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Republican Convention Opens; Anglican Observer to U.N. Encourages Dialogue

Episcopal News Service. August 31, 2004 [083104-1-A]

Matthew Davies

Preaching near Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Republican National Convention, the Anglican Observer to the United Nations called listeners "to be sympathetic to those with whom we disagree," urging dialogue as a vital means to listening and understanding.

During a pre-convention sermon August 29 at the Church of the Holy Apostles, the international Anglican Observer at the United Nations, Archdeacon Taimalelagi F. Tuatagaloa-Matalavea, acknowledged with gratitude that the United States has done much to reach out to the global community with aid and assistance programs. Yet she also cautioned: "your decisions and what you do here in America does affect me and my family half way around the world in Samoa." She asked the congregation to "remember me in your deliberations and when you vote in your elections."

The Anglican Observer's sermon opened a week of hospitality extended to convention participants by the Church of the Holy Apostles -- located just four blocks from Madison Square Garden, and the site of Holy Apostles soup kitchen, where several GOP delegates are expected to volunteer today. The parish has invited convention delegates and protesters alike to use the church as a sanctuary, a place to cool off in the humid, hot weather; to drink water and lemonade; to talk, reflect, and pray.

Equally beautiful -- equally frail

Drawing on the message from Paul's letter to the Hebrews, "Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers," Samoa-born Tuatagaloa-Matalavea identified the importance of respecting each other's points of view and passions for holding those views. "All of us must be vigilant to see that visitors are welcomed when they are among us, no matter who those people may be," she said. "In the eyes of God we are all equal -- equally beautiful and equally frail."

Following the Eucharist, Archdeacon Tai, whose job involves advocating at the U.N. world forum for the needs of more than 75 million Anglicans in 164 countries, led a special forum on the Church's witness on international concerns and issues. "The Anglican Communion can be a very powerful platform for highlighting global issues, but when we disagree we need to continue dialogue," she urged. "I am sure God's spirit will prevail and teach us how to continue to work together." [Further information about the Anglican Observer at the United Nations can be found online at: www.aco.org/un]

Meanwhile, two blocks east on Seventh Avenue, more than 100,000 protestors took to the streets to march past the Republican National Convention site at Madison Square Garden. The march -- largely organized by peace activists -- attracted people from all over the United States. One protestor told ENS that she was inspired by the number of people who had turned out to unite for justice and peace. Further protests are expected this week.

Spirit of hospitality

Holy Apostles' regular community outreach is anchored by its Soup Kitchen, which has been a symbol of hope and compassion in the Chelsea area of Manhattan for the past 21 years, and serves more than 1,100 hot nutritious meals every weekday, including holidays. Since the Soup Kitchen first began in 1982, it has served more than 5.1 million meals.

Clyde Kuemmerle, program coordinator for the Soup Kitchen, explained that it is not just about feeding the hungry, but it's also about fellowship, counseling, and reaching out to people in unique ways.

The Rev. Bill Greenlaw, rector of Holy Apostles since 1984, said that the parish has a history of social engagement. "Our faith has a strong connection to this," he said. "Social engagement is central to the Eucharistic tradition." Describing Holy Apostles as a heterogeneous parish, Greenlaw explained, "Our business is opening the door and welcoming people into the center of our life and to a place of hope and possibility. We're here to serve."

Holy Apostles' ministry in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on New York City, was underscored by the arrival at the church on August 30 of the traveling "Stonewalk" memorial. From July 26 through September 2, family members of 9/11 victims are walking from Boston to New York, pulling a 1,400-pound granite memorial honoring "Unknown Civilians Killed in War." The stone was pulled from St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Manhattanville, in Harlem before coming to rest outside Holy Apostles. The stone will be moved from Holy Apostles later this week and transported to its final New York resting stop, the Friends Meeting House on 15th Street.

The walk is sponsored by September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, a group of 120 family members of 9/11 victims, in conjunction with The Peace Abbey, a multi-faith retreat center.

Holy Apostles also hosted an August 30 evening forum welcoming speakers from Peaceful Tomorrows, Voices of the Wilderness, Robert Edgar of the National Council of Churches, and Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum of Congregation Beth Simchat Torah.

Church of the Holy Apostles is open from 4-10 p.m. daily during the Republican National Convention for rest, respite and sanctuary. Further information is available online at: http://www.holyapostlesnyc.org/.

Many more churches are offering hospitality centers during the RNC:

* The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Trinity Church Wall Street, and St. Paul's Chapel, "the little chapel that stood" after September 11, are also opening their doors to those who seek a place of prayer and spiritual reflection during the Republican National Convention. The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations invited Episcopalians who are members of Congress to attend Sunday services August 28 in these historic churches.

* Church of the Incarnation will be open during extended hours with staff to offer assistance and aid. 209 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 (35 St. and Madison Ave.) http://churchoftheincarnation.org/.

* St. Mary's, Manhattanville, is also offering housing and hospitality. 521 W. 126th St. New York, NY 10027. www.dioceseny.org/index.cfm?action=Parish.ViewParish&parishID=39&=9&y=8.

* St. Mark's in the Bowery is offering 10 Days of Sanctuary and a series of events. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day, the parish hall is staffed with groups providing information, drop-in counseling, medical and legal referrals, directions and New York City maps, and general assistance. Special training sessions in legal issues and political organizing will be offered. Food, beverages and body work (yoga and massage) will also be available, along with space for quiet meditation and relaxation. 131 E. 10th St. New York, NY 10003 - 212.674.6377. http://www.stmarkschurch-in-the-bowery.com/.

Further information about these and other parishes in New York can be found online at: http://www.dioceseny.org/.

[thumbnail: Archdeacon Tai, Anglican...] [thumbnail: The Rev. Bill Greenlaw ta...]