week, religion journal writers
are theorizing on the spiritual side of the movement.
+ Click to continue
Kevin Palau answers, "What is an Evangelical?"
by Kevin Palau
These large-scale, citywide, proclamation evangelism events have been a focus
of the Palau ministry for years and continue to be a main component of our
ministry model. But in 2008, we decided to try something new. In addition to
proclaiming the good news, we wanted to demonstrate it. We began to approach
evangelism with a truly holistic, word and deed model.
+ Click to continue
Crime, Forgiveness and Retributive Justice: A God's Politics Interview with
Naseem Rakha
by Joshua Witchger
An eye for an eye, a life for a life. This is one way -- based, some argue, in
scripture and biblical ethics -- that proponents of capital punishment justify
the death penalty. Naseem Rakha, author ofThe Crying Tree sees justice
differently. In this interview, Rakha tells stories from death row and the kind
profound healing she has witnessed first hand between victims and perpetrators,
and speaks at length about the power of forgiveness in action.
+ Click to continue
Afghanistan: A Decade of Life in the Midst of Conflict
by Heather Wilson
Ten years ago, as the United States went to war with Afghanistan, I
passionately yearned for a way I could be part of a long-term developmental and
peaceful response to the conflict. In 2003 I was finally able to move to Kabul
-- the place I had been studying and dreaming of for so long.
+ Click to continue
Report from the Global Christian Forum in Manado, Indonesia.
by Wes Granberg-Michaelson
The most frequent question I was asked before flying to Manado, Indonesia was,
"Why is the Global Christian Forum meeting there?" When the GCF committee began
planning this second world gathering, we knew it should happen in the Global
South, where Christianity is so resurgent.
+ Click to continue
Deadlines and the Death Penalty: The Case of Corey R. Maples
by Maurice Possley
The ink was barely dry on the death certificate for Troy Davis, executed by the
state of Georgia on Sept. 21, when the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in an
Alabama death penalty case that, if not for its serious nature, feels like a
trip through Alice's looking glass. The question before the court is this:
Should the state of Alabama execute a man who lost an opportunity to file an
appeal in his case because a deadline was missed -- because of a foul up in a
law firm's mail room?
+ Click to continue
Paradigm Shift
by Christopher Sofolo
A million thoughts are flittering about in our minds at any given moment. When
we allow ourselves to hone in on one thought at a time we can embark on our
contemplative mission. In a state of mindfulness we can begin to recognize how
our perceptions have been formed and how to awaken to a deeper reality and thus
a deeper compassion.
+ Click to continue
#OccupyWallStreet: Hand Gestures, Health Care and the Birth of a New Paradigm
by Tim King
Throughout the day here at the #OccupyWallStreet mass demonstrations in New
York's financial district, you can find small and often somber groups meeting.
They have agendas, a facilitator, a time keeper, and someone to keep track of
the "stack" -- the list of people waiting to make a point or ask a question.
+ Click to continue
"The Arch" at 80: Saints Dance Among Us
by Adam Phillips
There is a magnificent, modern church mural at St. Gregory of Nyssa's Episcopal
Church in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood that illustrates a kingdom
of God that is expansive, welcoming, and full of dance. The only living saint
dancing arm and arm with this beautiful, diverse, uncommon Great Cloud of
Witnesses is the Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning
Anglican archbishop emeritus of South Africa.
+ Click to continue
Lynne Hybels answers, "What is an Evangelical?"
by Lynne Hybels
I grew up in a form of Christianity in which "saving souls" was pretty much all
that mattered. The God I discovered in that church was a harsh, demanding
tyrant; I knew that if I wanted to earn God's love I would have to be very
good, follow all the rules, and work very hard. Unfortunately, I worked a
little too hard and eventually became utterly exhausted, seriously depressed,
and physically sick.
+ Click to continue
#Occupy D.C., October 6, 2011
by Cathleen Falsani
See Sojourners' compilation of pictures and videos of Occupy D.C.
+ Click to continue
#OccupyWallStreet: The Faith Factor
by Cathleen Falsani
Slowly but surely, as media coverage of the #OccupyWallStreet demonstrations in
New York and across the country continues to grow, attention is turning toward
what the spiritual/religious/faith elements are to the larger
political/social/cultural story.
+ Click to continue
#OccupyWallStreet: Bruce Came From Vermont...
by Tim King
Many protesters here have had some bad experiences with religion, but it's
clear that they are genuinely open to seeing religion done differently. Another
young woman summed it up nicely: "You work for a progressive Christian
magazine? We could use a lot more of you!"
