A Statement from the SDI Coordinating Council
We condemn racism. We condemn violence. And we stand for strong, principled and, as needed right now, clear, compassionate and resonant responses from our leaders and our communities to the outrages we see around us.
With growing concern and deep dismay, we have watched the escalating events of the last week, beginning with the horrifying killing of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis, and now encompassing peaceful protests and violent riots, throughout the US, and worldwide. We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of George Floyd. We also want to take this occasion to reflect on the systemic racism and oppression that continues to plague the US and many other nations, and which has led to countless instances of murder, deep injustices, and continuing violence, in all of its physical, emotional and spiritual manifestations.
The dying words of George Floyd, “I can’t breathe,” challenge us all to be agents of change, that we may institute the much-needed reforms so that ALL people may breathe – and live – freely. We express solidarity with all those who are suffering now: from grief, heartbreak, abuses to dignity, violence, hatred, and purposely sown division. We are with you.
As a registered educational nonprofit organization, we honor everyone’s dignity, and we welcome people of all races, genders and gender identities, socio-economic statuses, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientations, political affiliations and other markers of our diversity. We condemn racism. We condemn violence. And we stand for strong, principled and, as needed right now, clear, compassionate and resonant responses from our leaders and our communities to the outrages we see around us.
Spiritual companions bear witness. As such, we call on our community, and all individuals, to bear witness compassionately to what is happening, to seek understanding, and to take such action as seems appropriate in line with the universal spiritual principles of wisdom, compassion, and equality for all. Because spiritual companions use deep listening to help others raise their self-awareness, we call on all people to lead in their communities by listening to all those affected by these issues, from all sides, non-judgmentally. Such listening offers the foundation for responsive leadership that we have been sorely lacking.
Listening is not a passive response to the crisis we now face. It is, rather, an urgent and necessary action, and one of the most potent tools at our disposal to begin a process of remediation, change and healing. It can provide the wisdom and understanding to see a way forward through taking action that may rectify, rather than intensify, the divisions in our societies.
We call on all those who read this – including decision-makers in all levels of government – to acknowledge the truth of systemic injustice in the United States and the world, to work together actively with renewed hope, commitment, and compassion to create a better way to support the freedom and wellbeing of all people.
Signed:
Cynthia Bailey Manns, DMin Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Chair Wendie Bernstein Lash Redwood City, California, USA Treasurer Bernadette Miles Victoria, Australia Secretary
Leslie Keener, CDP Melbourne, Kentucky, USA
Janice Lundy, DMin, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Eric Massanari, M. Div. Newton, Kansas, USA
Sean Murphy New Mexico, USA
Rev. Seifu Anil Singh-Molares Bellevue, Washington, USA SDI Executive Director
