Letter from Council of Elders to Trinity Church
Posted 12 years ago on Dec. 16, 2011, 9:43 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
December 16, 2011
Dear Rev. Dr. James Cooper,
We are veterans of the Civil Rights, Women’s, Peace, Environmental, LGBTQ, Immigrant Justice, labor rights and other movements of the last 60 years. Many of us have been or continue to be leaders of religious congregations and organizations, so we are deeply understanding of the need to protect the spaces and buildings that generations of the faithful have transmitted to us.
We are also deeply committed to using the share of God’s abundance that has been entrusted to us for the help and healing of those “least of these” – the poor, the humiliated, the hungry, the homeless, the dis-empowered – whom God has called us to protect.
We have special understandings of both of those commitments because as leaders of the social-change movements of the 20th century we have been called to deploy resources for the sake of racial and social justice and the cause of peace. Today we see the Occupy movement as efforts by a new generation of (mostly young) people to move forward as we did toward fuller justice and democracy for the diverse peoples in our nation.
We are concerned to hear that Occupy Wall Street has asked Trinity Church for use of the Lent-Space on 6th and Canal to gather, and has been refused.
We are especially moved to hear that the Episcopal Cathedral of Boston has invited the Occupy movement there to gather in its space.
We know that some question the need for Occupy to continue to occupy physical space but we have witnessed the impact of communal, inspirational, face-to-face contact in which people can be visible to the world and to one another. We have also been challenged to respond to the question from Occupy, Where can you go if you don’t own something? Does a public even exist if it has no space? And finally, like visionaries before them, many Occupiers have chosen to give up everything to invest in a future that does not exist except in their dreams and visions. In a world where the majority of our nation is oppressed by economic and racial inequality, experiencing isolation and dehumanization at every turn, the Occupy movement in its public presence has provided hope and purpose and a pressing challenge to us all.
We urge you to reexamine the possibilities in the light of the importance of Occupy Wall Street as a spark of God’s “Burning Bush” in this moment of deep social crisis. We urge you to approve the use of this sacred space for a sacred purpose – the pursuit of justice in America.
With blessings,
Organizing Committee
Council of Elders
cc Vestry Members
the council of elders- is an amazing group of people, who have dedicated themselves, to ending the suffering of humankind- a marvelous group of caring individuals.
Agree. I sense an increasing amount of solidarity. Workers, students, seniors, churches, bishops, unemployed etc - all expressing solidarity toward one another. One of the things that unites us is that we´re all part of the 99%.
"In this possibly terminal phase of human existence, democracy and freedom are more than just ideals to be valued - they may be essential to survival" - Noam Chomsky
solidarity from Norway
p.s. check out my new article "Human Nature and Libertarian Socialism"
struggleforfreedom
I checked out your nicely written article- nice----
I feel that the writings of Noam Chomsky- will be used as a vision for humanity's future- which is why put this together------- free of course--
the complete works of Noam Chomsky
if you need a unzip program.
