Remembering September 11

 

photo by Chandra Alexandre

 

Ten years ago Cherry Hill Seminary was a fledgling online presence, no less pained by the violence of September 11, 2011, than our sisters and brothers in the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, non-religious, and other religious communities across the country, around the world. Ten years later, our faculty and students reflect on the meaning they draw from this decade of grieving, self-examination and, we hope, healing.  No doubt, the aftermath of September 11 became part of the journey of some to Cherry Hill Seminary where they join with others in building reservoirs of wisdom.

At first, we intended to issue a statement on behalf of Cherry Hill Seminary, our hopes for a future in which our children may live without fear, without judgment, and in peace.  But when we asked our Cherry Hill Seminary family for their thoughts, we were overwhelmed by the passion and eloquence.  Therefore, we offer excerpts at our online blog from several individuals who serve on our faculty. 

These powerful comments reflect our national wounding as well as our journey towards wholeness as a society.  Please keep in mind that this sharing is not an endorsement by Cherry Hill Seminary of any particular policies, movements or political views, but that each of our professors and students speaks freely from his or her conscience.  

May their words commemorate the great loss experienced on September 11.  May their words shine light into the dark places exposed on that day. May their words bring us closer to true peace.

The day holds memory of terror.  We make memory of sacred space that is our life, today.

The day holds memory of loss.  We make memory of what we still have, today.

The day holds memory of fear.  We make memory of newborn trust, born in what we do, today.

The day holds memory of rage.  We make memory of deep, centered peace in this moment, today. 

The day holds memory of abiding grief.  We take steps to heal and create abiding wisdom, today.

Bob Patrick