Finding Hope

by Carrie Diaz-Littauer, Diocese of New Jersey

It feels like I have been here for much more than three days. Hearing women’s stories from Thailand, to North Carolina, to Haiti and Bahrain, I feel surrounded by the needs, hurts, and continued perseverance of women worldwide. While the obstacles and statistics feel insurmountable at times, the presence and honesty of those here this week continue to empower me to hope for change.

Yesterday our delegation had the incredible opportunity to meet with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, and we sought answers and advice on the status of women from a leading faith perspective. She stressed to us the importance of viewing and meeting others “incarnationally”. What would the world be like if we could view our neighbors, our enemies, or the oppressed not as such, but as blessings? As gifts? As fellow human beings that can teach, enrich, and bless our own existence?

This week I have only begun to explore the lamentable realities in societies that have ceased to view and hope in humanity in this way. When societies stop valuing what a young girl might add to the conversation, stop hoping in their potential, or stop searching for the blessings they can offer to the wider society, we find ourselves in the situations of today; where girls do not have access to basic math education, to science and technology, because they are deemed “not worth it”; where children are forced into sex-trafficking and exploitation; where, even in the U.S., young kids are working on farms completely unprotected by law. I grieve for a world which does not value our children enough to give them access to basic rights.

Yet even amidst the difficult statistics and experiences being thrown our way this week, I find hope in the mobilization of faith leaders, activists, women and men, young and old fighting for change. Whether it means distributing plastic whistles in Haiti, telling stories with Thai puppets, meeting in caucuses or for coffee, small waves of change are rippling throughout the world. While I continue to struggle to find my place amongst this change, I am hopeful, grateful, and motivated to be a part of it this week. I continue to be amazed by the blessings in others around me, and continue to ponder the words of the Bishop as they pertain to the status of women and girls.

Dialogue and Compassion: We are All Equal

 by Sarah Markus, Diocese of Northern California

Today was an AMAZING day.  The last two days were all about orientation.  It was information overload and all I could do to just keep my mind open to take it all in.   It was exhausting and exciting as everything was leading up to the day when the UNCSW started session and the “real” excitement was to begin.  The day started early as the various young adult ministries came together to lead morning worship.  It was full of energy and vitality and really set the tone for what was to come later in the day for me.  Our first big event was meeting Cannon Robertson, followed by a wonderful dialogue with the Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori.  I was impressed by the questions my fellow delegates were asking, and amazed at Bishop Katherine’s responses.  The way that she was so present with us in the conversation was very humbling and inspiring.  Being here at the UNCSW, I can’t help but to think that she is a living example of the theme this year.  In the afternoon, we split up to attend different parallel events.  I went to two events today, both of which were very enlightening.  Before the events began though, I was able to take a tour of the Episcopal Church Center and meet a lot of people working there.  The first couple of days here were very technical and I was hoping to understand more about the role of the Episcopal Church specifically.  Meeting people that worked in many of what I would deem the social-service roles within the church was exhilarating.  Everyone we spoke with was not only excited to meet us, but it was obvious they were passionate about the work they do, and how important it was to be able to do it in the context of Christ. 

After the tour, I was able to attend two different parallel events.  The first was on promoting positive masculinity.  It was wonderful to hear so many people willing to engage in conversations about masculinity in ways that was not putting it down.  Being at an event that is here to promote women, I think it is very easy for people to get caught up in the moment and try to encourage women and girls while pointing the finger of blame at men.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to discuss ways to move forward in promoting the positive images we were discussing, and until we move the conversation into action, I fear that we are all just spinning circles.  While I left feeling a little saddened by this thought, I also felt empowered- I am here at the UNCSW!  If I cannot take these conversations and find ways to put them into action in some form or another, I feel that my time here has been wasted.  Yes, it may be enlightening to me, but if I do not share these thoughts, then the advocacy stops and no change will happen.  So much talk of advocacy and being around these women (and men!) who are so impassioned with these causes is giving me much hope. 

The second workshop I attended was called “Follow The Yellow Brick Road : Lessons in Honesty, Empathy, and Self Care.”  I was initially not very excited for this workshop.  Having a degree in psychology and working at a crisis line, I feel as though I understand these items and expected the workshop to be fairly redundant.  What I found instead was a WONDERFULLY engaging presentation about being honest with yourself and your feelings, and how to connect that with other persons.  The presentation was lead by Marion Little and she did such a wonderful job of generating an atmosphere of creativity and engagement.  The examples she used were almost as if she were speaking directly to me- goosebumps were definitely present.  I am very interested in the social services and in the first couple days, I was worried that those would not be addressed as much due to the focus on technology.  The workshop fulfilled that need in me and fed me both in mind and spirit.  The event started with a quote that was really moving.  In summary, it said that Compassion is being able to dethrone yourself from the center of your own world and put someone else there instead.  I think that is a really powerful idea.  Even if we try to help others, if we are unable to tear ourselves away from the self, we cannot fully be present with another person.  I feel as though it relates to the idea of being created in God’s image.  Until we are able to fully recognize Christ in others, we will be unable to forge relationships and create true dialogue with others. 

