Kelley: A Safe Place For All in an Unsafe World

The Rev. Kelley Becker

Bloomington First Christian Church

While attending the NIOT 20th anniversary celebration Tuesday night, I shared with a friend that I was thinking about the community events I have been part of in the last two days and how they are all connected. My friend reminded me that writing about these experiences might be a great way to process them. So, here are some thoughts as I initially process the last couple of days.

The Rev. John Libert and Imam Abu Emad were among Twin Cities spiritual leaders who dedicated Tuesday's NIOTBN 20th anniversary celebration.

On Monday night, I attended the 2016 LGBTQ Spirituality Forum, sponsored by the Prairie Pride Coalition. It was a moving experience to hear ministry colleagues speak words of welcome to members of the LGBTQ community gathered there. The faith communities represented were First Christian Church, New Covenant Community Church, Hope Church, Unitarian Universalist, Moses Montefiore Temple, and Illinois Wesleyan’s Evelyn Chapel. These communities have stated publicly that they are safe, welcoming, inclusive places for members of the LGBTQ community…and all of God’s people.

A block off the Old Courthouse square, The Bistro -- a social center of activity for the Twin Cities' LGBT community -- offers a message of strength in the wake of the Orlando tragedy.

One of the questions asked of the panel was, “Are there other faith communities in Bloomington-Normal that are welcoming of the LGBTQ community and if so, who are they?” That question opened the door for a conversation about the differences between welcoming people to attend versus welcoming people to be who they were created to be by participating fully in the life of the faith community. The Reverend Elyse Nelson Winger from IWU challenged us, as clergy, to encourage our colleagues to publicly support and fully welcome everyone, specifically the LGBTQ community. She said, “Now is the time…actually, it has been time for a long while, but now is really the time.” She is right. It is time. If you represent God, welcome and embrace all of God’s people. Now.

Following that event, on Tuesday I participated in Beyond the Rainbow: Build Your Strength as an Ally for LGBTQ Youth training event, sponsored by Project Oz. Gathered there were teachers, social workers, crisis team members, and even a few ministers. We heard stories of people who have been deeply hurt because they have been designated the “other” by pockets of our community, one pocket being some faith communities. We learned new language, new ways to listen, and new ways to be allies to the young people in the LGBTQ community.

I was struck again by the importance of Elyse’s words. After hearing, again, the damage religion and other aspects of our culture are doing to the young people of the LGBTQ community and being reminded, again, of my own privilege, I am more committed than ever to leading in ways that breathe life and hope into my brothers and sisters of all faith traditions, gender identities, sexual orientations, skin colors, and abilities. When we, as leaders, are silent, we send a powerful message of apathy and exclusion. When we exclude anyone from our community, the community is less than it could be. We are better when we include and welcome. God created diversity on purpose. It is time we fully embrace this gift from God.

Finally, I had the privilege of welcoming my colleagues from Moses Montefiore Temple, the United Church of Christ, Masjid Ibrahim mosque and the Hindu Temple as they blessed the NIOT anniversary event last night. I was moved, first of all, that they said, “Yes,” when I asked them to participate in this event. And second, their words of welcome and community resonated deep in my soul. I thought to myself…we all want the same things. We want to experience sacredness in our community, and in each other, every day. We all want a place to belong…a place of safety.

And then Tuesday night, after a long day, I learned of the act of terrorism in Istanbul. I remembered anew that the glimmers of hope I have experienced in our community the last couple of days need to be more than glimmers. They need to be sparks that ignite a passion for justice and peace, not just in Bloomington-Normal, but all over the world.

Friends, the world is not as it was intended to be. We must continue our work toward wholeness in a world that is, in many places and ways, so broken. Let us do this work together, healing the pieces one heart at a time. Shalom.

Moses Montefiore Opens Doors to Open Minds

Bloomington First Christian Church Rev. Kelley Becker with Rabbi Dubowe.

Bloomington’s Jewish community has deep roots that have nurtured local leadership and prosperity. The spiritual leader of the Twin Cities’ sole synagogue is encouraged by the Cities’ modern spirit of interfaith outreach and committed to helping educate her members in living as “a Jew and an American.”

Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe, who sang with and fielded questions at Moses Montefiore Congregation’s Sunday community open house, noted the event was the latest in a series of open houses which also have exposed local residents to Islamic and Hindu traditions and beliefs.

