Uniting with the demands of the poor

Latest

“Three words to describe how we keep our love strong while homeless: We got each other—when it’s cold at night at least we have each other to keep us warm,” said New York and his wife, Cat. The couple previously lived in “The Jungle,” the largest homeless encampment in the US, which was destroyed by the city of San Jose. PHOTO/SILICON VALLEY DE-BUG
“Three words to describe how we keep our love strong while homeless: We got each other—when it’s cold at night at least we have each other to keep us warm,” said New York and his wife, Cat. The couple previously lived in “The Jungle,” the largest homeless encampment in the US, which was destroyed by the city of San Jose.
PHOTO/SILICON VALLEY DE-BUG

 
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — At the US Social Forum in Philly, one of the gatherings was a People’s Movement Assembly that centered on the importance of Faith and it’s intersection with Justice. It happened on the heels of Spiritual gatherings and workshops at the Social Forum.
One of those workshops, that I conducted, on “Solidarity with Movements of the Poor,” particularly around the idea of Liberation Theology, was among several, that informed our discussion on the last day of the US Social Forum. Though a small crowd in attendance, it was a very committed and excited group of people, ready to promote change from the bottom up. It included both lay leadership and clergy. Several ideas came from this group to further promote the creation of the new world that is necessary.
Some of the discussion focused on the Pope’s Encyclical on the Environment and Poverty, and his impending visit to Philadelphia. There was also discussion about the role Faith must play in uniting with the dispossessed class of the Poor, and the necessity of being informed and led by this class. And, that all the sacred texts of the various faiths reflect this understanding. Further, there was an understanding that Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, Temples, and other places of worship, should also be centers for organizing and uniting with the demands of the poor.
It is also significant that emphasis was placed on the role that arts and culture must play. Among this small group were artists and performers that suggested the Biblical references of musicians leading the oppressed into struggle was an important function of Social Change. One group represented called, “Carnival de Resistance,” a production of Holy Fool Arts, travels around the country as a Carnival, Village, and School for Cultural Transformation (www.carnivalderesistance.com). This group is one method of Social Transformation that the Interfaith group is considering utilizing.
We also discussed community gardens, alternative economies, and human rights approaches to social change. In the end, we determined to continue dialogue, networking, sharing readings, and resources ideas. We also determined to approach all of work with a solidarity model in mind, seeking direction, input, and leadership from the class of the poor. We also came out with an understanding that we are living in a revolutionary time and that all efforts must be centered and focused in local, regional, national, and international fields of struggle. And, that Spiritual practice is vital to this growing and ongoing struggle and movement.

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Watch BORDERLAND | The Line Within for FREE

View the new film that indicts the U.S. Immigration system, "Borderland: The Line Within" for free until March 31 at 7pm Eastern. A National Immigrant Solidarity Rally will be held online on that date.

Stopping the Coup is Just the Start of a Bigger Fight

People want a society that takes care of everyone. The billionaires and corporations who run the U.S. need a dictatorship to control people while they loot the public treasury, slash and privatize public programs and cut jobs.

Trump Order Is Message to Workers to ‘Fall in Line or Else’

Trump's latest executive order seeks to strip the collective bargaining rights from federal government workers, threatening workers, unions, freedom of speech.

A Love Letter to Altadena

Our elected officials seem unable or unwilling to keep the financial vultures out of Altadena. We can only win if we fight together to ensure our future.

The Urgency of Unity to Tackle Climate Destroyers

As thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to the negative effects of global warming, Trump is doubling down on opening new leases to fossil fuel corporations.

More from the People's Tribune