It is always interesting to spot passing shafts of wisdom that happen-in on the same day’s scanning, but from very different starting points. Even as an Open Global Table exchange on monetary reform deepens, {initially in a small group of strong associates, but soon to be summarised for the whole network], one such erudite and delightful description of the inclusive context in which all should be working, arrived in the autumn journal of Christians Aware. This probably embraces the highest aspirations behind every significant faith tradition, every serious academic discipline,” and most men and women in all the world’s streets!!

“I HAVE A DREAM
I have a dream of a world that insists on building openness in our communities and a world in which all are welcome, valued, belong equally, have hospitality and sanctuary and are safe. A world where: 
• there are no corners, no straight lines, no centres, no margins no hierarchies, no superiors, no inferiors.
• The only walls that exist are there to give shelter and share hospitality.
• All people are honoured as made in the image of God, and all life is held as sacred.
• There is deep mutual respect and trust between women and men, young and old, black and white and all the shades in between, and between Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jain, Jew, Muslim, Pagan, Sikh, and Zoroastrian, and people of all sexual orientations, different identities, different abilities and disabilities. 
• The earth and all its inhabitants, great and small, are held in honour and respect, and protected.
• Children play safely and the dignity of elders is upheld with respect.
• Nations work together to eliminate inequality, oppression and persecution, ensuring poverty is history.
• Nations never again engage in mass murder and holocaust, enshrining protection and sanctuary of those whose lives are in danger in any way.
• Nations work together for a world of fair trade, and a just and equal sharing of the benefits of human enterprise and economy; nations work together and stand by values of justice for all, mercy and kindness in the execution of justice, and humility in all leadership.
• Nations learn war no more, and develop non-violent ways to resolve conflict, stop the manufacturing trading of weapons of destruction, and turn all weapons into instruments of healing, where hatred and hunger is ended, reconciliation real, and relationships are healed.

I would like to see every Church become, a Church of sanctuary, and every Mosque, and Synagogue, and Gurdwara, and Mandir and Vihari, places of sanctuary, the safest places on earth, where all can be sure of warm welcomes and protective hospitality, safety and sanctuary.

This is my modest dream. I’m not asking for a lot. It may be unrealistic, and in the words of John Lennon, “You may say I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

by  INDERJIT BHOGAL                28 August 2023                   from Christians Aware

I hope that it might inspire a range of reports from our wide network on how individual and group initiatives and insights play into this total context of justice and peace.

Peter