A Statement from the SDI Coordinating Council

by

Rev. Seifu Singh-Molares

With growing concern and deep dismay, we have watched the escalating events of the last week, beginning with the horrifying killing of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis, and now encompassing peaceful protests and violent riots, throughout the US, and worldwide.

We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of George Floyd.

We also want to take this occasion to reflect on the systemic racism and oppression that continues to plague the US and many other nations, and which has led to countless instances of murder, deep injustices, and continuing violence, in all of its physical, emotional and spiritual manifestations.

The dying words of George Floyd, “I can’t breathe,” challenge us all to be agents of change, that we may institute the much-needed reforms so that ALL people may breathe – and live – freely.

We express solidarity with all those who are suffering now: from grief, heartbreak, abuses to dignity, violence, hatred, and purposely sown division. We are with you.

As a registered educational nonprofit organization, we honor everyone’s dignity, and we welcome people of all races, genders and gender identities, socio-economic statuses, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientations, political affiliations and other markers of our diversity.

We condemn racism. We condemn violence.  And we stand for strong, principled and, as needed right now, clear, compassionate and resonant responses from our leaders and our communities to the outrages we see around us.

Spiritual companions bear witness. As such, we call on our community, and all individuals, to bear witness compassionately to what is happening,  to seek understanding, and to take such action as seems appropriate in line with the universal spiritual principles of wisdom, compassion, and equality for all.

Because spiritual companions use deep listening to help others raise their self-awareness, we call on all people to lead in their communities by listening to all those affected by these issues, from all sides, non-judgmentally. Such listening offers the foundation for responsive leadership that we have been sorely lacking.

Listening is not a passive response to the crisis we now face. It is, rather, an urgent and necessary action, and one of the most potent tools at our disposal to begin a process of remediation, change and healing. It can provide the wisdom and understanding to see a way forward through taking action that may rectify, rather than intensify, the divisions in our societies.

We call on all those who read this – including decision-makers in all levels of government – to acknowledge the truth of systemic injustice in the United States and the world, to work together actively with renewed hope, commitment, and compassion to create a better way to support the freedom and wellbeing of all people.
 


Cynthia Bailey Manns, DMin

Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA
Chair


Wendie Bernstein Lash
Redwood City, California, USA
Treasurer

Bernadette Miles
Victoria, Australia
Secretary



Leslie Keener, CDP

Melbourne, Kentucky, USA


Janice Lundy, DMin,
Traverse City, Michigan, USA



Eric Massanari, M. Div.
Newton, Kansas, USA


Sean Murphy
New Mexico, USA



Rev. Seifu Anil Singh-Molares
Bellevue, Washington, USA
SDI Executive Director

Rev. Seifu Singh-Molares

Rev. Seifu Singh-Molares

Rev. Seifu is the Executive Director of SDI and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest, as well as a practicing Spiritual Companion/Director/Guide/Counselor and motivational speaker.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

1 thought on “A Statement from the SDI Coordinating Council”

  1. I think that in a time such as this we are being called to respond as those who are calling for justice are asking us to respond — and that means to say clearly and specifically that Black Lives Matter. To say “all lives matter,” even with naming George Floyd in our call for justice we are missing the point of not just the last few weeks of uprising against systemic violence against black lives and other peoples of color, but the centuries of resistance of Black, Brown and Indigenous peoples against white supremacy – white privilege.

Leave a Reply to MB Brainerd Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

A Big Thank You to the SDI Community

Dearest Companions, The SDI Staff went on a staff retreat last week, and we had occasion to reflect on our work, and this wonderful community we are a part of.  We want to take this moment to extend our most profound and sincere gratitude to you all!  We are truly honored and inspired by the

Read More »

Learn From Our Members – November Issue of Connections

  We recently published the latest issue of our Connections “Newsletter” – less of a newsletter, and more of a collection of reflections and teachings on spiritual direction and companionship, written by SDI Members. In this issue you’ll find the following: A touching reflection by Beckie Boger, on the divine companionship of horses. Beckie runs

Read More »
forest bathing

Free Sessions of Forest Bathing and Birdsong Poetry Vespers

In anticipation of our Forest Bathing Retreat for Spiritual Companions coming in March 2024, we’ve recently hosted two free sessions with our facilitators, Dr. Jeanette Banashak and Rev. Simon Ruth De Voil. Click here to enjoy a Virtual Forest Bathing session with Dr. Jeanette Banashak (recorded November Click here to enjoy a Birdsong Poetry Vespers

Read More »
Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top

Welcome!

We're glad you're here.

Subscribe to SDI updates to receive a FREE eBook filled with contemplative wisdom!

As a free gift for signing up for SDI’s updates, we are offering you a 59-page eBook filled with contemplative wisdom!

Please use it as you wish: 

  • for inspiration on your spiritual journey
  • for the delight of finding wisdom that you can feel in body, mind and spirit 
  • for a moment of reflection 
  • as a token of our deep respect for who you are and your contribution to our movement 
Â