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“We gain freedom when we tell our own story.” With these words, Reverend Alan Senauke set the tone of inspiration and action at EBHO’s 7th Annual Interfaith Gathering: “Shelter in a Time of Storms: Our Stories Continue” on October 12. Under the vaulted ceiling of the beautiful Islamic Center of Northern California, 120 faith leaders, activists, elected officials, and community members shared stories of resistance, resilience, and persistence in the name of giving voice to the unheard and making the invisible visible. The morning served as a call to action for housing justice, and as a tribute to Reverend Phil Lawson’s seven years directing EBHO’s Interfaith Communities United for Affordable Housing (ICU).
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In the inclusive spirit of ICU, the event opened and closed with blessings from the Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish and Ohlone traditions. Speakers Suzoni Camp, Janny Castillo, Nancy Delaney and Brian Stein-Webber shared their reflections and personal journeys of finding new strength in affordable housing, and of fighting to ensure the same opportunities for others. EBHO Executive Director Amie Fishman reflected on the current “movement moment,” as people rise up for economic justice locally and globally. And Reverend Phil Lawson, who will be retiring from EBHO in December, spoke of ICU’s efforts to turn “swords into plowshares,” including: bringing clergy together from across the East Bay, campaigning for affordable housing at the Concord Naval Weapons Station, creating a national Council of Elders, supporting immigrant rights and economic justice efforts, and encouraging congregations to use their resources, land, and influence to promote affordable housing.
As always, guests enjoyed wonderful food and company, and reported leaving renewed and re-energized. Many signed up to take concrete action, speak to their congregations, or become EBHO members. Ten people pledged to join the Interfaith Communities United advisory committee. Another nine pledged to involve their congregations in Housing Sabbath in May 2012. With the help of many of you in the community, we look forward to continuing interfaith work with Rev. Lawson after his "retirement", and to seeing our interfaith allies at future events. Please join the next meeting of Interfaith Communities United on Wednesday, November 16 from 12 - 2 PM at EBHO; RSVP to Rev. Phil Lawson at phil@ebho.org.
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We thank all those who joined us, as well as our generous sponsors who made the event possible.
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Black Alliance for Just Immigration * Christian Church Homes * EAH
EBASE/Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice * Equal Justice Society
Northern California Interreligious Conference
For more information about EBHO's Interfaith Communities United, contact Reverend Phil Lawson at 510-663-3830 ext. 314 or phil@ebho.org.
EBASE/Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice * Equal Justice Society
Northern California Interreligious Conference
For more information about EBHO's Interfaith Communities United, contact Reverend Phil Lawson at 510-663-3830 ext. 314 or phil@ebho.org.