Breaking Borders by Breaking Bread Forum
Vigil in Response to the First Baptist Shooting
Sunday, Nobember 12, 2017 4-6 p.m.
Muslim Educational Trust Community Center
10330 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Tigard, OR 97223
Refreshments provided.
Free to attend. Donations appreciated.
Breaking Borders by Bread Bread Together...Our November gathering will focus on the 100th anniversary of the ill-gotten Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 which secretly and arbitrarily redrew the borders of the Middle Eastern countries. The Agreement was made without regard to language, culture, tribal allegiances, or other critical factors. The pact was created to sustain the colonial dominance of England and France.
We shall hear several reflections about the impact that the agreement has had on the countries and on the people that were the subjects of the redrawn borders and the geopolitical nightmare that lingers to this day. Afterward we shall share table together to share our best understanding and capabilities to "Break Borders by Breaking Bread" together. We will reflect upon the challenges confronting us as nations and as people struggling to create a di-fferent world, a world in which borders are not artificial lines drawn arbitrarily on living soil separating humankind from one another, but rather doorways of welcome and hospitality providing access to the Beloved Community.
Vigil in Response to the First Baptist Shooting
Yesterday all of us were shocked and saddened by yet another act of mass violence on American soil. The murder of 26 people gunned down during a worship service at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, TX is yet another example of the spiritual sickness that continues to infect the good people of our nation. As with the mass shooting at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, TN last September, or at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC back in 2015, yesterday's tragedy leaves all people of faith particularly vulnerable, but also freshly resolved to match this spiritual sickness with spiritual healing.
Join with members of the Beloved Community tomorrow night to grieve, pray, and reflect on what it is we're called to do in the face of such violence:
But let us also recognize that "thoughts and prayers," are no longer enough. As people of faith we are called to action in the face of systemic violence. So even as we grieve the dead and pray for the families that are left behind, let the horror of this tragedy be a crucible of discernment for all of us. What do our traditions demand of us in this time and place? What do our hearts require that we do in the face of such evil acts? Please join us in asking these questions whether you are able to join us in person tomorrow or not.
In faith,
The Beloved Community of Oregon Steering Committee:
Rania Ayoub - Muslim Educational Trust
Liathana Dalton - Interfaith Council of Greater Portland
Sho Dozono - Epworth United Methodist Church
Jan Elfers - Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Rev. Michael Ellick - First Congregational United Church of Church
Rev. Hector Lopez - Ainsworth United Church of Christ
Donna Maxey - Race Talks
Pastor E.D. Mondaine - Celebration Tabernacle Church
Ned Rosch - Jewish Voices for Peace
Wajdi Said - Muslim Educational Trust