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
his books--
http://www.multiupload.com/JJXLLET87B
Noam Chomsky - 2003.08.11 - Preventive war, the supreme crime.pdf Noam Chomsky - 5 books.pdf Noam Chomsky - 9-11.pdf Noam Chomsky - America's war on terror.pdf Noam Chomsky - Anarchism & Marxism.rtf Noam Chomsky - Class Warfare.pdf Noam Chomsky - Fateful Triangle - The United States, Israel and the Palestinians.pdf Noam Chomsky - Hegemony or Survival - America's Quest for Global Dominance.pdf Noam Chomsky - Imperial Ambitions.pdf Noam Chomsky - Liberating the Mind from Orthodoxies.pdf Noam Chomsky - Media Control.pdf Noam Chomsky - Necessary Illusions.pdf Noam Chomsky - On Miseducation.pdf Noam Chomsky - On Osama Bin Laden.pdf Noam Chomsky - On War in Afganistan.pdf Noam Chomsky - Philosophers and Public Philosophy.pdf Noam Chomsky - Pirates and Emperors, Old and New.pdf Noam Chomsky - Powers and Prospects.pdf Noam Chomsky - Profit over People.pdf Noam Chomsky - The Culture of Terrorism.pdf Noam Chomsky - The Propaganda System.pdf Noam Chomsky - Turning the Tide U.S. intervention in Central America and the Struggle for Peace.pdf Noam Chomsky - War Against People.PDF Noam Chomsky - Who are the Global Terrorists.pdf Understanding Power - The Indispensable Chomsky (Noam Chomsky) (Edited by Peter R. Mitchell and John Schoeffel) (now with Ch. 1).rtf Understanding Power - The Indispensable Chomsky (footnotes) (Edited by Peter R. Mitchell and John Schoeffel) (Noam Chomsky).pdf
You Are Being Lied To.pdf
Norm Chomsky's 10 audio books- [ free ]
his audio books--
http://www.multiupload.com/GJ6ZE9FXA6
An American Addiction Case Studies In Hypocrisy U S Human Rights Policy Class War The Attack On Working People For A Free Humanity For Anarchy Free Market Fantasies Capitalism In The Real World Propaganda And Control Of The Public Mind Prospects For Democracy The Clinton Vision Old Wine, New Bottles The Emerging Framework Of World Power The Imperial Presidency Sovereignty, Terror And The 'Second Superpower'
The New War On Terrorism Fact And Fiction
training web page http://tinyurl.com/7rvpv43
Thanks. Chomsky´s really one of the greatest philosophers of all times in my opinion. A brilliant mind. Some of Chomsky´s lectures/audiobooks are btw also on Spotify. Also check out his website http://www.chomsky.info/ lots of good stuff. yours s struggleforfreedom
Good grief. Chomsky is a tool. Actually, a rather brilliant capitalist taking advantage of the OWS Lemmings. Wake up !!!!
Good Grief- charlie Brown - let the people see for themselves- the people are tired of them being what to think.
AGREE!
Yes, and thankyou!
Omnia vincit amor.
Amazing group of people?
Look at that bearded JEW with his Jew cap on, he is the instigator of this stupid letter, he is a front man for another Jew Soros. The stupid Goynims cannot see the ruse.
Thanks for pointing out that- "the council of elders" is composed of men women, whites, blacks- and jews- how marvelous, that such a diverse group would want to join forces with ows. Your hateful comments are just bringing us closer together -lol http://tinyurl.com/6lkzgbk
What, Jews can't be champions for social justice? Because Arthur Waskow certainly is.
That was quite beautiful.
The property that OWS wants has already been committed to another nonprofit. This letter is demanding that Trinity become a liar by going back on its commitments.
(For those who only know Trinity as a name, and not anything about the people and mission behind it: Trinity Church supports dozens of inner-city churches in the New York and upstate areas. Their assessment--the commitment of money each parish pays to the Diocese of New York--is far and away the largest in the diocese. This money goes to soup kitchens, shelters, tutoring programs, youth services--many in areas that most OWS supporters would be too afraid to venture into. Also see this list of other giving: http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/action/grants/approved )
Visionaries, what would we do without them?
Thank you Council of Elders, Desmond Tutu, and all others who support!
To occupy a space is to liberate that space!
Here's a video voicing support for the Occupy Movement having physical, outside spaces
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGHGLFYyZo
It's going to get worse before it gets better, it always does. But look at this council; they came before us as movements of their own and they weren't stopped. Because they never gave up. At the time that they fought the injustices of their day they were nothing more than a lot of us are; young, considered reckless dreamers by many. But they succeeded because they wouldn't back down. Our movement is bigger, worldwide even, but we'll face the same, if not worse hardships than we already are. But let these people inspire you-- We can, and we will, overcome.
