WEAVING THE CONNECTIONS
The Newsletter of the Center for Women, the Earth, the Divine
Volume 9 Winter 2003-2004 Number 3
Upon Celebrating the Winter Solstice:
A Reflection and a Call to Action
Eleanor Rae
On December 20, 2003, I attended the celebration of the Winter Solstice presented by Paul Winter and his associates at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The celebration itself was an event of true wonder—do attend next year if it is at all possible for you—but I write mainly to share my reflection based on this event.
I was struck by the power with which "pagan" elements added to the fullness of the Christian aspects of the celebration. For example, the Russian performers bore through the Cathedral a golden boat, which commemorated an ancient Slavic village tradition in which the boat is understood as a symbol of the golden sun. By honoring the sun and invoking the ancestral spirits, the villagers hope to ensure the sun’s return following this, the longest of nights. The boat’s mast, in the form of a cross, was carried to the far end of the Cathedral. There the clanging of an enormous golden gong heralded the return of the sun.
Upon my return home, my thoughts turned to other events I have witnessed where the pagan has survived in a Christian context. I reflected on the ritualizing of the witch doctor in a cathedral in Guatemala. On what is for me a more complex issue, I thought of the adoration of the many people at Mary’s altar in a cathedral in Germany. What I witnessed seemed to be an outpouring of homage to the feminine Divine by the ordinary people. Can it be said that in the Christian tradition the need to worship the feminine Divine, which was so central to the "old religion", is now being satisfied by the peoples’ divinization of Mary?
I am certainly not advocating a jettisoning of the Christian tradition and a return to Paganism. However, I cannot help but notice that—particularly given the current world situation—it is often religion which divides us. What I am advocating is that, in addition to continuing the celebrations particular to each of our religious traditions, we emphasize that which unites all Earthlings—for example, the Solstices and the Equinoxes. How many of us honor, or even know, the dates on which the Earth-Sun relationship—which makes life on Earth possible—occur? The Solstices and Equinoxes would seem appropriate times to express our gratitude for this giving and flourishing of Life.
One way to open the avenue for a specifically Christian celebration of the Solstices and Equinoxes might be via an official acknowledgement--and apology--by John Paul II of the role played by the Church in the persecution of "witches", sanctioned in 1484 in a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent VIII. Such a pontifical move would add a further positive element to a papacy that has already acknowledged the Church’s role in the centuries old anti-Semitism, which in our times was manifested in the horrors of World War II and in anti-scientism through the "rehabilitation" of Galileo.
Is it not also time now to acknowledge the horrendous nature of those actions against pagans--the indigenous people of all lands who truly honor the Earth--and join with all humans in healing our Blue Planet, our Home?
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
48th Session: New York, March 1-12, 2004
In times of conflict, humanitarian action involves protecting people in the field of war, but in recent years this has become even more complex as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between humanitarian, political and military intervention. Decisions on military intervention should be taken by the UN Security Council, and be carried out within the framework of international law.
Women continue to have little access to protection and assistance, as humanitarian aid often fails to reach them. Humanitarian action must address the specific needs of women, particularly in relation to their physical and psycho-social care. The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war leaves women traumatized and has also contributed to the spread of sexually transmitted infections, notably HIV/AIDS.
We note that 80% of the world's refugees are women and children and 90% of war victims are now civilians, mainly women and children, and that a wide spectrum of studies demonstrate that the mobilization of male soldiers - both in warring factions and as peacekeepers - contributes to the growth of prostitution around military bases and army camps, subsequently increasing child prostitution, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Conflict prevention and conflict resolution by other than military means are therefore more urgent than ever. It is therefore essential that women be included in analysis, policy making and negotiations since they are more likely than men to be prepared to open and maintain a dialogue and to try new paths, and since women are not locked into classical confrontational behavior.
Until now women's participation in formal peace processes has been limited. That is why the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security is so essential.
We commend the UN Secretary General for nominating Ms. Jane Roll Lute to the position of Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations and welcome the successful efforts of the UNHCR to tailor its work to the needs of women refugees.
We welcome the entry into force of both the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the supplementary Protocol on Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. These legally binding instruments are important tools, in particular in conflict and post-conflict situations. They will help to protect the victims and combat trafficking in persons especially women and children.
Assuring stability and human security is the first step in reconstructing a country or region after conflict. The equal participation of women in all stages of peace negotiations and reconciliation processes must be ensured. After the end of a conflict men often grant themselves work and other opportunities in society and take the lead in rebuilding their community. Women need to be given equal opportunities to take part in the rebuilding of their community.
We, the undersigned NGO’s:
call for the improvement of judicial systems through the strengthening of procedures and mechanisms for the reporting, investigation, prosecution and ending of violence against women in war situations and other conflicts, as well as the recognition of rape as a war crime which must be subject to prevention, pursuit and punishment by national and international justice;
urge carefully balanced reporting on armed conflict and in so doing advance an objective and human picture, in contrast to the widespread bellicose and biased presentation of such conflicts;
call for the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons, with special attention paid to women and girls in order to address their specific needs and ensure equal access to humanitarian assistance;
reiterate that persecution based on gender should be considered a reason for granting asylum;
stress that medical and psycho-social support for women and girls who are sexually abused in conflict and post-conflict periods must be guaranteed as a priority intervention;
call on the UN Secretary General to increase the number of women in peace-related functions such as Special Representatives and Envoys, beginning with a minimum of 30%. The prevention of widespread rape and assault of women and girls should be a priority in the context of intervention by the United Nations. Effective measures should be taken to avoid and prevent such abuses in all international and regional conflicts;
strongly request the involvement of women in peace keeping, in preventive diplomacy and in all stages of peace mediation and negotiation.
