order of service 

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 Welcome and Introduction:
Why the Compassion Consortium?

by Reverend Sarah Bowen

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The Compassion Consortium Tenets of Agreement 

Recited by William Melton
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We acknowledge a Divine Force at the heart of the universe, and in all living beings. We may refer to this force as God, but It is known by many names and appears in different forms or as formless.

 

We recognize the common moral principles inherent within all wisdom traditions.

 

We affirm that compassion, reverence for life and nonviolence are fundamental to religious faith and moral philosophy, and are to be extended to all sentient beings.

 

We stand by the principles of inclusion, diversity, and equality, and hold these as essential in our human relations.

 

We hold that nonhuman animals are imbued with the same essence of life and love as are human animals, and that there is moral parity between us.

 

We avow that humans do not own the earth, its resources, or its inhabitants, but instead must be involved in their protection and care.

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We endeavor to eat and live in a kind and sustainable manner, moving away from animal foods and animal-derived clothing, as well as any activities that cause harm to our fellow beings, human or otherwise.

 

We aim to provide spiritual comfort, fellowship, and food for thought to those practicing or exploring a vegan lifestyle.

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We offer guidance and peer support for all those seeking a more compassionate and spiritual life.

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We commit to sharing these principles freely, with humility and respect, in support of nonhuman animals and the earth.

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Song of Compassion

Live Your Most Compassionate Life 

(courtesy of animaloutlook.org)

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Silent Reflection and Meditation

You are invited to join us in a short period of silence at this time.

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Bruce Friedrich in Conversation with Victoria Moran

Victoria will discuss with Bruce his temporal and spiritual journey:

The Road from the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House to the Good Food Institute.

Bruce Friedrich is co-founder and executive director of The Good Food Institute, a nonprofit organization that is focused on reforming the global food system while protecting our environment, promoting global health, and preventing food insecurity and animal cruelty. Bruce is a TED Fellow, Y Combinator alum, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Wired, and many other publications. He has appeared on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, TED Radio Hour, New Yorker Radio Hour, and a variety of programs on MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN. Bruce's 2019 TED talk has been viewed two million times and translated into dozens of languages. He co-authored two books, contributed chapters to seven more, and has written seven law review articles. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law School and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics

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Compassion in Action: A Short Story with Kara Walsh, VLCE

A personal sharing and reflection on compassion in action

Led by Reverend Erika Allison

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Compassio Divina: A Spiritual Practice 

A guided compassionate contemplate in four steps
Led by Reverend Erika Allison

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Blessings & Prayers

Led by Reverend Sarah Bowen & Reverend Erika Allison

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You will be invited to share the names of your
new arrivals and departed companions in the chat box.

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Closing Prayer with Reverend Erika

 

Lead me from the unreal to the real,

From death to immortality,

From falsehood to truth,

From despair to hope 

From fear to trust,

From hate to love,

(*please join us in the last two lines*)

Let compassion fill our hearts,

Compassion for all beings.

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Closing Song

Kirk Franklin, Kelly Price, Fantasia, Tyrese & More Take Us to Church With “I Smile” Performance!

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Closing Remarks
If you would like to support the mission and programming of this community, please consider contributing:

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Spiritual Fellowship & Open Discussion

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The Compassion Consortium is being organized pursuant to the New York Not-for Profit Corporation Law and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (pending), and will operate as a not-for-profit spiritual and educational fellowship. Accordingly, we request that political, partisan and lobbying discussions and activities be avoided in the Consortium’s activities, forums and social media platforms. We also request that all discussions, input and contributions be conducted with decorum and in a positive spirit of respect, tolerance, civility and harmony.

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