Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Floating Latern Memorial

Lantern Floating Memorial - Peace Ceremony
One day, perhaps soon, I will travel to Hawaii for the Memorial Day Annual Latern Floating. I recently watched a video of the launching of this years floating laterns. It was magical. Peoples expressions were so profound - so many of the people, men, women, children, young and old people were softly weeping. There was something about the ritual of letting go and releasing ones feelings in these simple but beautiful laterns and placing them in the water and watching them float away with and releasing everything that needed to be released appeared to be very cathartic. The outpouring of love, calmness and peace that was captured. Watching the laterns floating and peoples tears and expressions of healing and hope was so moving and powerful!

Lantern Floating Memorial - Peace Ceremony, Hiroshima. Courtesy of Japan National Tourist Organization
when: Aug 2011 (annual)
where: Motoyasu River
During the Hiroshima Lantern Floating Memorial, thousands of cube-shaped paper lights float along the Motoyasu River to bring peace to the souls of the victims who died in the 1945 atomic bombing. The annual ritual promotes world peace.

Families gather along the banks of the river on the evening of the anniversary to launch decorated lanterns with their own personal messages inscribed. As the lanterns float downstream, the water shimmers and reflects the flickering lights, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and tranquillity.


Blessings! Rev. Qiyamah

Training Religious Leaders for a Religiously Diverse World



front to back - Rev. Jay Leach, Dr. Leon Spencer and unidentified participant 2007 Qiyamah's ordination at UU Church of Charlotte in Charlotte, NC


On September 28 I will be attending an interfaith training hosted by Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago titled, Training Religious Leaders for a Religiously Diverse World. I am eagerly anticipating this all day event and will report out on my blog about the event and my experiences. Meanwhile, I have a brief explanation on Interfaith Dialogue that I came found on DuPaul University's website titled, Four Ways of Interfaith Dialogue that I would like to share:

Dialogue of Life - In which people of different faiths and spiritual traditions strive to live in an open and neighborly spirit - includes socializing and hospitality

Dialogue of Action - In which people of spiritual commitment and faith collaborate with others in building a just society - includes service and working for justice

Dialogue of Religious Experience - In which people steeped in their spiritual traditions share their ways of searching for God or the Absolute - includes prayer, worship, and celebration

Dialogue of Theological Exchange - In which specialists seek to deepen their understanding of other spiritual heritages

Q. In what ways have you crossed borders to experience other faith traditions beyond your own? How can you deepen your understanding and appreciation for other spiritual heritages and collaborate to build a just society?

Blessed Be! Rev. Qiyamah