5.Solidarity and Sustainability

Do you know about non-profits and/or advocacy groups focused on the social and ecological impacts of religious patriarchies?


CURRENT ISSUE:

Solidarity & Sustainability ~ Volume 2, Number 6, June 2006


This is the third issue in the series, "Mimetic Violence in Patriarchal Religions." Rene Girard's mimetic theory is applied to a relatively recent episode in the Roman Catholic Church. Specifically, this case example pertains to the male-only priesthood, and the manner in which the discernment process on the ordination of women was "terminated" (at least temporarily) by the Vatican. The analysis includes the five Girardian phases: mimetic desire, mimetic rivalry, skandalon,scapegoating, and sacred violence.

There is no implication of intentional wrongdoing by anyone at the Vatican or elsewhere. However, a radical renunciation of violence is postulated as indispensable to make progress toward human solidarity and environmental sustainability. Religious institutions must show the way by renouncing the triple patriarchal addiction to wealth accumulation,absolute power, and worldly honors; thereby renouncing violence.If religious institutions really want to be instruments of peace, they better practice non-violence in their own internal affairs.

Any feedback is gratefully received.

P.S. The July 2006 issue is in preparation. Please forward this notice to people who might be interested on the impact of patriarchal religions to global issues of solidarity, sustainability, and gender equity.