The
formalities of the 62nd session of the UNCSW concluded late Friday. After much
negotiation and much prayer, the commission produced agreed conclusions. (The
Conclusions necessitate unanimous agreement; this was especially important at
this session as the last session addressing challenges faced by women and girls
in rural settings, despite 2 weeks of work and advocacy, did not produce agreed
conclusions.)
The
NGO community also completed its formal gatherings on Friday. The final side
events were held, the last parallel sessions were run. Many delegates and
participants had already left, many were in the process of packing and
departing.
And
for those of us in the faith community, we prayed; we worshipped; we were sent
forth to return to our various homes. This piece of our work was done, and also
just beginning. As we all return home, we carry with us a renewed passion for
peace, and new ideas and initiatives for gender justice.
But
before we left, we recognised what we were leaving in that sacred space. We had
gifts that we were leaving on the altar. In one sense, literally: the
Ecumenical Women coordinated worship at the Church Centre for the United
Nations saw a daily addition to the focal point. As each day a different biblical
woman was celebrated, a new symbol of their voices was contributed (a baby blanket for Hannah, a tambourine for Miriam). These
women's gifts were placed on the altar, amid our own gifts (prayers from the
orientation day, written on colourful fabric).
Additionally,
the Episcopal and Anglican Delegations celebrated a mid-day Eucharist,
recognising the closing of the CSW. Gifts were left on the altar: the bread to
sustain us, the wine to nourish us, the living water from whence we draw
strength and inspiration. These gifts were, of course, shared with us.
In
a less formal manner, the Anglican Communion delegation has left other gifts to
lay before our Creator. In the name of God, and gathered together at his
omnipresent table, we have coordinated a statement to the Anglican Consultative
Council, celebrating this unifying experience and it's positive impact in and
on the Communion. While we come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and
carry a large number of views and perspectives, we committed to one statement.
We acknowledge some differences, but we hold up the power and gift of being the
body of Christ. It is a gift we receive, and a gift that we share.
And
so we now carry these gifts: as we each start the journeys homeward, some much
longer than others, we carry that gift of unity. We carry the gift of the
strength of the Communion. We carry the peace of knowing that the world is
paying attention to the challenges of rural women and girls. We carry the torch
of finding new ways to live in to the ministry of caring for one another. We
carry the passion for engaging with the work of advocacy, education, and
peace-building that our time together has bolstered.
So
with grateful hearts we laid a gift at the altar; with humble hearts we
received a gift at the altar, and with inspired souls we carry new gifts to new
tables.
It's
been a truly blessed and gifted experience; and the gifts are just beginning. Thank God for the altars of the world to host and share these gifts.
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