Dubowe participated in a December interfaith rally/vigil at the Old Courthouse in Bloomington, along with Christians, Muslims, and Hindus. That event was aimed in part at countering mounting Islamophobia heightened by presidential campaign rhetoric.

“There are still people today who unfortunately have a lack of understanding or perhaps a lack of compassion in recognizing that we do have neighbors who have a different background, a different faith, or even a different culture,” said Dubowe, who has been with Moses Montefiore for roughly a year.

“We need to really continue to teach that lesson – reinforcing respect for our difference. We do have much in common, more than people might now. . . We value the concept of compassion; we value the concept of education.”  

Moses Montefiore is a Reform Jewish congregation more “progressive” than Conservative or Orthodox synagogues. Previously, the general public has visited the temple primarily during its annual Food Fair, when brown bag corned beef sandwiches are served or delivered to hundreds of Twin Citians.

Dubowe sees a strong, firmly established local Jewish presence “that is very active in the community,” and is encouraged by her community’s commitment to leadership and social justice and a lack of anti-Semitic sentiment in Bloomington/Normal.

At the same time, she emphasizes the need to educate and instill “a confident sense of identity” particularly in younger Jews and, in a currently challenging domestic religious and political environment and turbulent international times, to assure her congregants “it is possible for them to live as a Jew and an American at the same time.”

“Even within the Jewish community, there are wide differences of opinion about how America should be,” the rabbi noted. “However, we feel very strongly that everyone has the right to practice their religion in any way possible. We do have a great sense of pride in who we are, but understanding that we do live in a small town, we are the only Jewish synagogue here, and we do feel that it’s important to support the synagogue.”  

Twin Citians Explore Hindu Faith, Culture

Twin Citians continued their exploration of area's diverse cultures over the weekend during an open house at the Hindu Temple of Bloomington-Normal.

The event was part of Not In Our Town's efforts to offer Twin City residents ways to learn about different beliefs through local interfaith programs and open houses. NIOTBN Vice Chairman for PR and Marketing Archana Shekara is president of the McLean County Indian Association, and represented MCIA as well at Illinois State University's 45th Annual International Fair.

A similar open house Feb. 6 at Masjid Ibrahim in Bloomington drew about 100 people wanting to learn more about Islam from their Muslim neighbors.

The International Fair meanwhile provided the Bloomington-Normal community a showcase of food, music, entertainment, and traditional, cultural clothing from around the world. Student groups and community organizations hosted country- and region-specific displays, and booths, which featured a variety of clothing, art, and cultural artifacts.

Performances of traditional music and dance took place on the main stage from student and community performers. Visitors sampled and purchased ethnic foods and snacks prepared by international students, local restaurants, and community members.

Open House/Open Schools

Hindu Temple of Bloomington Normal is hosting a March 19 community event for all Bloomington-Normal residents, to help promote Not in our Town: Bloomington/Normal faith and outreach efforts.  Attendees will have the opportunity to see the temple sanctum, learn about Sanatana Dharma – Hinduism - "and get a better sense about Hindus," temple President Chetan Desai said. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at 1815 Tullamore Avenue, Bloomington. As seating is limited, visitors are asked to RSVP at http://goo.gl/forms/qEZtKioea1.

Meanwhile, McLean County Diversity Project Veteran Scholar Aishwarya Shekara -- daughter of Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal Steering Committee member and Hindu community leader/McLean County India Association President Archana Shekara -- shared her experiences working to create a Not In Our School organization at Normal Community High School, in the latest Diversity Project newsletter:

"In case you don’t know me, my name is Aishwarya Shekara, I am sixteen years young, and I am a junior at Normal Community High School. I am sixteen years young. Yes, if you read that correctly, I am not old. I have not experienced life at its fullest, I have not endured heartbreak, struggle, or poverty. But, I have felt hope. Hope so great for our small town, our diverse nation, and our ever changing world.

