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| Drumming Priestess MzD (left) starts the beat |
Experiential Synopsis of 2011 Faith and Feminism/Womanist/Mujerista Conference by Jann Aldredge-Clanton, Ph.D. photos by Alice Heimsoth “Returning to the Mother of us all,” a chant
led by Drumming Priestess Dionne Kohler, resounds from the balcony throughout the sanctuary of Ebenezer/herchurch Lutheran
on the opening night of the conference and again in the Sunday morning worship service. As Dionne moves from the balcony down
to the altar, the power grows as more and more people join her in drumming and chanting. The sound resonates through my whole
being as I feel our returning to the Mother of us all. I feel Her power to bring transformation to each of us individually
and to our world.
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| Dr. Rodriguez leads chant |
The Divine Feminine shines forth in all Her glory throughout the
5th annual Faith and Feminism/Womanist/Mujerista Conference. She comes to me through stories, art, powerpoint presentations,
movement, music, drumming, hospitality, advocacy, liturgy, homily. On the first evening, keynote speakers Max Dashu and Dr.
Jeanette Rodriguez tell their compelling personal stories with warmth and grace. Behind them rises the altar adorned with
flowers of many colors and with multicultural female divine images; above the altar reigns a beautiful, bright Divine Feminine
painting by Shiloh Sophia McCloud, who has many other paintings on exhibit during the weekend.
The Divine Feminine comes not only through the stories of Max and Jeanette, but
through others’ stories shared over meals and in workshops and with Lana Dalberg and Dr. Mary Ann Beavis, who do interviews
for their exciting book projects. Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez gives presentations on the Divine Feminine image of Guadalupe, and
Max Dashu presents Goddesses from many cultures of the Americas. These keynote speakers impress me not only by the extent of their knowledge and research, but also by the depth of
their experience of the Divine Feminine and their invitation to all of us to experience Her. The vivid pictures that Jeanette
shows of Guadalupe and that Max shows of Goddesses increase my longing for the Divine Feminine to be worshipped more widely
all over the world, because I know Her power to heal and to bring peace and justice. I feel encouraged that Her influence
is growing as I experience Dr. Mary Streufert’s erudite and engaging presentation that includes female images of Jesus
Christ, providing a bridge for feminism to move into traditional Christianity.
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| Max Dashu at Community Altar |
I appreciate the opportunity also to stretch our bodies through Amy Shoemaker’s creative Interplay Group Movement,
interspersed throughout the Conference. Balance also comes with the variety of musical styles in hymns and chants accompanied
by organ, piano, drums, and brass. I’m grateful to Steve Rausch, herchurch minister of music and classical Lutheran
organist, for his gifts in accompanying my hymns in the general sessions and in my workshop; and to Katie Ketchum, who calms
and stirs us with chants and a jazz choir and who delights us with her performance of a musical she created on the life of
artist Mary Cassatt. Throughout the Conference, members
of herchurch provide wonderful hospitality with their homemade soups and salads, other nourishing meals, and attention to
details. Susan Solstice, president of herchurch, also gives a gracious welcoming speech. MonaLisa Wallace, herchurch member
and President of the San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization for Women, leads a workshop I attend in which she
gives helpful information on advocating for justice in our communities. In the Sunday morning liturgy and homily, Pastor Stacy
Boorn gives us a powerful challenge to take the Christ-Sophia, the Living God/dess, out into the world through loving service
and just actions.
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| Artist Shiloh McCloud Workshop |
As you can tell, I experienced this Conference as a marvelous feast for spirit, mind, and body. My deep gratitude
goes to Pastor Stacy Boorn and members of Ebenezer/herchurch Lutheran for all their prophetic, diligent work in creating this
Conference. I feel renewed and inspired to do all that I can to spread the power of the Divine Feminine. Our world is in deep
need of Her healing love, peace, and justice.May
our world return to the Mother of us All! 2011 details and schedule
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