You got it! I am almost 50 and I have to tell you that the world simply cannot do without the idealism and the energy of youth. It is an essential and powerful force. And when it comes to actually stepping up for the future, it is always up to the young. It's not that older people don't care. A whole lot of them do, but life simply takes a toll eventually. That's just the way it is. The young have always been the ones to change the world. God Bless those who went to Zucotti Park, and Gad Bless the young everywhere who have woken up!
"Does a public even exist if it has no space?" Wow, what a great question!
GypsyKing, That comment along with the whole really says and encompasses all:
'We have also been challenged to respond to the question from Occupy, Where can you go if you don’t own something? Does a public even exist if it has no space? And finally, like visionaries before them, many Occupiers have chosen to give up everything to invest in a future that does not exist except in their dreams and visions. In a world where the majority of our nation is oppressed by economic and racial inequality, experiencing isolation and dehumanization at every turn, the Occupy movement in its public presence has provided hope and purpose and a pressing challenge to us all.'
Amen.
This question begs to ask...... Does a republic exist if the state in which the supreme power rests is not in the body (majority) of the public (citizens)?
Another really good question!
Wow! This is a powerful letter. I seem to remember a pew with George Washington's name on it. Wasn't he a revolultionary? Trinity Church has some 'splainin' to do to square that circle.
That church has nothing to explain to anyone. It'll probably cave in the end, but I certainly support its right to tell the council to take a hike.
Thank you to the Council of Elders.
Wonderful that peace and human dignity of caring for others has no bounds dictated by sectarian domain. Humanity is much older, more fundamental and broad than any human office or organization.
The joining together of thought and empathy in the popular non sectarian occupy movement is but an expression of a wider global condition of growing forced servitude to a few who are alien to common good, and the knowing of the schism driven by a culture of forced subservience that has passed its time.
We are one humanity without division. Creation of rifts between people is a hardship of man's making, unconformable to the majority and exploited by the few.
We will see change and must prepare to meet what it takes to have change. Fear is instilled by the few for their own selfish ends and that must be overcome.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30007.htm
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. This resonates with me. Particularly your mention of the rifts between people that are man made and the fear instilled by the few. These rifts are many: religious, economic, ideological, racial, political, and more. The fear you speak of is the poison that permeates our culture and results in dire decisions agreed upon by the very few. We must continue to join together, to unite all who envision this future world without the schisms, and the fear-based thought process. Fear is not an option. We are who we have been waiting for.
God has shined his light through these elders to test the true nature of the Trinity Institution and their connections to the power that oppresses and destroys. The outcome will be embedded in the Akashic Records for all history.
This group has nothing to do with God. The only thing they have in common with church elders is that they're old.
I have to say I am uncomfortable with the way many are vilifying Trinity Wall Street over this issue. The Episcopal Church in general, and Trinity in particular, have been steadfast in support of human rights and the relief of human suffering throughout their history. Remember the work of Trinity for over two years after 9/11, essentially turning over the entire parish to become a relief and respite center. When I read lines in this letter like "to occupy a space is to liberate it" I get worried. Liberate if from what? Let's not start lumping the whole of the protestant Christian church in with Trinity. Consider the possibility that they may have genuine, well considered and well founded reasons to block occupation of their property (their PRIVATE property - not a public space). To demand that they permit this against their will is just wrong and not what Occupy should be about.
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Well told. Peace.
this is beautiful the occupy movement must continue to occupy space real people out in large numbers is what made the arab spring and all the civil rights movements have impact we must find spaces locally and maybe even a national or international base to show up in huge numbers to. police cannot do anything to a crowd that dwarfs them in size
I say we occupy the national mall, and the sooner the better and the more of us the better. Can they arrest millions peacefully occupying the biggest national park???
