From Conversation to Movement

May 2, 2009

The following is a recent communication from SUWA, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. I was involved with them in the seeding of conversation as a way to bring faith communities together in support of protecting wilderness. And then they ran with the conversations. I love seeing this, now a year later because of the action it shows and the community that it reveals. It is a story for me that begins with "from simple beginnings...."

United by belief in the spiritual value of wilderness, people from diverse religious traditions have come together in a call to protect Utah’s wild lands. On April 21st, the day before Earth Day, representatives from ten Utah faith and their supporters released an interfaith statement about the spiritual importance of Utah’s wild lands and the need for action to protect these special places.

After a brief news conference, the group delivered copies of the interfaith statement to the offices of Utah Senators Bennett and Hatch along with a letter requesting a meeting to discuss wilderness issues. The same request was sent to the offices of Utah’s Congressmen.

Development of the interfaith statement has been taking shape over the past year through “Faith and the Land” dialogues held in a variety of religious settings. These forums brought together members of the Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Islamic, Jewish, Latter-day Saint, Methodist, Presbyterian, Quaker, Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ faith communities. More than 230 people took part. Participants discovered that, though their religious practices might vary, they stood on common ground in their respect for creation and the natural world.

Leaders of the project see the development of the interfaith statement as a starting point for communities of faith throughout Utah and the nation to begin a conversation about ways to honor nature and protect America’s redrock wilderness. If you are part of a community of faith and would like to participate in the project, email deeda@suwa.org.

Working together we can preserve Utah's amazing redrock wilderness!

And here are a few other harvests:
Report Created by Terri Martin
SUWA Webpage -- Other Reports, News Articles, etc.

Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance -- Wild Lands Dialogue Project

February 11, 2008

Two days ago I cohosted with Terri Martin a dialogue on preserving Utah's wildlands, and in particular, how to engage faith communities and involve young people. We were invited by Deeda Seed, SUWA's Development Director.

Three journalists were present to harvest some of the event...

Holly Van Woerkom, BYU Daily Universe -- Holly did a great job, capturing with clarity the main purpose.

Caleb Warnock, Daily Herald -- This one felt a little less clear on the overall intent -- less on the importance of engaging in dialogue and listening -- but did include some specifics from the faith communities small group.

Amy Stewart, Deseret News -- Also a helpful write-up.

The event itself was good. As Holly noted at the end of her article, people left with hope, enthusiasm. In participants words, one word each around the circle to seal the space: Hope, community, dialogue, motivation, spirit, responsibilities, compassion, community, sharing, promise, empowerment, understanding, wilderness, possibility, optimism, different view, hope.

And, I feel that a bigger vision needs to take root -- not just one time gatherings but connecting people into more connection. Or to a bigger event that could birth more. Hmmm...

And here, a few photos...

And here, a harvest of flip chart notes...

And here, a beautiful harvest document from SUWA...