Friday, December 30, 2011

On Economic Justice, Occupying the Rose Parade and God's Preferential Option


It's been interesting timing to have a conversation on the House of Bishops/Deputies listserve about issues of economic justice happening while we're sitting here in Pasadena in the middle of the "Occupy the Rose Parade" thing.

There's been lots of back-and-forth about God's "preferential option for the poor" (as described by liberation theologians) ... leading me to wonder if another description of the biblical narrative might arguably be "God's preferential option for people relentlessly confronting our preferential option for greed."

All of which brings me back to the Occupy the Rose Parade thing and how the Occupy Movement has continued to keep that challenge to choose people over greed (AKA the 99% vs. the 1%) in the forefront of the national discourse.

One question I've gotten from a variety of sources is "What is the All Saints Church “position” on the Occupy Movement in general and Occupy the Rose Parade in specific?" I'm glad you asked:
• While All Saints Church has not officially "endorsed" the Occupy Movement, we share concerns about many of the same policy issues, particularly economic inequity and nonviolence.

• We are proud to be part of this great City of Pasadena which is modeling for the nation how to provide a platform for both beloved American traditions like the Rose Parade and core American values like the free exercise of First Amendment rights.

• It is part of the DNA of All Saints Church to be a headlight rather than a tail light on issues of social justice and speaking out and standing up for social and economic change is absolutely in alignment with our core values of God’s love, justice and compassion.

• What we bring to the ongoing national conversation about economic and social justice is our commitment to both God’s dream of a human race turned into a human family and to the American dream of liberty and justice for all.
Finally, here's the press advisory (incorporating the above-referenced message points) we sent out about the “New Year's Day People's Summit” being held at All Saints Church on January 1:

On Sunday, January 1, 2012, All Saints Church welcomes the “New Year's Day People's Summit” – a faith-based forum on economic & social justice. The event will include a teach-in style conversation focused on the U.S. foreclosure crisis and the role of faith-based action in creating social and economic change.

“I am pleased to begin the New Year with this opportunity to offer hospitality to those coming to Pasadena to have a real conversation on economic justice and reclaiming the American Dream for all,” said All Saints rector Ed Bacon

“We are so very proud to be part of this great City of Pasadena which is modeling for the nation how to provide a platform for both beloved American traditions like the Rose Parade and core American values like the free exercise of First Amendment rights represented by the Occupy Movement,” said Bacon. “What All Saints Church brings to the ongoing national conversation about economic and social justice is our commitment to both God’s dream of a human race turned into a human family and to the American dream of liberty and justice for all.”

It is part of the DNA of All Saints Church to be a headlight rather than a tail light on issues of social justice and so speaking out and standing up for social and economic change is absolutely in alignment with our core values of God’s love, justice and compassion. And while All Saints Church has not officially endorsed the Occupy Movement, many of the same policy issues at the center of the movement – particularly economic inequity and a commitment to nonviolence – are of deep concern to the members of the All Saints community.

Participants in the People’s Summit will include organizers from the Occupy Movement, interfaith leaders and a broad cross section of members of the peace & justice community. All Saints clergy Ed Bacon and Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis will participate along with other interfaith leaders. Peter Laarman in his role as a leader of an interfaith group, “Occupy LA Sanctuary,” is coordinating the program which will be held on January 1st from 3-6 p.m at All Saints Church, 132 North Euclid Avenue, Pasadena CA 91101.

For more information contact:
Keith Holeman, Communication Director
kholeman@allsaints-pas.org or 310.430.9412.

4 comments:

Pamela Reamer Williams said...

So cool! Thanks for speaking up and out.

D. Jonathan said...

There will be a presence from Wisconsin--protesting our governor. Look for it!

pasadenapio said...

We're trusting that the Occupy people will not disrupt the parade in any manner. Whether anyone wants to accept it or not, the Rose Parade is an exciting civic event that includes very few corporations. Of the nearly 100 entries, most are high school marching bands from all over the world, equestrian units, and floats sponsored by cities and non-profit organizations. There are 14 (I think) corporations represented, all of which create jobs that stimulate local economies and provide foundation dollars to deserving non-profits. I get it that the Occupy movement wants to use the Rose Parade as a gigantic stage for their agenda, and God bless free speech. I'm just asking for everyone to show respect to the 700,000 people who line the parade route, thousands who participate in the parade and hundreds of millions who watch it on TV -- all because they love this event. (Thanks for listening!)

SUSAN RUSSELL said...

Thanks so much for this, "pasadenapio" ... and the commitment on the OTRP website -- "OTRP's actions will be completely Peaceful, Nonviolent and Respectful of Pasadena's Iconic tradition. Occupy will have 50 self-policing "peacekeepers" in bright lime green "99%" vests" -- is an encouragment that Monday will be yet-another day to be proud to be part of the great City of Pasadena making room for both floats and free speech down Colorado Boulevard!