thank you for your reply nothing is going to turn this society around other than showing up in massive, stunning numbers of people. physically collecting, by 100 of 1000s at a time would make "people in charge" think: "holy sh--, they really mean it. they have gone out of their way. they must be pissed. they might not buy the (fill in the blank) stuff we need them to buy. so that i could buy another _ (house, car, boat, drug, etc.). or they could all decide not to buy it tomorrow. they're communicating. they could do anything and it would be like trying to stop a tsunami! there's nothing we could do, not even with our army of police, to stop them!" so, yes! we need to take over the washington mall. or someplace like that. there were 200,000 people there for MLK's speech. lets make it half a million. or, why half?? showing up at a massive protest that lasts a long time is the closest thing to a vote you have, in case you haven't noticed. look at what it did to zuccotti park in the eyes of the world. didn't ows get a lot of money, more than they know what to do with?? now that we might still have some left, we must try something bigger. with more impact. and in order for it to be bigger with more impact. there can't be so many events. we need one big occupation. we have to all show up from all over to one place. bus/train/fly people in. and stay there. we have to streamline the energy, focus it, like a magnifying glass with the sun's heat.
Article of Support from an Episcopal Priest http://www.episcopalcafe.com/daily/parishes/occupy_wall_street_and_the_epi.php
Sweet !
woohoo...ows is like a 3 months old baby, there are so many things to learn. can't wait to see it turns adult. love ya~
This groups sounds very much like the 13 grandmothers group. So grateful to hear about you.
The Birth of Religion
"We used to think agriculture gave rise to cities and later to writing, art, and religion. Now the world’s oldest temple suggests the urge to worship sparked civilization."
National Geographic http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text
Beautifully written. I don't see anyway to pass this on to anyone. Help?
Use cut-and-paste. Select the article, then drop it into Word or OpenOffice or your .pdf maker. Clean it up a bit, then you can save and forward as a normal document attachment.
Not bad at all.
I can assure everyone reading this post with the upmost authority that our Father will never condone any activity associated with Norm Chomsky or any other activity or group of people who have their foundation in the doctrine of Greek philos-sophos. That is written in his word in the second chapter of the book of Colossians. Second in the first chapter of Romans, our Father is very direct concerning this council and the people it represents. He does not condone their actions nor support their activities. These folks use the doctrine of Greek philos-sophos to twist the meanings written in our Fathers word to what they want them to mean. This act was defined by Paul in the 2nd book of Colossians where he warned Christians this would occur.
Second, anyone who considers following a group such as this who claims to be Christian in their behavior, needs to read our Fathers word , Romans chapter 1 and the book of Leviticus as well as the book of deuteronomy. You will get a good description there of what our father thinks of these types of behaviors.
You don’t even need to be religious to understand -and embrace- the idea that "Whatsoever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." But many in the 1%, in blind greed and endless schemes, have forgotten this, and have closed their eyes to what the word "society" should really mean. But because of Occupy Wall Street, we are finally talking less about CUTS and more about BLEEDING. Instead of demanding m-o-r-e budget cuts -to be borne by the middle class and poor- we are FINALLY focusing on the shameful bleeding that the poor and middle class has endured for all too long. Instead of talking about even m-o-r-e cuts in the taxes of millionaires....we are now talking about fairness and justice - about an economy and a political system that is increasingly run for the rich, and by the rich. Instead of talking about LESS government, we are talking about a government that WORKS FOR ALL OF US, not just a favored few. Thank you OWS, for reminding us that people -ordinary working people- really DO matter, and for helping open our eyes to what’s really going on in this country. In a city where there is precious little public space that we can call our own, this is much more than a plea for sanctuary: It’s a hard-fought carving out of a protected space amid the repression, an expression of conscience and affirmation... continually reminding us, goading, prodding, annoying, illuminating and encouraging us..reminding us what of we’ve lost, of what we can do, and what we can be. They would pen us in, they would permit us to death, they would tell us to “ move on, move on, there’s nothing to see”.....don’t block the street, don’t trespass, don’t EXIST. You don’t belong, you don’t count, you don’t have a right to even be here.... A city where control-freaks would sweep us under the rug and out of the way...as they deny both us, our lives, and our futures. But OWS says loudly, both in word and in DEED: we BELONG, we STAND our ground, and we DO matter! This is OUR land, and we want it BACK! The word OCCUPY says it all! That’s why this space is important. Trinity Church should look deep into its collective soul, do the right thing, and help OWS. If Christ were physically among us today, as He was 2000 years ago, He would be among the FIRST to climb those fences, and occupy Trinity’s Duarte Square. Of this I am certain...