Perhaps one of the best, and also a bit unexpected aspects of today and this entire experience thus far, is the way that the different generations are coming together in dialogue.  I was at my diocesan convention 2 years ago and I remember a conversation where an older woman told me that she was tired of fighting for equality and it was now my turn to start.  That idea was both exciting and terrifying, as I felt like she was throwing the baton to me and walking off the track.  Here, seeing the intergenerational dialogue taking place, it feels as though other generations are passing the baton, but staying with us to show us the way and it is very encouraging.  I look forward to the rest of the week with optimism as I begin to find ways to take this information back to my community in a concrete way.

Called to Serve

by Brian Romero, Diocese of Long Island

Yesterday during the Ecumenical Women’s orientation at the United Nations Church Center a youth from the Presbyterian Church of USA stood up to share her reflection on the day so far and hosting the session was Rev. Kathleen Stone, Chaplain of the UN church center. Their dialogue was a little something like this: Youth: “I’m afraid I’m going to say something stupid-”, Rev. Kathleen “You will”, Youth: “or offend someone-”, Rev: “You will”, Youth: “I feel guilty of the privilege I have”, Rev: “Good!” These fears of saying something stupid, offending others and the feeling of guilt (along with various other reasons) are what have given birth to our call to serve women all over the globe. Before attending the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women I was aware of my privilege as a man in society (despite my disadvantage as a gay man) but it was not until I was surrounded by these women who have many stories and experiences that I realized I now have this guilt as well. But stronger than the guilt of my privilege as man is my sense of duty to spread the good news of Christ on Earth and the feeling of duty I have to my sisters to speak with (not for) them to promote more opportunities and the advancement of women internationally. During a panel discussion Itang Young, a representative of Church Women United Inc. reminded the audience that Jesus in the Book of Matthew said “I am here to heal the sick”. She then spoke about “the sick” as a metaphor for biologically, psychologically and socially marginalized people which includes women and said that as Christians of many denominations (Episcopal, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist etc.) we are called to participate in the healing of oppressed people worldwide. In the next couple of days we will be attending UNCSW caucus meetings, parallel events and briefings to continue to contribute to the dialogue of this work. The work of continuing this advocacy in the future will be up to us (and we have big shoes to fill) so here we are, 10 young adults forming the Episcopal Young Adult Delegation to the UNCSW. We have been called to serve and help in the healing of the oppressed and so far we’re doing a pretty good job.

Orientation

by Shannon Preston, Diocese of Minnesota

New York didn’t seem like such a big city until it was time to sleep yesterday and there were people and traffic on the streets late into the night (maybe into the morning?).

We spent today at the Orientation for Ecumenical Women, the NGO we will be participating with throughout the week. We arrived to a large room full of women and a few men of multiple generations from all over the world. We began the day with a service which included a beautiful liturgical dance. The morning was broken into three sessions: language, advocacy, and a final reflection on oneness, power, and diversity. In the second part one of the panelists spoke about dialogue not as a methodology but rather an attitude. True dialogue cannot go on if we see ourselves at different levels, as Christians, we cannot share the good news if we think we have power over another.

For the third part I was in a small group with two women from Sierra Leone and another from England.  I learned a lot from our discussion on what histories we do and do not know. The women from Sierra Leone knew very well how their country was related to England and the fact that the Queen may not be coming for Sierra Leone’s upcoming Independence Day. The woman from England wondered why a country once colonized by the English would want to see the Queen and they responded they would like her to be there so she can see the improvements they have made as a country. It was beautiful to be a part of and witness a new understanding through dialogue.  Also, from that conversation and sharing in the large group we discussed how notions on singular identities limit who we truly are and deny our complete and whole humanity.

We had a delicious lunch both in taste and conversation. Every person I have met is so excited, energized, and ready to empower other through sharing and hearing stories. Following lunch we talked more depth about advocacy. This year’s theme at the UNCSW is access and participation of women and girls to education, training, science and technology, including for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. We broke into small groups and looked at different sections in the agreed conclusions that will result from the CSW. We are looking at language and ideas that need to stay or may be missing. The group I was in looked at making science and technology responsive to women’s needs. We went through the six subsections and added a few words and tried to clarify meanings. The intention being we will pass this information on to our member state consultant (I don’t know if that is their real title) which would show up in the final version of the agreed conclusions of the 55^th Commission on the Status of Women.

The orientation ended with an energized service in the Church Center’s chapel complete with tambourines and shakers.

