August 2nd, 2007

The Leadership Institute is a part of Merry Meet, the National meeting of the Covenant of the Goddess. The Conference will be held from August 2 - 5, 2007 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. August 2nd has been set aside for the Leadership Institute. The Institute is specifically designed for those interested in developing or strengthening their leadership and clergy skills. This year the Institute will focus on Multifaith perspectives in the forms of both Inter- and Intra-faith. This event is open to the general public.

Religion is increasingly playing a major role in current world events,
shaping both societal views along with governmental structures. At the
same time, with the rise of the internet, more people are reaching out to share ideas with others around the globe. Local Communities have become more diverse in both make-up and awareness. It has therefore become increasingly important for those of faith to learn how to foster dialogue between those on differing spiritual paths. It is equally vital for clergy to cultivate communication between members of their own distinctive religious denominations.

The Leadership Institute will begin in the morning at 9:00 a.m.

Don Frew who will give us a brief presentation on the history of the Covenant of the Goddess’ role in Interfaith awareness.

Professor Michael York will give us an overview on religions of the world. This will help educate the participants, allowing for deeper conversations later in the program.

Angie Buchanan will then guide us through the intricacies of Interfaith discussion. She will talk about why interfaith discussions have become so vital and how to create open and respectful conversations with those of differing religious beliefs.

These two presentations will set the stage for our guests, representatives of the world religions. Following a brief introduction of each guest and their spiritual background, we will break for lunch. This is where the real work will begin!

A Guest, along with someone who will act as a moderator, will be seated for a set period of time at each of the luncheon tables. This will give participants the opportunity to meet in small groups for discussions on faith relations. The point of this exercise is not to debate theology or differing religious beliefs. The goal is to create a deeper understanding of how to foster dialogue as seen through the experience of different religious expressions. Periodically, the guests will be asked to change tables. This will allow for greater interaction between participants, and exposure to a wider variation of opinions. We have set aside 2½ hours for this portion.

After our extended lunch, we will come back together as a large group. Macha NightMare will begin the afternoon session moving the focus to Intra-faith parameters. We will begin by asking our guests to explain how they work intra-faith awareness and dynamics within their own denominations. Using this information, we will then explore possible parallels within our own denominations and communities.

Andras Corban Arthen will end the Leadership Institute with a look at Learning and Teaching, how best to foster both Interfaith and Intrafaith conversations and relations within our own local communities, in order to affect a platform for positive change.

Leadership Institute concludes at 5:30 p.m.

Confirmed Guests currently include

Rev. Sue Bowman, Minister, Disciples of Christ

Rabbi Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg, The Tiferet Center

Ellen Everett Hopman, Order of the White Oak, Druid, author

Barbara Giammarino, Native American, Penobscot tribe

Galina Krasskova, Asatru, author

Eve Myonen Marko, Buddhist monk, Peace Makers Organization

Mary Ellen Preston, Quaker, Woolman Hill

Maureen Reddington-Wilde, Minister, Church of the Sacred Earth : A Union of Pagan Congregations

Presenters

Don Frew, Covenant of the Goddess, National Interfaith Representative

Andras Corban Arthen, founder and director of the EarthSpirit Community

Angie Buchanan, Council Member, A Parliament of the World's Religions, faculty member Cherry Hill Seminary

M. Macha NightMare, Reclaiming Tradition, Chair Public Ministry Department Cherry Hill Seminary, author

Dr. Michael York, Professor, Bath Spa University, faculty member Cherry Hill Seminary, author

Full Presenter bios can be found in the Presenters section of the Merry Meet 2007 site.

The cost to attend Leadership Institute is only $55.00 for the day and includes lunch in the Amherst Room in the Campus Center.
Deadline for registration & payment is July 19th.
Registrations can not be taken at the door. Pre-Registration is required. For more information on Leadership Institute please contact Laura at information@merrymeet2007.org

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