Published: Sept. 7, 2024
Sawubona (pronounced Saw-bone-a) is a Zulu greeting that carries the sense of interconnectedness of all beings and nature. Literally it means “I see you” yet it carries the additional meaning of seeing others and nature in the light of our connectedness, our ancestors and common shared life on this planet. We share life itself including our weakness, strengths and value.
While this phrase was not the cornerstone of reflections and theme, it held particular meaning for my experience at the World Plenary gathering where I represented un-programmed Friends from NPYM august 5 to 13.
Living the Spirit of Ubuntu (pronounced u-boon-to) was the theme of this world gathering of Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC).
This Zulu word and concept also carries deep meanings of connection and mutual care.
Over 250 Friends from 53 countries attended in person, another 250 joined virtually individually or in “pods” all around this beautiful and wounded planet.
Yes, there was great joy in singing and dancing together. Yes, there were bonds made and an amazingly rich sharing of cultures.
There also was a growing understanding and sense of deep grief and of how our failings as a species (yes this includes Quakers) have caused historic harm and continue to cause active harm to indigenous populations, persons of color, women and members of the LGBTQ community and this planet we live on.
These conversations were not always easy and I feel challenged to address my own internal sense of privilege as a white/male/1st world resident.
All of us, including our planet, continue to live with the effects of colonization and racism. Many of us felt held up by the prayers and care of those present at the gathering. Still, the recognition of prejudice, bias, patriarchal and hierarchical power systems in ourselves is difficult to bring to enough awareness that we take action towards resolution.
Above all else, we felt “what love can do”
Attached here are the Epistle which came forth from our gathering as well as a copy of the document which sought to weave together the threads of concern. Other documents and minutes are available through the FWCC world office.
Click here to read the FWCC 2024 epistle.
Click here to read “Weaving the Tapestry” (presented in three languages).
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my yearly meeting in this fashion.
Bill Ehri, Olympia Monthly Meeting, North Pacific Yearly Meeting (8/31/2024)