Welcome to the eighth issue of In the Spirit, a monthly newsletter created to share news of the Charleston Interreligious Council (CIC) and other interfaith events held in Charleston, SC.
April 2021 : Issue 9
Upcoming Events
April 21 at 6pm
The Human Element Screening (virtual)
Interfaith Power & Light
A webinar about what we can do for our planet as stewards of the Earth and how our faith can move us forward. More here. Click here to register.
April 21 at 7pm
Music Sharing Circle (virtual)
Unitarian Church in Charleston
Join Music Director Susan Conant in these fun, interactive music activities on Zoom. More here. Click here for the Zoom link.
April 22 at 9am
Earth Day Litter Cleanup on the West Ashley Greenway/Bikeway
Join Charleston Parks Conservancy, Charleston Waterkeeper, and Keep Charleston Beautiful for a litter cleanup on the West Ashley Bikeway and West Ashley Greenway. More information here.
April 22 at 7pm
Earth Day 2021 with Native American Catholics (virtual)
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
This webinar will focus on the environmental aspect of continuing life on earth with a safe and resilient ecosystem as part of this new normal. More here. Click here to register.
April 29 at 5:15 pm
From Myth to Health (virtual)
Interfaith Parters of SC
Dr. Humna Fayyaz will share with us the most up to date information about vaccines. For more information click here. To register click here
April 25 at 9am-3pm
Save A Life Blood Drive
Grace Cathedral
Responding to the need for lifesaving blood in the Charleston area during COVID-19 pandemic. Appointment times still available!
Please join us for Mugs for Moms, the second annual fundraising event and virtual auction to help raise awareness for Maternal Mental Health. Learn more andRegister here!
May 4 at 7pm
Wisdom from Plum Village (virtual)
Interfaith Parters of SC
Carolyn Dorrell will share and answer questions about her experiences at Plum Village, a global community on engaged Buddhism in southern France founded by Thich Nhat Hanh.Learn more here. Register here!
Check our website for a list of all CIC events, past and future: Programs and Events
Developing a Mindful Approach to Earth Justice Work
by John Bell
Our beloved Mother Earth is hurting, and we humans are the cause of this suffering. There is a growing awareness of the immensity and unprecedented nature of our current situation. Some climate scientists and academics have declared that we are headed toward inevitable social collapse, probable environmental catastrophe, and possible human extinction. This occurs at a time when the world is stressed by racial and social oppression, population growth and overconsumption, an unfair distribution of resources, and an extractive growth economy.
Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh came of age in another time of great suffering, the 1950s and 60s in Vietnam. He is one of the world’s most effective practitioners of what he calls, “socially engaged Buddhism.” His Plum Village tradition was formed in the cauldron of the Vietnam War, where he urged his followers to bring the grounding and peacefulness gained on the meditation cushion out into the villages to help relieve the suffering of a war-torn people, by direct aid, social work, and building schools.
African American Cemeteries Restoration Project- Sat. April 17th Cleanup
80 volunteers on Saturday, April 17th continued the cleanup of the cemeteries of historic Morris Street Baptist Church and Union Baptist Church, as part of the African American Cemeteries Restoration Project, organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gullah Society, and the Office of Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg. Additional volunteers and support for this project have come from the International African American Museum, Preservation Society of Charleston, Charleston Police Department, and Morris Street Baptist Church.
Ever since the beginning of human consciousness, religion has proved to be a fundamental part of human life. Although religion has a diverse history and is still diverse today, many people get stuck in an egocentric way of thinking about religion. It is important to study religion in order to adopt perspectives different from your own and to create a more tolerant society.
Christianity is and has been the majority religion in the United States. Because of this, many laws had been made in favor of Christian views. Gay marriage was illegal. Abortion is still an ongoing debate. Even for the Pledge of allegiance, we say “One nation, under God.” This is not fair to those that do not have the same beliefs. If America is a melting pot, then why does it not always accommodate people of different religious backgrounds? Click here to keep reading...
A Call to Action: Making the SC Hate Crimes Bill a Reality
With dramatic unanimity, the sacred scriptures of diverse religious traditions vehemently condemn hate; it is neither a religious nor an American value. Hate violence is an aggressive expression of prejudice against another person or group of people simply because of who they are, or who they are perceived to be. A crime that is motivated by hatred and prejudice tears apart the lives not only of the individuals who are targeted, but of the larger group they represent. Hate crimes harm the society by making entire communities feel isolated, vulnerable and unprotected. Everyone should feel safe in their community, no matter who they are or how they worship, here in SC and everywhere.
Reverend DeMett Jenkins joined the Charleston Interreligious Council Board of Trustees in March of last year. A native Charlestonian and granddaughter of community activist, civil rights leader and businessman Esau Jenkins, Reverend Jenkins brings a deep awareness and understanding of Charleston’s history, faith, beauty and challenges. She is a member of Royal Missionary Baptist Church and currently serves as the Lilly Director of Education and Engagement for Faith-Based Communities at the International African American Museum. She earned her degree in criminal justice from South Carolina State University and holds a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, Virginia. Her MDiv focus was on Pastoral Care and Counseling. She brings a plethora of experiences, knowledge, and awareness and we are honored she is on the CIC Board.
Volunteer opportunities in the community
Earth Day Litter Cleanup on the West Ashley Greenway
April 22, 2021 / West Ashley Greenway/Bikeway
Join Charleston Parks Conservancy, Charleston Waterkeeper, and Keep Charleston Beautiful for a litter cleanup on the West Ashley Bikeway and West Ashley Greenway.
Details, including location, will be sent after registration.
Lowcountry Food Bank
The Lowcountry Food Bank aims to end hunger in 10 coastal S.C. counties through distribution centers, one of which is in Charleston. They focus on childhood hunger, senior hunger, nutrition education, produce initiatives, etc.. They have volunteer opportunities weekly. To learn more about how you can get involved click here.
Peace among religions is a precondition for world peace.--- Swami Agnivesh
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The Charleston Interreligious Council (formerly the Christian Jewish Council of Greater Charleston) is an organization that seeks to build bridges of understanding to promote sensitivity, tolerance, respect, and fellowship among religious groups.