Editor’s note: please contact Susanne Schaup at s.schaup@utanet.at for a full listing of signatories.
Associates of C:WED:
Eleanor Rae, Ph.D., founder
Giles E. Rae, publisher
Anne Andersson, editor
Representatives at the United Nations:
New York: Rosalyn Dischiavo
Lina Gupta, Ph.D.
Alayne O’Reilly, Ph.D.
Vienna: Susanne Schaup, Ph.D.
Mission Statement
The Center for Women, the Earth, the Divine is dedicated to exploring the parallels that exist between the imaging and treatment of women and of the Earth, and how our images of the Divine are related to these parallels.
We began by exploring these relationships within the context of our own tradition--the Christian. While we continue our exploration in this tradition, we have also engaged people of other traditions such as the Buddhist, Goddess, Hindu, Indigenous, Jewish and Muslim. Our work is made available through talks, workshops, writings and retreats. The immediate purpose of the Center is educational, while the ultimate goal is the healing of the Creation.
The founder of C:WED is Eleanor Rae, Ph.D., author of Women, the Earth, the Divine, President Emerita of the North American Coalition for Christianity and Ecology and founder of the United Nations Earth Values Caucus.
Ecojustice: Creating Nonviolent Systems
Barbara O’Donnell, HM
Lived experiences tell us that old ways are inadequate. Our inner spirit seeks truth with others and contributes to a collective consciousness, reaching a readiness point for transition and change. The weekend conference, "Ecojustice: Creating Nonviolent Systems," was designed for dialogue about personal transformation and systemic change. A welcoming atmosphere included colored cloths hung and draped throughout the space along with the placement of nature’s gifts.
The conference was sponsored by EverGreen, a Ministry of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary at Villa Maria, Pa. Participants shared common values and concerns for a sustainable Earth community. The diversity of those gathered was evidenced by questions and comments for Eleanor Rae during her powerful presentations: "Assumptions of Present Global Activities" and "Earth’s Code of Conduct." Eleanor’s valuable input informed and inspired all participants.
One of my objectives was to encourage us to envision society with nonviolent systems based on a spirit of humility, justice, and Earth-centered living. After a Power Point presentation, a social analysis process provided time for rethinking societal structures. Small groups considered the following systems in relationship to Earth (as the center system): economical, theological, social, political, cultural and security. The result of their efforts was expressed through poetry, recited song, art work, humor, intellectual designs, and a physical "arm in arm" linking beginning with the members of a small group and extending to all in the room.
Referencing the work of Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D. at the Center for Nonviolent Communication, the essence of nonviolent communication was identified as "compassionate dialogue." Kimberly Donovan and Patricia Redshaw used Rosenberg’s book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion, to speak of their experiences with the process. They invited practice--through one-on-one activities--to assimilate the principles of nonviolent discourse.
Pittsburgh artists Mary Beth Steisslinger, Maritza Mosquera, and John Pusateri, who told their story of synchronicity with those who created the image, introduced us to a new International Peace in Unity© symbol. Using a large flag, they explained the significance of each shape and color of the design. It is hoped that the symbol will take us toward peace through dialogue and deep listening. For more information, view www.peaceinunity.org
Appropriate songs and meaningful rituals supported the integration of body, mind and spirit. Earth spirituality permeated the wholistic experiences inviting deeper reflection about what it means to be a cosmic citizen. One ritual included receiving a copy of The Earth Charter. During the reverent conclusion, Eleanor invited us to createa covenantal bond with another species. That intention strengthened our commitment to live an Earth-centered future today.
For more information, please contact me at PO Box 206 Villa Maria, PA 16155, 724-964-8920 ext. 3350 or email: bodonnell@humilityofmary.org
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Barbara O’Donnell, a Sister of the Humility of Mary, directs EverGreen, a ministry that integrates spirituality and Earth education. Barbara offers workshops, retreats and rituals related to Earth Spirituality.
EARTH’S CODE OF CONDUCT
The following are the principles presented at the Ecojustice workshop , the summary of which is found on page three of this newsletter. These principles are based on Earth’s own wisdom that has operated successfully over billions of years to create, maintain and support a viable planet.
1. Each component of the Earth community has intrinsic value, can claim its own worth. No outside power or source bestows value on another.
2. Each component plays an essential role in maintaining the well-being of the whole even though the contribution of each component is not understood by all other members.
3. Diversity is an essential dimension of Earth life and history. No two expressions are the same nor do they have identical functions; each component manifests its singularity.
4. Interdependence among all Earth’s species demonstrates the unique relationship each component has with every other in the full community of life.
5. Co-operation is a far more influential pattern than competition for long-term viability, an ancient pattern for Earth life to flourish over time.
6. Earth embodies billions of years of "organic growth," based on the natural cycles of day and night, of seasonal activities, of rest and renewed energy, of new life rising from change, chaos and death.
