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Representing a number of Roanoke interfaith, civic, and 'creative' groups attending a recent seminar featuring guest lecturer Dr. Doug Bailey of Wake Forest University's School of Divinity, participants of a "Next Step Follow-up" meeting announced the creation of a new blog site. As a recognized authority and Founder of the Center for Urban Ministry, Dr. Bailey emphasized the importance of three components in vitally shaping the city's 'soul'. The first of these entails Presence as an 'indwelling of Spirit', the second Prayer, in respect to divine leading and the third Peace, as a natural attestation of this relational process.
Representing a number of Roanoke interfaith, civic, and 'creative' groups attending a recent seminar featuring guest lecturer Dr. Doug Bailey of Wake Forest University's School of Divinity, participants of a "Next Step Follow-up" meeting announced the creation of a new blog site. As a recognized authority and Founder of the Center for Urban Ministry, Dr. Bailey emphasized the importance of three components in vitally shaping the city's 'soul'. The first of these entails Presence as an 'indwelling of Spirit', the second Prayer, in respect to divine leading and the third Peace, as a natural attestation of this relational process.
"Our churches are largely co-opted by an American folk Christianity, based on a nationalistic, prosperity theology. There is hardly a distinction any longer between the church and popular culture. The slide into a consumer church mentality versus the servant church has been steep in the recent decades." excerpt from "An Interview with Doug Bailey"
With more than forty in attendance, group members reflected a diverse spectrum spanning the religious, civic and cultural identities that comprise Roanoke's populace. Consequently, the recognized need to sustain connection, communication, collaboration and celebration amongst community members was the inspiration for initiating the 'City of Peace' blog site.
Visitors are invited to take a minute or two to register as a 'Follower', and further encouraged to offer comments expressing constructive ideas or questions.
Visitors are invited to take a minute or two to register as a 'Follower', and further encouraged to offer comments expressing constructive ideas or questions.
I agree with the Rev. Bailey. I would add that the church seems to have lost its prophetic ministry as well, being cooped by the idol of nationalism as well as the consumerist culture. During the 2008 the Rev Jeremiah Wright was excoriated by the media for his "God damn America" sermonizing but at the time I thought that he had hit the nail on the head. I've just returned from a social justice pilgrimage to El Salvador where I learned a great deal about how our tax dollars have been used to support rich oligarchies at the expense of the poor, and this kind of foreign policy is still in place and represented by our occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The church should take a stand against injustice, and in favor of creation care, as our government is doing nothing about our enormous carbon footprint that is affecting the health of the entire planet. Michael Bentley, EdD
ReplyDeleteThanks for articulating your thoughts for us Michael. You've done a masterful job of reflecting the broader orienting perspective that's encapsulated here at 'City of Peace'.
ReplyDeleteIt would seem the challenge before us, especially in relation to our young, entails dedicating ourselves to the work and fruition of 'sustainable futures'.