Deuteronomy 26 and nearly all the prophets in the Bible call us to share the bounty of our land with "the Levite (a.k.a. the clergy), the widow, the orphan, and the immigrant who labors among you." Increasingly often on Long Island, these people end up homeless or burdened by the cost of housing. What sort of future do you envision for your community? Will pastors who retire be able to remain here? Will widows find an apartment they can afford and be able to see their grandchildren more often than once or twice a year? Will the orphans end up moving to Florida? Will immigrants escape predatory lenders when they manage to save enough money to buy a home?
The Long Island Council of Churches has been an active member for more than a decade of the Long Island Housing Partnership, our region's largest builder of affordable housing, or "workforce housing" as it is often called now, since we are talking about creating homes for the teachers and fire fighters we need now and the nurses and home health aides we will all need sooner or later. I sit on the LIHP and thought I knew how bad the housing shortage is hereabouts, but I was shocked by a recent study documenting the severity of our current crisis.
Economist Pearl Kamer's new study for the LIHP "Lack of Affordable Housing: Prescription for Economic Disaster," based on the latest census figures, found that at least 62,000 families in Nassau and Suffolk are living in rental housing they cannot begin to afford and that 165,000 families on Long Island who live in owner-occupied homes are paying more than 35% of their income on housing. Moreover, these figures do not include all those who are living in illegal apartments, all the young adults who are living with their parents because they cannot find their own place, and all those in shelters, tents, and trailers. We need, Kamer estimates, 250,000 more houses and apartments which most workers and retirees can afford.
The Chinese, I am told, have a proverb which says more or less,"Unless we change direction, we will end up where we are headed." What we are headed for is this:
Surely, this cannot be the future God intends for us. Matt Crosson of the Long Island Association has warned that we have only a decade to solve this problem before our regional economy spirals downward. To solve it will take unprecedented cooperation across religious, political, racial, and economic divisions. It also will take creativity and openness to God leading us in new directions. What better future might we envision for our community? What might be God's longing for our lives together here?
My own vision for our Island, based loosely on the LI Housing Partnership's Seven Point Plan, goes something like this:
My hope, in other words, is that we will become a better representation of our country's ideal: "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all." What is your hope for our life together? What sort of neighborhoods do you think God desires?
Shalom/Salaam/Shanti/Pax,
Tom
By Alison Cornish, Intern LIMFF
Last month in this space I explored some of the history of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum. I related the founding of the Forum in 1994, the twelve faith traditions that came together to launch the new effort, and some of the programs that have been held in the group's short history. This month, the story continues...
Last week I was having lunch with a student friend of mine, and we were comparing notes about the multi-faith work I've been doing, and the interfaith conversations she's helped organize between Jewish and Christian students in suburban Boston. I reflected that the LIMFF was one of the most relational organizations I'd ever encountered - meaning that the work accomplished by the group was a direct result of individuals intentionally and painstakingly building relationships of trust and care with one another. "Yes," she responded, "it's the only way this work can happen."
The LIMFF is composed of an amazing array of individuals who have chosen to do this work - with one another. Those who sit on the Board and serve as panelists for the Building Bridges program selflessly volunteer their time. Very few of them are ordained, or claim a religious vocation - most are lay people in their traditions, and claim no particular expertise in religious education. They are working people as well as retired; artists and doctors, teachers and engineers; born in this country and far from our shores; women, men, and (increasingly) youth. Most were invited into the organization by someone they knew. I know from talking with each person that their involvement with the LIMFF has inspired them to dig even more deeply into their own tradition, so they can better explain it to others, and live more fully from it themselves. They are, in short, devoted to their cause, and to one another.
Critics often challenge the ideals of multi-faith programming, maintaining that to be in conversation with those of other traditions is to accept and condone beliefs and practices different from one's own - and, in fact, represents a direct challenge to one's own faith identity. This is certainly one reason that multi-faith work is as hard to accomplish as it is ... too often it is hampered by suspicion and defensiveness. How to get past this obstacle?
In the LIMFF, success seems to come because people take the time to get to know one another first, and dig deeper into their own tradition. This combination of trusting relationships and self-understanding creates a solid base from which to venture into another's differing beliefs. It is wonderful work to witness, as well as to be a participant.
Many churches observe Martin Luther King's Birthday and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January or Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week in February, but few congregations venture outside the comfortable, safe confines of our own community. The ecumenical movement's greatest challenge, I believe, is to overcome divisions of class and race, and this is what makes an MLK celebration interesting.
Recently Cold Spring Harbor's high school forfeited their last football game of the season rather than play in Roosevelt. Parents naturally worry about the safety of their children whenever they cross the threshold, and the further they travel into unknown territory, the more anxious their mothers and fathers are likely to be. It would be wise for teachers and coaches (as well as clergy and youth group leaders) to respect these concerns, but I also believe it is the obligation of educators and religious leaders to help both young and old to confront our fears and realistically assess risks.
