Our Roundtable Commitments

In the midst of increasing conflict and war the Roundtable has come to symbolize the basic step in building reconciliation, just relationships, and peace. At the same time it is a symbol for Christ’s presence as nurture and counsel.

The Roundtable gatherings seek to provide an opportunity:

• for people to bring their concerns about their life and world  to the table in a prayerful, structured conversation that respects a variety of points of view. Priority is given to public matters crying out for reconciliation. Exchange of concerns and perspectives can focus on a single topic, art piece or performance, scripture, or reading.

• for people to celebrate Christ’s presence at table with tangible symbols of the bountiful banquet still to come.

• for people to worship in a way that seeks to:

use gender-inclusive language respecting the equality of all people and the mystery of the Holy One who includes and transcends all gender distinctions and sexual orientations;

be circular and participatory, with shared leadership;

use silence, the arts, and symbols that go beyond the spoken word.

employ language and symbols for God’s just order drawn from our contemporary political and cultural world;

celebrate the wholeness and mystery of creation, especially our call to reconciliation with the Earth;

engage the challenges of justice, restoration, social service, and care for the earth.