Nov 1, 2015.
Dear URI Multiregion,
I would like to share a few things from the Parliament of the World's Religions.
1. URI showed up in many meaningful ways. So many wonderful people who came from our GC, our Indigenous members, our staff, and members--URI's diversity added so much to the Parliament. Our gracious hospitality suite and reception offered space and opportunity for so many exchanges! Thank you to all who planned for this space and who helped throughout the Parliament. GREAT JOB!!
2. URI had many presentations and workshops. The Women's Silent Prayer Walk was very powerful and lead by URI women. Special thanks go to Elana Rozenman and her team from Israel, Despina Namwembe from Uganda, Potre Diampuan from the Philippines and Sr.Sabina Rifat from Pakistan.
3. The two part workshop on Healing Hearts at Wounded Knee touched me deeply. The presenters gave background, personal stories, scientific research on the passing down of traumas to subsequent generations and the importance of healing and the essential part that ritual can play in healing the traumas.
*Chief Arvol Looking Horse opened both days. He rides on horseback to Wounded Knee each year in Dec to arrive at Wounded Knee for the annual commemoration. Dec 29, 2015 will be the 25th Anniversary Ride and the 125th year since the massacre.
*Audri Scott Williams gave moving testimony and shared her URI work so powerfully. Thank you Audri!
*Saniel Bonder beautifully shared the scientific work on trauma and the physical and spiritual connections.
*Jean Fleury, discussed the Global Wide Sacred Ceremony that will take place on Deb 29 at noon local time to pray and be in sacred space. "Together let us honor all who have fallen not only at Wounded Knee, but all of our beloved ancestors who have fallen throughout the millennia of global conflict."
*Stephen Dinan connected The Shift Network to the Dec 29 global call to action!
Everyone is inviterd to sign the Pledge: http://healingheartsatwoundedknee.com/global/pledge/
To honor the endless lineage of our Ancestors & Relatives who have sacrificed their lives in war, violence and massacre; we pledge to End Massacre; We pledge to End Genocide; we pledge to End Racism, we pledge to End War.
May Peace Prevail on Earth,
Monica
Monica Willard
URI United Nations Representative
International Day of Peace (September 21)
NGO Committee, Co-chair