This afternoon, I took part in a multi-faith earth celebration at Eastminster United Church on Danforth Avenue in Toronto.  Daré, the council-based spiritual group that I’m involved with, was invited to be one of eight groups taking part.  What a treat to witness nature-honouring presentations, prayers, songs, and dances from Judaism, Christianity, Baha’i, the L’Arche community, Ruah, Seventh Day Adventists, and our own nature-honouring group. 

We were the final people to present and we kept it simple.  Leslie told a dream she had about the earth colliding with her and opening up her throat and heart.  She then gave a short explanation of Daré and the activity we’d all be doing.  Deborah spoke briefly about all of us getting out of our own ways so that the Sacred could ”sing” Itself through us, then I offered a prayer to Gaia.  The assembly joined us in drumming, rattling, and wordless sounding which was our expression of gratitude and a way to send the gathered energy of the occasion out into the world. 

I was particulary impressed by Ruah, an eco-centred faith community inspired by the likes of Thomas Berry, Matthew Fox, et al.  I feel drawn to attend some of their gatherings as they sound like an incredible blend of the best of spiritualities.  They’re at www.ruahtoronto.org . 

If more of us in the world can gather like we did today, there’s hope. 

With whom do you not usually meet?  Where is the common ground that would allow you to meet?  What might you accomplish by meeting?