Tax the Churches. Seize and sell their property. They stole it from the members and covet it fo rtheir own purposes. Give unto Caesar what he demands TAXES - and make the Churches pay just like the 99%
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the elders rock!
they must be the priests who go to bohemian grove if they don't want to help the 99%
http://www.facebook.com/messages/1295414938#!/PeoplesCongress Check this out. We can have our own Congress!!
Well that's more like it. Its a much better approach than trying to brow beat the church by forcing oneself on the space, they have been after all largely supportive.
48 percent of all Americans are either considered to be "low income" or are living in poverty.
57 percent of all children in the United States are living in homes that are either considered to be "low income" or impoverished.
77 percent of all U.S. small businesses do not plan to hire any more workers.
There are fewer payroll jobs in the United States today than there were back in 2000 even though we have added 30 million extra people to the population since then.
The council of elders - sounds like something out of "Lord of the Rings" and what have they done besides dedicating themselves for mankind? These folks don't mean shit to the working class people.
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Your thoughts and guidance are inspirational. And the Occupy movement of this new generation has gone beyond national concerns to the World through a social network of caring for All.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
You do not even need to be religious to understand -and embrace- the idea that "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." In their blind greed and schemes, the 1% has forgotten and closed their eyes to what the word "society" should really mean. But because of Occupy Wall Street and its offshoots, we are finally talking less about CUTS and more about BLEEDING. Instead of demanding more budget cuts -to be borne by the middle class and poor- we are FINALLY focusing on the shameful bleeding that the poor and middle class has endured for all too long. Instead of talking about even more cuts in the taxes of millionaires...we are now talking about fairness and justice - about an economy and a political system that is run for the rich, and by the rich. Instead of talking about LESS government, we are talking about a government that WORKS FOR ALL OF US, not just a favored few. Thank you OWS, for reminding us that people -ordinary working people- really DO matter, and for helping to open our eyes to what’s really going on in this country. It's time, Trinity Church, to do the right thing...it's time ..to step up and help OWS!
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Inspirational!
It sometimes amazing how even the most accomplished, intelligent people can be swayed with miss leading rhetoric and specifically redacted or woefully incomplete information. OWS is not a civil rights movement, unless the 99 is declaring some new minority status . . .which is an oxymoron . . . . wait I think it is . . . at least in part.
Nice!
Thank you for your support. Your statement brought a tear to my eye and a tug at my heart. After so much brutality and madness on the part of certain elements, this word of kindness means more than you know.
Amen! This is an inspiring letter. We can witness Creator God's work in our on-going efforts at educating people and bringing people together for the good of all of humankind. @Peta_de_Aztlan
Is the Trinity vacant lot tax exempt, if so who do they expect to pay for the police action, NYC?
Why not? Every time a police officer has to engage with OWS in a protest it cost tax payers money but I don't hear anyone saying OWS shouldn't protest because of it. According to the Huffington Post Occupy has cost the american tax payers over 13 million dollars.
I would expect who ever request their prescience should pay them, OWS has only called them a couple of times in the past, The rest of the time they just show up not OWS responsibly to pay them to take them to jail when the biggest percentage of the time it is unnecessary, Most of the arestees are released without charges. Millionaire Bloomsburg flexing his musculus let him pay.
Bloomsburg should pay the police. Bloomsburg should pay the police. Bloomsburg should pay the police. Bloomsburg should pay the police. Bloomsburg should pay the police. Bloomsburg should pay the police. He called them.
