This Week's Quotation:
“There can be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There can be no peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions.”
~ Hans Küng, Catholic Priest and Theologian
Shared Sacred Flourishing
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
There is a language of the heart that connects people beyond religion, race, nationality, or status. It speaks less in words than in deeds—compassion, kindness, gratitude, integrity. Mindful dialogue opens hearts. When hearts open, everything changes.
During August this year, 150 diverse faith leaders from across Africa gathered in Nairobi for the 5th General Assembly of the African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace (ACRL-RfP). The theme of the gathering was Shared Sacred Flourishing.
Among the words I carried home:
- “Eighty-five percent of humanity claims a religion, but almost 100% of us defer to the narrative that spiritual values do not belong in business or politics. Why?” – Dr Francis Kuria.
- “We actively seek partners who centre the sacred.” – Dr William Vendley, Fetzer Institute.
Skills and technology may be vital, but they cannot replace the human heart. We need a new, shared language, one expressed in deeds aligned with what we truly believe, and with the vision of an inclusive, equitable world.
Values-based language carries a transcendent vibration that reminds us we all bear the signature of God within. Too often we ignore it, possibly afraid of the power it reveals. We fall prey to man-made gods: domination, winning, commercialism, power. Yet beyond these illusions, we were never separate and never will be. Our radiantly diverse expressions of Love for the Divine, separate in their detail, unite us in their common intention.
Kindness, truth, forgiveness, and gratitude are not limited to those with a religious belief or practice. Science and religion, often presented as polar opposites, both have at their core the essence of love for Creation. You do not have to be religious to honor Life.
We share the same air, the same rain, the same fragile planet. If we cannot live together with respect and reverence, we risk destroying it all. Perhaps what will unite us in the end is what we refuse to accept: fear, separation, destruction.
The invitation is clear—seek and center the sacred in our lives, and flourish together.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Thanks you, Rev. Behr. yes, the sacred must be central to all we do. But it is often excluded from business and politics as you note statistically. May I bring the sacred no matter which field I am working in and which person is opposite me at the table or on the path. Many thanks for that reminder and for the life you live. WITH YOU IN THAT. Love, Tom C.
Thank you so much, Tom. It’s quite a disciplined practice, to hold the sacred in consciousness at all times. I am definitely no expert, but learning all the time!
Thank you Rev Berry, for your sacred service and your connections into our world. I love your blog this week. Blessings. Anne-Lise
Thank you Anne-Lise, I deeply appreciate the sisterhood, dedication and commitment you bring. Thank you for being a role model!
You have certainly indicated the key, Berry, to bringing humanity into a state of oneness where we can all live together in peace and harmony, blessing Nature and walking on the Holy Ground of this magnificent planet. It is certainly true that “You do not have to be religious to honor Life.” So may our living honor the true nature of life this day and in the days to come.
Reverend Berry – this is so important, thank you. One of the events in my life that I have never forgotten, is the day the Sunday School teacher sent me home and told me not to come back without my parents to apologize for what I said. What I said….when the teacher was saying terrible things about the Jews, I raised my hand and asked, Wasn’t Jesus Jewish? My parents told me how proud they were of me, and told me that I never had to go back to Sunday School. I will always admire the way my parents raised me.
What wonderful parents you had, Katie-Grace! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful memory of loving support.
Thank you Berry for this insightful and poignant article. Interfaith can look beyond the difference in words and ritual, and get to the heart of the prophets’ teaching. The world will be a better place focusing on these powerful values and practices!