“How was New York?”
I’ve been asked this question a lot this week, and expect I will be asked it again more in the weeks to come.
The past 2 weeks I’ve spent, as has become my normal March practice, attending and participating in the UN Commission on the Status of Women, as part of the delegation of the Anglican Communion. This year I attended one week in person, one week remotely.
So how *was* New York?
Well, it was good; it was inspiring; it was intense.
Digging deeper into how it was will take a lot more time to process and unpack… but how was it?
It was inspiring: sharing and learning from others in the delegation – Lulu whose young age does not diminish her undeniable passion for ecological advocacy; Larissa who brings experience and confidence to her voice calling for indigenous rights; Dominic whose advocacy for positive masculinity is changing the world; Lizzi whose commitment to stand with victims of GBV is making us all safer (not to mention a great roommate!!). And of course our leadership of Mandy (Gender Justice Advocate extraordinaire, with sarcasm to match mine!) and Martha (a God-given gift of the Anglican Communion to the UN – and to us!)
It was educational: sitting in sessions discussing youth in agrifood and food security; of the uses of data to change sexist behaviours; of new technologies and practices that are maknig a positive change at the grass-roots levels.
It was harrowing: to hear of the pushbacks against women’s rights; to learn of ongoing child marriage; to hear of those strategising for the current geopolitical climate with strong links to historical horrors; to get updated statistics of violence against women and girls.
It was sad: to know that 30 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we’re still struggling for equality; to experience a municipal climate of increased security and harassment; to understand the increasing threat to women in the digital and public spheres.
It was hopeful: to hear voices seeking work-arounds; to collaborate with faith-based agencies combatting climate change; to hear of new ways to apply our intersectionality, to engage in conversations with diplomats and permanent missions seeking new ways to achieve the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.
And it was holy: to worship with women and men who recognise God in the work they do; to walk alongside those whose burdens are too big to bear; to collaborate in our ecumenical space reminding ourselves that we are never alone; to lean into our faith to carry us through. To appreciate our focus scripture in new ways: (“The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous” – Proverbs 21:15a (NASB)
New York was busy. It was a time to laugh together, to cry together, to pray together. To break bread together, to worship in the sacred places of the CCUN chapel, Trinity Wall St., and St John’s Cathedral (the other St. John’s!), to develop liturgies that brought us from justice to joy. To walk and talk; to see a few sights as we try to balance the heaviness of the event with the joy of our shared journey. It was late nights and early mornings, it was a lot of walking, a lot of eating, a lot of experiences of wondering “is this for real?” (like meeting royalty, or going to a meeting with the Mission of the Holy See. In my collar. And asking them a question they couldn’t answer. That was fun…)*
I have so much to consider; I have so many blessings to count; I have more love than I can express for the beloved who shared this year’s experience with me.
So how was New York?
Bucket-filling. Life-changing. Awe-inspiring. Grace-abundant. And fuelling – for the opportunity to do the work that God has called us to, here at home; to change the world.
*as the conversation was with folks who are focused on climate issues, I asked if there were emerging eco-feminist authors that they could recommend… being the geek that I am… they suggested a 10-year old male-authored encyclical. I mean, it’s a good one, but….