 In October, tennis season was coming to end, and I was looking forward to binge watching Netflix and catching up with friends. I still hadn’t chosen a project for Diversity and the decision was looming over me. This was the first time since 7th grade I had no project, no ideas, nothing that would get me on the trip! My guess is (Diversity Project Director) Jeff Schwartz used his Ozark/Salem/Ceil witch magic (do we even know what that means?) to decipher my need of a project. He approached me and asked if I had heard of Not In Our School (NIOS). I said yes, because my mom had mentioned it. So, Jeff told me to contact (NIOTBN Education Chairman Camille Taylor), and we all decided to meet at Barnes and Noble. My comrade and fellow Diversity Project Scholar, Kavya, was there as well, and we discussed and brainstormed ways to start a NIOS club in Normal Community. I left the meeting feeling inspired, and hopeful that I could make a change in my high school.

I want to thank Jeff and Camille for sitting down with Kavya and I that day. Without your belief in us, NIOS wouldn’t exist in NCHS. I never would have met so many amazing people from Not in Our Town, and the community. I want to thank you guys so much for all your support and blessings. No thank you will ever be enough;  NIOS has given me hope for students that we can change the world by solving everyday issues at school.

 Starting the club was easier said than done. Kavya and I faced several dilemmas, but we never gave up. We want NCHS to support intolerance, anti- bullying, and end racism. Our goal is to make the school a more inclusive environment that supports the entire student body.

I think we're getting there.

With the help of our esteemed advisor Mr. Kelly Keogh, Normal Community’s Not in Our School had its first official meeting in the first week of February. The very next week we organized an event called Operation Beautiful for Valentine's Day. Operation Beautiful reminds students that they are important through compliments and nice words. Our goal was to write a compliment on a sticky note for every locker. There are approximately 2000 lockers at Normal Community! Through the help of NIOS students from Normal West, Future Business Leaders of America members, and Culture Club, we finished writing and putting up the sticky notes in an hour! I thought it was a miracle we finished at 3:45! I expected to stay until 5:00, but with the help and support from so many amazing people, we made every student smile the next day.

As I strolled down the hallways after all the sticky notes were put up, I took a moment to document this image in my memory. I have volunteered in the past, but this was different. This was something beautiful. I was part of something beautiful, something that would make a stranger smile, something that would remind students that they are loved and cared for at our school. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much in my life or felt true happiness until that day.

So when asked about my life and experiences, I say this: I have faced no real hardships, heartbreak, or pain. But I am lucky to enough to have felt hope and happiness. Serving Not In Our School has given happiness I will never forget, and hope that our future will be a better place if we choose to make it one."

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Hindu Temple to Host March 19 Open House

Hindu Temple of Bloomington Normal, is hosting a March 19 community event for all Bloomington-Normal residents, to help promote Not in our Town: Bloomington/Normal faith and outreach efforts.  

"Attendees will have the opportunity to see the temple sanctum, learn about Sanatana Dharma – Hinduism -- and get a better sense about Hindus," temple President Chetan Desai said. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at 1815 Tullamore Avenue, Bloomington.

As seating is limited, visitors are asked to RSVP at http://goo.gl/forms/qEZtKioea1
We hope that you can join us. 

The open house follows on the heels of a similar event at the Masjid Ibrahim mosque, and will include:
 

3–3:20 p.m.: Welcome address; Vedic chant in Sanskritam

3:20–4:15 p.m.: Overview, Philosophy, and Modern-Day Context of Sanatana Dharma

4:20–4:40 p.m.: Q&A

4:40–5 p.m.: Refreshments

IWU Examines Interfaith Understanding With Film, Patel

Words with Gods, which premiered at the 2014 Chicago International Film Festival, is a unique and beautiful film that explores “the relationship between different cultures and religion." It airs at 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at Illinois Wesleyan University's Hansen Student Center.

Eboo Patel

 "Aboriginal Spirituality, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto Buddhism, Orthodox Christianity, Umbanda, Hinduism, as well as Atheism find their expression in this two-hour film,” the film's promotion states. Words with Gods is based on a concept by Guillermo Arriaga with nine episodes directed by him and eight other directors. The music was written and performed by Peter Gabriel.

This event is part of the 3D series and sponsored by Evelyn Chapel and the Multifaith Ambassador Program. For more information, email University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger at enelsonw@iwu.edu and visit www.wordswithgods.com.

Meanwhile, Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith Youth Core, is set to visit IWU on Feb. 17. A Rhodes scholar with a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, Patel has four honorary degrees. His autobiography is required freshman reading on 11 college campuses., and he runs the nonprofit Interfaith Youth Core with 31 employees and an annual budget of $4 million.

