Submitted by Editor on
Rabbi Phyllis Berman, SULAYMAN S. NYANG, Jamie Lynn Hamilton, Dr. Vincent Harding, S. Ayse Kadayifci, 2/4/2005
TENT OF ABRAHAM STATEMENT
Written at the Second Abrahamic Retreat at the Garrison Institute, January 28-30, 2005 by authors listed above.
Gathering in response to the Spirit's call —
to make peace, not war;
to make justice, not oppression;
to build bridges, not erect barriers;
to heal the earth, not despoil it; and
to renew and expand our democracy —
We members of the families of Abraham Jews, Christians, Muslims invite you, and all people of good will, to join us in creating circles that celebrate the prophetic vision of our traditions, both in attitudes and actions.
According to tradition, the Tent of Abraham, Hagar, and Sarah was open in all four directions, the more easily to share food and water with travelers from anywhere. In that spirit, we welcome all those who thirst and hunger for justice, peace, and dignity to join in celebrating the Tent of Abraham, Hagar and Sarah —
by:
gathering in a way that nurtures the spirit through
circles of personal sharing about our spiritual journey
breaking bread together
respectfully shared worship
the creation of new, common ceremonies and occasions of celebration
the linking of festival time
our rich traditions of singing, dancing and the art
discerning ways the Spirit is calling us to action
supporting each other in strategies that
create local and regional occasions for similar sharing and action
link regional and national celebrations to the festivals and holy days of each others tradition
serve the young, especially those alienated from or indoctrinated by our tradition
seek human rights for all
challenge the forces that undermine democracy and support oppression
For further information about implementing a Tent of Abraham, Hagar and Sarah circle in your area, contact clenchner@theshalomcenter.org
