Faith leaders join call of Occupy Wall Street protesters

[tk2kewl]

Faith leaders join call of Occupy Wall Street protesters, find link between religion and movement

Albor Ruiz

Some have called it "a sideshow" to the real-life drama taking place in Zuccotti Park. But the Rev. Donna Schaper and the faith leaders who have rallied around the Occupy Wall Street movement, say their involvement is as solid as their religious beliefs.

<snip>

"Some say faith leaders should stay out of this," said Schaper. "But actually every faith gives preference to the poor. The Hebrew and the Christian scriptures are full of warnings about the acquisition of wealth to the harm of others, and of the requirement that the poor and dispossessed be cared for."

Last Sunday they held an ecumenical service at Zuccotti Park. Their message was powerful:

"This isn't just a jobs issue, or an education issue, or a health care issue, this is a spiritual issue, about what the United States has become," the Rev. Michael Ellick, of Judson Memorial, told the crowd.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/occupy_wall_street/2011/10/12/2011-10-12_faith_leaders_join_call_of_wall_st_protesters.html


Leaders representing different faiths helped usher a "golden calf"
with Wall St. protesters. (Aaron Showalter for News)

[ixion]

1. hmmmm...

that makes me kind of nervous. This isn't about God, religion or faith. This is a secular movement, with secular goals.

And the Hebrew and Xian scriptures may have all sorts of advice as to how their followers should treat the poor, but 99% of them don't pay those particular passages any mind.

[tk2kewl]

2. I think it's great.

Once upon a time Catholics were very concerned about social and economic justice. I would like to see those sentiments "resurrected" so to speak.

[meow2u3]

11. Real Catholics still are concerned about social and economic justice.

They've just been drowned out by the Opus Diaboil (the work of the Devil, a.k.a., the Orwellian name of Opus Dei) fat cats who lead right-wing bishops by the nose. Abortion politics and obsession with homosexuality have effectively taken over the issues of social and economic justice because of the undue Opus Dei influence on the bishops and even the Vatican itself. http://www.odan.org/opus_dei_in_the_media.htm Opus Dei is not exactly famous for their support for protecting the poor masses from the rich predators of society; in fact, they've been accused by former members of being smug, arrogant elitists, among other more sinister charges.

On a side note, but also of vital importance, I've noticed that the more conservative the clergyman, the more prone they are to have either engaged in, or enabled, the sexual abuse of children. DUers, don't smear all Catholic clergy with a broad brush--just go after the most conservative ones. They're the ones hiding something.

[tk2kewl]

13. I was raised Catholic by 50s 60s era liberals

My Mom was especially fierce when it came to social justice. I miss here dearly and wish she could be here to help in the fight.

[Matariki]

4. It's good for people who espouse those faiths (especially right wing fundies) to be reminded

of the core tenents of their religion.

These folks participation in no way turns this into a (as you call it) 'non-secular' movement.

I applaud them.

[jwirr]

6. The civil rights movement was led by Rev. Martin Luther King and

it was not a religious movement. There were also many ministers who marched in the anti-war marches and supported LBJ's War on Poverty. There is a large group of Christians who thoroughly believe in the separation of church and state - that is that the church should not be allowed to take over the government (like the state churches in Europe) and turn it into a theocracy. These ministers are not trying for a theocracy merely justice.

[H2O Man]

16. It certainly was.

Think of the name of the group King led.

[jwirr]

18. Yes, they represented the church but they did not try to take over

the government in the name of the church - that is the difference I see between liberal Christians and rw evangelicals. They really want to set up a theocracy. That is why I said it was not a religious movement.

[DerekG]

8. This is not a secular movement; it's a populist movement

Any preacher or nun or rabbi ought to be welcomed with open arms.

[ixion]

9. I'm not saying they're not welcome, not in the least.

but they DO have a history of co-opting things with their religion.

I am skeptical of ANY institution that wants to throw it's support behind a populist movement. And I do agree with you that it's populist.

[bullwinkle428]

12. Trust me, those "prosperity gospel" douchebags won't touch

OWS with a 100' pole! They know who butters their bread!

[Lindsay]

3. If the faith leaders can get back to social justice

and away from controlling peoples' sex lives and medical decisions, I'm fine with that.

Not sure I trust 'em to do that just yet, though.

[Buns_of_Fire]

5. "Jesus is with the 99%". I knew He was, but...

It truly puts me, personally, in a bit of a quandary.

As much ranting and raving as is done around here (me included) about churches getting involved in secular issues... Should I welcome this news (which I'm inclined to do), or just think "thanks, but no thanks, we've taken it this far without your help..."?

[PETRUS]

7. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake. nt

[rucky]

10. I met Rev. Schaper a couple of times.

She's an awesome individual and it's not surprising to see her step up like this.

[Joe Fields]

14. I couldn't agree with them more... It is, fundamentally an issue ...

that cries for help.

[EFerrari]

15. San Jose faith group divesting:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2110025

[malaise]

17. Very 'kewl'

[tk2kewl]

21. Indeed!

:hi:

[krabigirl]

19. good for them. I am not at all religious but this is still great.

[xchrom]

20. Recommend