We are gathering again to promote harmony among women who are
associated with the various Swedenborgian organizations around the world. We
acknowledge our common beliefs, explore our differences, develop respect for one
another’s contributions, create a healing atmosphere, and celebrate our spiritual
sisterhood. We promote charity and goodwill so we might say, “No matter what
form her doctrine and external form of worship take, this is my sister; I observe that
she worships the Lord and is a good woman.”
This mission statement surely reflects the heart of all New Church
organizations, or could do so. Surely the Writings over and over again speak
of the necessity for goodwill to be at the heart of all religions and this is what
unites people. When faith is at the heart then people are divided and at odds.
The schedule consisted of three workshop slots over the course of the
weekend, with several to choose from each time. The first evening focused on
the foremothers of the organizations with their varied accomplishments, with
the speakers actually dressing up as the person they were telling us about: very
impressive! It really gave us a feel for these women and the struggles they must
have encountered as well as the joy.
Friday morning consisted of brief reports from women who are fruitful
in their branch of the Swedenborgian churches. In the evening we had a guest
speaker, who told us about the early church in Cincinnati, which started in
1811. Friday’s workshops covered quests for a fulfilling spiritual life, music
for the soul, Logopraxis, the apostle Paul and freeing the captive spirits (those
who are victims of abuse).
Saturday’s workshops covered future growth and uses with a new
understanding of gender, the second half of Logopraxis and some ideas for
evangelization. In the afternoon we had a visit to the National Underground
Railroad Freedom Center for those who wished to go. This writer had a
tough time with it: the pain of seeing the huge number of enslaved people
represented, who were ripped away from their homes and cultures to become
slaves for the greedy plantation owners. Many slaves of course died on the way
here. And slavery is not just a thing of the past: it is also here today, for those
who have been made sex slaves, etc., and forced into living a nightmare.
I was able to take some comfort in knowing God and the angels were
working hard to help them, even as I shuddered to imagine what they all
go through when they realize what is happening. It was a vivid reminder of
people’s inhumanity to others.
Sunday took us to the beautiful Glendale church, with an inspiring service
led by seminarian Shada Sullivan. The Rev. Clark Echols welcomed us and
we enjoyed lunch there afterwards.
What I cannot share with you all through the written word is the amazing
sphere and friendship that develops over the course of the long weekend. No
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