Interfaith Rally to Show Unity, Promote Freedom

Lenore Sobota

The Pantagraph

Amid anti-Islamic rhetoric elsewhere in the country, the anti-discrimination group Not In Our Town hopes to bring people together Wednesday in an interfaith show of solidarity.

The event, at 6 p.m., is planned for the east side of the McLean County Museum of History downtown — the same side where the World War II memorial refers to the “four freedoms” outlined by former President Franklin Roosevelt, including “freedom of worship” and “freedom from fear.”

The Rev. Kelley Becker of First Christian Church, Bloomington, a co-sponsor of the event, said much of the reaction in the wake of attacks in Paris and California is based on fear.

“Fear is so powerful,” Becker said. “We believe love is more powerful than fear.”

The purpose of the event to show “our Islamic brothers and sisters” that “this community is a safe, welcoming place.”

In announcing the event, organizers encouraged people of all faiths or of no particular faith to stand together to show that stereotyping of groups is not acceptable in the Twin Cities.

Other co-sponsors include New Covenant Community, the Presbytery of Great Rivers interfaith group and the Moses Montefiore Temple, in collaboration with the Islamic Center of Bloomington-Normal and Masjid Ibrahim Mosque.

Mike Matejka, a member of Not In Our Town since it began 20 years ago in Bloomington-Normal, said, “Every movement, group, religion has extremists in it. That doesn't mean that every follower of that movement or religion is an extremist.”

He said Wednesday's event is an opportunity to take a stand and let the local Islamic community know “we're not going to fall into the trap of hatefulness.”

In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place at Major Hall, First Christian Church, 401 W. Jefferson St., Bloomington.

But Becker is hopeful the event can stay outside.

“The idea of coming together in full view of the entire community is a good thing,” she said.

In addition to representatives from various faiths saying a few words, those gathered will also light candles, said Becker, adding, "Lighting candles is so much a part of many faith traditions.”

Matejka acknowledged that some people think the efforts of Not In Our Town, such as posting anti-racism signs, are superficial.

But Matejka said, “It's important that publicly we reinforce those stances, that we're a community that works hard not to just tolerate, but to celebrate our diversity.”

Archana: Festival of Lights Illuminates Life, Relationships

Archana Shekara

Oil lamps used in Deepavali celebrations are lit in earthenware pots. People do use candles but oil lamps are usually preferred.

Deepavali or Diwali is the Hindu festival celebrating the return of Lord Rama to his capital city Ayodhya. People welcomed the king's return by decorating their homes with Rangoli (intricate patterns on the floor) and rows of lights. Deepavali means a row of light or series of light..

Deepavali falls on October or November depending on the Lunar calendar. A few Hindus celebrate the festival as their new year. The lightening of the lamp during the new moon day symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance from our lives and welcoming light and prosperity. The hymn or shloka is chanted along with shanthi (peace) mantra:

Aum asato ma sadgamaya

Tamasoma jyothir gamaya

Mrtyomamrtam gamaya

Aum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi hi

Lead us from the unreal to real

Lead us from darkness to light

Lead us from death to immortality

Aum peace, peace, peace!

The festival is celebrated for five or three days. In north India it is celebrated for five days. The first day is Dhantheras where Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu is worshiped for good health, love and prosperity. The second day is celebrated as Naraka chathurdasi. Lord Krishna (avatar of Lord Vishnu) liberated 16,000 women who were kidnapped by king Narakasura. People celebrate the day to mark liberation of soul reaching the divine. The third day is New moon and is Deepavali. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama (avatar of Lord Vishnu), his consort Seeta and his brother Lakshmana along with his greatest devotee Hanuman to Ayodhya the capital city of Khosala. On this day, Goddess DhanaLakshmi is worshipped for wealth and prosperity. The fourth day is Bali Padyami which commemorates the return of king Bali to Earth. King Bali was sent to the underworld or Pataala Loka by Lord Vamana (avatar of Lord Vishnu) to rule the underworld. King Bali was a great devotee and a generous donor who donated the entire Earth, Sky (ether) and finally himself (surrendering oneself) to the Lord. The last day is Bhai Dooj which celebrates the bonding between brothers and sisters.

During Deepavali, friends and families get together to celebrate the festival. The festival is celebrated in the evening with lightning of lamps and fireworks. Traditional Indian vegetarian dishes and sweets are exchanged as people celebrate the festival collectively.