Following some of us in the EYAD went to Time Square to rush tickets for the evening. The holiday weekend sent us another direction but as we walked around Time Square I was not sure if I had ever seen so many beautiful people in one day, all the people at the day’s orientation and so many people in Time Square. I am used to looking at trees, sky, and water but instead was looking at all the different people that were in NYC at that moment.  We ended up going out to dinner and thought I knew my etiquette but froze up a little (as in about one second as the company is quite an enjoyable and non-judgmental bunch, including Michelle who I was so excited to here has hosted a Harry Potter murder mystery party) when I may have sent my knife back too early (this mistake I can only blame myself for), but after having the s’more bread pudding I did not have too many concerns about anything! I hope that we all dream sweetly after that.

Advancement?

by P'tricia Egbert, Diocese of Kentucky

Even though we have only been together for 24 hours, I am filled with ideas about what to discuss about my time with the Episcopal Young Adult Delegation. Today, the EYAD went to the Ecumenical Woman's orientation and our time was filled with discussion, prayer and planning. During our morning liturgy, we discussed the question, who determines advancement? And despite mental time given to this question I am still without an answer...

At the Commission on the Status of Women, it is easy to drown in language. But in my mind, this should have been an easy question. I know the term 'advancement', I know what it means and how to use it. However, despite this knowledge, I can not connect it back to how social advancement is determined. In my mind, it would be a social advancement if all major cities provided easy, accessible and affordable public transit, but I am sure there are people that would disagree with me. 

So while I ponder this question, I invite other to ponder with me. To take a moment and analyze who in our society determines our advancement. Is it people who set public policy? Is it advertisers who tell us that we all need the newest phone to compete with our friends? Who? 

Giving Birth to God

By Shannon Preston, Diocese of Minnesota

The EYAD is now almost here in full force. We arrived from near and far throughout the day. For some this is their first time in NYC while others frequent and even live in the city. We have biologists, teachers, youth ministers, students, but we also all seem to be very excited about being here and getting started at the CSW. It’s only been a day but community is forming quickly.

Our first activity was dinner with the other young adult delegations that will participate with Ecumenical Women. There were young adults from all over the world and we introduced ourselves, had dinner, and then began reflections on the scripture passage we will keep close to us this week: Romans 5:1-6. We discussed its history, theology and how it can be applied to our time at the CSW. It also prompted discussion about self and other, access, and what we boast about as Christians. The passage talks about how faith is our access from suffering to endurance to character to hope. We discussed privilege, and erasing a sense of otherness. My small group talked about our access to bring hope to suffering through our faith and grace from God and hospitality.

Jason asked the last reflection question what we boast can boast about as Christians. On the flight from Minneapolis I sat next to a woman who had a book about the Divine Feminine. We talked about the Divine Feminine and as I looked in her book there was a line from Meister Eckhart, “I must become Mary and give birth to God.” I responded to the group that Christianity can give birth to God. We thought that is something that could/should be boasted about. We discussed how Christianity can often be viewed as negative in communities we may be a part of and how we can bring hope to that as well.

The EYAD reconvened for a closing at our hotel then many of us got subway tickets for the week. Later that evening, a few of us gathered around a table in the Seafarer’s and got to know each other a little, talked about the church and why people don’t attend, what could attract people. There is a wealth of knowledge within our delegation and I look forward to see what our group will learn and respond to the rest of the week. We have a great gift and all bring such beautiful gifts, interests, and stories. We start early tomorrow for an all day orientation with the Ecumenical Women and rest seems like a good thing to try and stay caught up with (it may be easier said than done).

2011 Delegates Arrive

Today the 2011 Episcopal Young Adult Delegation arrives in New York City to participate in the 55th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Gathered from the dioceses of Connecticut, Idaho, Long Island, Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Northern California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Los Angeles, these delegates bring with them a diverse set of experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. They are students and teachers, church workers and secular professionals, newly minted Episcopalians and life long church-goers, and they are all between the ages of 20 and 26.

Their journey to New York is one of hope and adventure. Many of them have never been to New York, most have only limited exposure to the work of the United Nations and the Episcopal Church's commitment and participation in that work. Our hope here is to walk with them in exploring the relationship between their faith and justice on a personal, denominational, and international scale. They will interact with delegates and women of faith from around the world as well as leaders from our own church including Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Canon Chuck Robertson, Co-director of Mission at the Episcopal Church Center Margaret Rose and other Episcopal Church Center staff.

Through exposure, reflection and action these young adults will witness first hand the work being done and the work yet to be done by and behalf of women around the globe. From maternal health to women in the workforce, from domestic violence to the rights of sexual minorities, the course of their New York journeys will depend on their interests and the movement of the Holy Spirit. We invite you to follow along and share this journey with them over the next week. Keep them in your prayers and please post your own thoughts and questions so that we can share this incredible journery as one body.