Pronghorn Moon Local Council Interfaith Report 2000-2001

from Kathe Walters

Local Interfaith Activities

September, 2000

9th - Along with members of six other faith traditions, I participated in a one-day seminar/retreat sponsored by the Church of Saint Thomas, on the topic "The Communion of Saints; honoring those who have gone before us". It was a well-attended and interesting seminar, presenting many different views of how each faith tradition views their "Mighty Dead".

 17th - Diversity Faire. The Antelope Valley Interfaith Council presented a round-table discussion, featuring representatives from 7 different faith traditions. The topics discussed were "How does evolving technology affect faith?", "How do we manage anger?", "What role do angels play in our lives?", and "With our differences, how can we be real neighbors?". Unfortunately, this even was not well attended, as it coincided with the annual Air Show and the Olympics. 

November, 2000

24th - Thanksgiving Service. This is an annual Interfaith event in the Antelope Valley. It is a worship service on the subject of thankfulness, as seen through the eyes of many different faith traditions. It was attended by approximately 120 people, and described as "wonderful", "very moving", and having "good energy" by attendees. 

25th - Open House Thanksgiving Dinner. I was invited by the clergy of the Church of Saint Thomas to participate in this annual event. Along with members of the Church, I cooked a turkey dinner "with all the trimmings" for approximately 100 needy people. It was a fulfilling experience that I intend to participate in every year, and encourage other clergy members of the Antelope Valley Interfaith Council to attend.
 
 

December, 2000

31st - The clergy of the Church of Saint Thomas and three Wiccan Elders (Joeline Weber, Rhiannon Apona, and myself) co-celebrated a worship service of praise at the local Unity Church. Individuals from 9 different faith traditions attended, and the service itself was well-received. The National First Officer attended this event and has reported favorably on it. 

January 2001

16th - Religious Freedom Day. I hosted a World Peace and Universal Religious Freedom ritual for members of the AVIC and the larger community. This included a reading of a proclamation by then-President William J. Clinton, setting aside that date in the year 2000 as Religious Freedom Day. It was well attended, and clergy from three faith traditions other than Wicca attended, as well as congregations from some other local churches. 

March 2001

8th - I participated in an Interfaith worship service, on the topic of acceptance of others. At this service, representatives from 8 faith traditions spoke on acceptance. It was a popular event, and there are plans to make this an annual service. 

May 2001

20th - Blessing of the Animals. Clergy from the Church of Saint Thomas, myself, and another CoG member and Priest, Les Kirk, did a blessing of animals in Lancaster City Park. It was advertised in one of the local newspapers, and went well. We have been asked to perform this ritual on an annual basis at the Lancaster City "Bark in the Park".
 
 

June 2001

9th - Day of Discovery. I participated in an AVIC one-day event, called "WhatÕs on Your Altar" What Does it Mean?". Representative altars were set up in a circle in Lancaster City Park from five faith traditions, and the representatives explained the objects on each altar, and the symbolism and use of each. 

July 2001

12th - Day of Prayer Service. Along with clergy from six other faith traditions, I gave a talk on "What is Prayer?" at the Antelope Valley Church of Religious Science. The event was quite popular, and audio tapes of the event sold well.