As someone who visits Roosevelt regularly, I can assure you that fears about this community are both exaggerated and unfortunate. Roosevelt has its problems, but it really is not desperately poor or terribly dangerous. Wouldn't it be good for you, your family, and your congregation if you visited a church in Roosevelt to show solidarity with this striving neighborhood? Wouldn't this be great way to celebrate Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week?
Would you like help finding a church in Roosevelt (or some other community) where you might hear an inspiring sermon? A church with whom your congregation might have a choir exchange? Someplace you might take a confirmation class or youth group? Give me a call (516-565-0290) or e-mail me (licchemp@aol.com)!
Among the many local celebrations of the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are the following:
To all who have taken part in recent CROP Walks, such as the ones in Levittown, Westhampton, Southampton, and Montauk. These walks raise much-needed funds to support the relief and development work of Church World Service (which has been a great help to the LICC in responding to the 9/11 attacks) as well as programs which combat on Long Island.
In the preponderance of scriptural evidence, Jesus says, "Put away the sword." Biblical texts portray Jesus repeatedly speaking words of forgiveness and reconciliation. They range from "love your enemy" to "turn the other cheek" to "make peace with your brother" to "your sins are forgiven" to "this is my body given for the forgiveness of sins" to "Father, forgive them."
Jesus goes through life forgiving people of their sins. He announces good news to all, especially the poor. He surrenders non-violently to capital punishment, although he is an innocent victim.
But what Jesus said and what Jesus did is somehow lost amid all the talk of war. . .
I believe Jesus matters. I believe his way of life is one way to peace in our lifetime and for all time.
- Fr. Charles F. Strobel (Our Convocation speaker in 2002)
- "The Tennessean" November 24, 2002
Catholic Charities has developed in conjunction with the LICC a Lenten study guide called "Pathway to the Holy: Proclaiming God's Good News." Based on the weekly Gospel readings in the ecumenical "lectionary" (the calendar of Scripture readings used by many denominations), it connects Bible passages with contemporary issues. It is a wonderful resource for group reflection, individual study, and sermon preparation. Dozens of Catholic parishes use it already, and Protestant parishes might consider starting discussion groups across denominational lines which would use "Pathways to the Holy." The guide is available in both Spanish and English for $1.95 plus shipping, and Charities would be happy to bill you if you order them by Feb. 15. Call Mary Robinbson at 516-733-7078 or write her at Parish Social Ministry, Catholic Charities, 90 Cherry Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801.
Church World Service Interfaith Trauma Response Team (ITRT) and the Lutheran Counseling Center will jointly sponsor a 4- hour orientation workshop for faith leaders and CARE GIVERS on meeting the continuing challenges stemming from the traumatic events of September, 2001. "The Second Year of Recovery" provides insight and guidance from both a spiritual and emotional perspective. The workshop will focus on the needs of children and youth and how faith leaders can provide spiritual and emotional care over the long-term. The workshop is interactive and will cover three specific topic areas including:
Dr. Katrina Bright, the presenter, is professionally trained in trauma recovery with extensive experience from the tragedy of April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City. She has presented workshops and training seminars sponsored by Church World Service in the NYC and Washington D.C. areas. Dr. Bright is a consulting psychologist. She is also theologically trained.
The presentation is open to leaders of all faiths providing spiritual and emotional care to their congregations and communities. There is no cost to attend the workshop. Registration limited to 20 persons.
At the Long Island Council of Churches we see too many vulnerable people who have been exploited by loan sharks, check-cashing places, and deceptive lenders. We regularly end up trying to help those who are already in deep financial trouble, often because they have been victimized by predatory lending. Elderly homeowners, young working people, homeowners needing their homes repaired, and Hispanic home buyers seem to be targeted by predators.
We want to help local congregations to confront this evil and encourage them to be good stewards of their financial resources. After running pilot programs at Unity Baptist Church in Mattituck and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Roosevelt, we are ready to "take our act on the road."
Would you like an educational program to help them get a fair deal from banks and other financial institutions? We can do this at a time of your choosing: after worship, Saturday morning, a weekday daytime or evening, or whatever you think works best for your flock. This presentation might run an hour to 90 minutes, and we will tailor it to the needs of your community. We will arrange speakers, educational materials, and other freebies. All you need to supply is the location, some publicity, and refreshments. If you are interested, please call Tom Goodhue at 516-565-0290, send a fax (516-565-0291) or e-mail me at licchemp@aol.com.
WLIW/21 will broadcast the premiere of "Martin Luther King: The Dream on Hold" on Monday, Jan. 20, at 9 p.m., featuring both a profile of MLK's life and an examination of the extent to which his dream of an integrated "beloved community" has been realized.
Tom Goodhue is booked up well into February, but Anne Vaughan, the LICC's Social Service Director, is also willing to preach and speak in local churches. The Rev. Dick Ploth, a Presbyterian clergyman who is a member of the LICC Board, also has a few Sundays free during the next month or two. You can reach him at 631-734-2587.