I have witnessed the impact as well. Drugs, violence, tons of garbage. I respect personal freedoms but the actions I see are shameful. It concerns me as an American and Patriot. Comparing themselves to the Arab Spring is truly lacking relativity. The third world on average travels 3 miles one way for water! That for me is perspective. Thank you for the opportunity to share.
The council has the right to make its request, but the church has the right to tell the council to butt out.
Good work. FYI http://suzannahbtroy.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-york-times-bans-my-comment-on.html NYTimes article on Deutche bank banning signs. My comment made it clear DB spokesman liar - goal to evict OWS 60 Wall St. I wrote about new trend DB hires private military - they won't admit employed by DB or give us their names when verbally violent -/ yet another abuse of power -- I was told to remove my signs and art wear DB and now NY Times censors me!!!
This is great!
Look at all of these beautiful, civic-minded people lending their voice.
An amazing collection of really old people...
I like being old. Not as much as I liked being young, but that's life.
My experience led to recalling the Nine Principles from Dr. King and he and SCLC doing the Civil Rights marches. That led to our current update/customization for OWS. Worse things have happened:
Pledge For Nonviolence
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Amazing group of people?
Look at that bearded JEW with his Jew cap on, he is the instigator of this stupid letter, he is a front man for another Jew Soros. The stupid Goynims cannot see the ruse.
shame on you church!
Mark Tooley (American Spectator website):
The prelates and theologians who eagerly invest Occupy Wall Street with transcendent authority almost all share a common spiritual ennui. No longer enlivened by the drama of their own faith's teachings about divine redemption, they instead look for excitement in the bedraggled camps of unemployed twenty-somethings a fraction of their own age. The Occupiers will eventually get bored with their own tedium and move on. But will their ecclesial admirers?
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The Occupy Wall St. Movement has no leverage to force change and until OWS gets some leverage nothing will change.
If OWS blocks traffic and shuts down business as usual, OWS will have leverage to force change.
The forgotten must block traffic to remind the forgetful of the needs of the forgotten.
Don't follow the leaders. Block traffic with your friends.
Guidelines For Non-Violent Civil Disobedient Traffic Blocking. http://occupywallst.org/forum/guidelines-for-non-violent-civil-disobedient-traff/
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where is their public statement against the DHS police brutality and the FEMA concentration camps? where is their public statement against putting VIOLENT AND HORRIFIC images into children's minds? (and calling it a "religion"!)???????
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If I were Trinity, I'd tell this council to mind its own business.
human freedom is their business- and we all need to support any group, that is fighting for human rights.
That's why you're no where near The Trinity.
Please open yourself to life, love and the blessings of faith, hope, and charity. Refrain from violence of fist, tongue and heart. Walk and talk in the manner of love; for truth and love are the core of life, neither ambition nor the temptations of control.
Sacrifice personal wishes that all might be free. Observe with friends, with false friends and with your foes the ordinary rules of courtesy. Perform regular service for others and the world. Pray or simply ask within to be moved so that all men and women might be free. Remember that nonviolence seeks Justice and Reconciliation – not victory. Strive to be in good spirits and in good health. Go in peace.
Amen.
Thats why Trinity is not a Church...it's a facade Church...this "Church" was founded through a Divorce of an English King. it should just fol dback to Roman Catholicism.
The religion is called Epicopal or Anglican. It is much more complicated that the divorce of King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. This was during the reformation and a break from the Catholic church.
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MASTERdBATER is a self-confessed T R O L L
To understand WHAT MAKES A TROLL TICK - AND have a chuckle while you're at it - go to:
http://occupywallst.org/forum/how-trolls-think-trollosophy-exposed/
tioaise, cut masterdbater some slack, jack. his comment was pretty funny--do you seriously have no sense of humor?
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@MSVN...Your tin foil hat is on too tight, as usual.
Touche'