During our discussion, we shared ideas and aspirations for our new group. It was agreed that, during the initial few months, it would be appropriate to invite other members of our local congregation to discuss and reflect on matters of peace and justice from a Christian perspective in general and an Episcopalian perspective in particular. However, it was also agree that our group should become more action-oriented as soon as possible.
The following proposals were discussed:
Film Screenings and Discussions – These could take at least two different forms: community events sponsored by our grou or smaller, private screenings and discussions.
Feast Day Programming – It was suggested that we might introduce the members of our congregation to peace and justice issues by explicitly connecting our discussions to the history and liturgy of the Church. Feast day educational programs, which would highlight the work of individuals who have been recognized by the Church for their devotion to matters of social justice issues. For example, Frances Joseph-Gaudet was a devoted Episcopalian and a prison reformer, who is honored on Monday, December 30. A feast day program might involve an introduction and summary of her life and work, and then a discussion of problems with our own prison system(s). Other feast days which might serve as occasions for such programs in the upcoming year include Florence Li Tim-Oi (first female ordained to the priesthood; January 24); Anna Julia Haywood Cooper (African-American educator and feminist; February 28); Vida Dutton Scudder (a labor rights and social welfare activist; October 10).
Community Engagement – It was agreed that we should involve ourselves in the affairs of our local parish neighborhood. The City of Dubuque’s Office of Human Rights offers intercultural competency training and speakers for community organizations. We could consider taking advantage of these services. The Catholic Workers at Hope House, which is located near our parish house, may have a sense of what needs could be filled in our neighborhood.
We agreed that participation/membership in the group would be open to anyone who shared the group’s goals, regardless of religious affiliation, denomination, or location. Members are encouraged to forward information about our meeting(s) and invitations to any interested parties. Parishioners of other area churches may be particularly interested in becoming involved.
Meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Hence, our next meeting will be October 8th in the St. John's Parish House Library.
