SPIRITUALITY/PEACE

Spirituality means many things to many people. The roles that spiritual and/or religious leaders play in our society are often controversial. Wars are still being fought in many parts of the world because of, or related to, religious differences. The relationship that spirituality plays for sustainability must therefore be carefully articulated, so as not to appear sectarian, parochial, or offensive to people who do not participate in any spiritual or faith-based communities.

Many people experience spirituality as an intensely personal and private element of their lives. They are not inclined to discuss it with other people, and do not see their individual spiritual practices as being part of a larger community. Other people participate in different faith communities or service organizations, regularly practicing a kind of social spirituality that comes with regular worship services and service projects.

Whatever their form, doctrines, or organizations, there are common threads woven among the various spiritual practices. One of these common threads is an emphasis on relationship - to self, to the earth, to other people, to a higher power. There are other common threads: an interest in excellence, a desire for purity, a mandate for forgiveness, mercy, justice, loving kindness, sacrifice, and service to others.

The question of sustainability rests on whether or not we are enhancing or eroding our ability to provide for the world’s needs in the future. The cyclical renewal processes that can be found in so many different parts of our lives can also be perceived in the role that spirituality plays for individuals and for communities. Spirituality, and an adherence to the positive and life-enhancing principles that most faith communities espouse, taps into nothing less than the creative and regenerative energy of the universe.

There are no spirituality policies that the city of Burlington or other entities in the community have developed or passed recently, obviously. Nor would it be appropriate to suggest that there be some. For the purposes of sustainability planning, however, it is important to recognize the spiritual needs of the community, and to support all the organizations that meet those needs, without regard to particular spiritual practices.

Best practices for spirituality are those efforts that reach out to promote dialogue among the different faiths, to increase mutual understanding and acceptance of divergent beliefs. They are also found in efforts to help people recognize their spiritual gifts and support their further development. For this reason, most religious institutions might indeed be considered a best practice, and they are not listed here individually. However, the efforts that have been undertaken in Burlington to promote dialogue and learning are highlighted in the following case studies.

THE PRACTICES:

Peace and Justice Store
Racial Justice and Equity Project
Vermont Ecumenical Council