+ Click to continue
Lisa Sharon Harper answers, "What is an Evangelical?"
by Lisa Sharon Harper
Lisa Sharon Harper, Director of Mobilizing at Sojourners, answers "What is an
evangelical?"
+ Click to continue
#OccupyWallStreet: "The First Time I Slept on the Street Was Seven Years
Ago..."
by Tim King
The first time I slept on the streets was seven years ago. Last night in New
York City, I slept on the street again, near the corner of Cedar Street and
Trinity Place in "Liberty Park" with the Occupy Wall Street protesters.
+ Click to continue
SOJOURNERS IN THE NEWS
+ Sign up to receive our "Daily Digest" e-mail - the latest headlines on
critical issues
Top Stories:
Sojourners Among Those Occupying Wall Street
Christianity Today
"Peoples frustrations, hurts, and feelings of being betrayed by our nations
politicians and economic leaders are clear. They want to be heard," Sojourners'
president Jim Wallis said.
Occupy Wall Street: Christians Debate if Jesus Would 'Occupy' With Protesters
The Christian Post
Admitting that he does not know everything about the protesters and that some
of them might not share his Christian views, Jim Wallis drew on the
similarities between what he knew of the their goals and the goals of
Christians who wish to enact social change through the teachings of Jesus.
Jim Wallis Argues Life Experience Should Inform Biblical Views, Politics
The Institute on Religion and Democracy
Being American is one of the worst bubbles from which to develop a biblical
perspective on politics, according to Jim Wallis. The CEO of the liberal
Christian activist group called Sojourners explained that a correct
interpretation of the Biblical politics is determined by life experiences.
Steve Jobs and giving anonymously
Reuters Blogs
The way Jesus talks about it is very appropriate for any wealthy celebrity or
businesspeople who are actors on the world stage: Dont make a performance out
of doing something for someone else, says Cathleen Falsani, the web editor
and director of new media for Sojourners.
John Wolf: Experts say voters losing faith in religious right
Post Tribune
Jim Wallis of Sojourners magazine says, Cut references to the poor out of the
Bible and you will have a book of holes. Faith in politics is desperately
needed. The trouble is, we are not getting it from Micah, Amos, Isaiah or
Matthew 25, but from the obscenely wealthy corporations who hoard wealth, but
dont hire the poor.
Evangelical Thinkers Discuss Navigating God, Money and Country
The Christian Post
In the book, Harper, who works for Sojourners, a progressive Christian journal,
presents the main liberal argument. Innes, a political science professor at The
Kings College, offers a more conservative approach. The joint work is aimed at
helping Christians see ways in which Scripture can interact with today's
culture and political landscape.
How Would Jesus Vote? New Book Looks at Evangelical Faith and Politics
The Christian Post
Harper, Director of Mobilizing at Sojourners, and Innes, Associate Professor of
Politics at The King's College, offer mostly different responses, but do agree
that these are the type of conversations Christians should be having if they
already are not.
Occupy Wall Street Protesters 'Stand With Jesus,' Says Christian Leader
The Christian Post
Popular Christian leader Jim Wallis has joined the Occupy Wall Street
movement Friday. Wallis, the CEO and President of Sojourners, a progressive
Christian commentary, offered the perspective that Occupy Wall Street
protestors are standing with Jesus.
"Sojourners in the news" articles are the most recent news clippings that
mention Sojourners in any way - whether favorably or unfavorably. Though we
provide the text on our site for your convenience, we do not necessarily
endorse the views of these articles or their source publications.
ADVERTISE HERE
Free Gandhi poster with a new subscription toSojourners magazine! Learn more.
Scared to talk politics in church? Get the conversation going in your small
group with Sojourners discussion guides. Lots of topics and great talking
points on challenging aspects of social justice. Learn more.
Wisdom for your commute: Download audio talks by Shane Claiborne, Brian
McLaren, Lucy Winkett and more. Shop the SojoStore.
Order Strangers in the Land today, because greater justice leads to deeper
faith. Take a six-week journey to get an in-depth look at immigration in
relation to the church and the Bible. Click here.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAAMN: Los Angeles Alternative Media Network
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe: <mailto:[email protected]>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe: <mailto:[email protected]>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digest: <mailto:[email protected]>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Help: <mailto:[email protected]?subject=laamn>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post: <mailto:[email protected]>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archive1: <http://www.egroups.com/messages/laamn>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archive2: <http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/laamn/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/laamn/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
