World Ways: Pilgrimage of Solidarity
2 March 2012 – 4 March 2012
Israel/Palestine Part I: Getting Ready!
This is part one of the Pilgrimage of Solidarity being organized by Naramata Centre in collaboration with the United Church’s People in Partnership. Participants sign up for a three-part program including: a preparation period; a journey to visit United Church partners and local communities in the global south; and a debrief process back at home to integrate the learnings where we discern our commitment of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. Participants can expect to learn about themselves and their own context, develop deep bonds with their fellow pilgrims, and experience a life transforming experience through sharing in the daily lives of our host community.
Participants spend two days at Naramata Centre to prepare for their ten day pilgrimage experience in Palestine/Israel. This preparation phase will focus on community building, prayerful reflection, gaining some hands on experience in local justice outreach projects and addressing the logistics of travel abroad. We will engage in experiential learning methods and bible study to explore complex issues around power, economy, race, politics and history so that we can engage the experiences while visiting our host community on a deeper level. This program will encourage participants to make the links between local and global issues in order to better understand our own context and place in the world as well as that of our hosts. For background information, please read the message and invitation from Palestinian churches’ called: The Kairos Palestine Document.
“In order to understand our reality, we say to the Churches: Come and see. We will fulfil our role to make known to you the truth of our reality, receiving you as pilgrims coming to us to pray, carrying a message of peace, love and reconciliation. You will know the facts and the people of this land, Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
Part II: the ten day Pilgrimage of Solidarity is scheduled for mid April 2012 to Palestine/Israel.
Part III: the debrief period will take place at Naramata Centre from May 18-21, 2012.
Co-facilitator for the Pilgrimage of Solidarity – TBA
For more information please contact: nmaxson@naramatacentre.