I performed at the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council’s National Day of Prayer Breakfast this morning at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. As part of a two-member Unitarian Universalist delegation, it would seem, as my minister apparently opted to sleep in. Oh well. I was impressed by the diversity and sensitivity of the occasion; they even had the chafing dishes of bacon and sausage clear on the other side of the room from the eggs and potatoes out of respect for the Jews and Muslims in attendance. I was also impressed by the presence of a local imam, particularly by his quoting of the Holy Qur’an, as the current state of world affairs behooves us all to increase our awareness of the true Islamic faith. I mean this sincerely — I have next to zero knowledge about that particular religion and even less about its holy book. Finally, I was glad to see a significant Mormon presence, surprising to me as they’ve been conspicuously absent from most of the other interfaith activities I’ve attended. But maybe that was just a fluke.

I had planned to remark on the requisite lack of atheist representation this morning, but it’s becoming clearer to me that the Unitarian Universalists are essentially the atheist — or failing that, deeply cynical agnostic — presence at the interfaith table. And how fitting that only two of us showed up! While neither Beth (my Music Director, who played piano with me today) nor I are atheists, we sat there unconsciously muttering corrections under our breath during the keynote address, given by Peter Vidmar, a former Olympian and active Latter-Day Saint. Not out of disrespect or even irritation — more out of habit than anything else. All things considered, it was a good way to start the day. It even made me forget the fact that I’ve got to drive back down this afternoon and do it all again.

Today is the National Day of Prayer; in this time of war, make the observance of this day a priority. Regardless of religion — you too, atheists and pagans — please contact your local blood bank and give blood today. Get off your knees on and on your feet, and let your actions be your prayer.

Filed by Trevor at 10:53 am under Shameless Plugs, Religion, Atheism, UU, Social Issues, Activism
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The Wiccan pentacle has just been added to the surprisingly long list of religious symbols the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs permits on gravestones. I say “surprisingly” out of my own cynicism, as I feel the state of religious acceptance in our society today is abysmal. Many of my fellow congregants practice Wicca as well as various other Pagan faiths, and thus I’ve become acquainted first-hand with the frustration that arises from taking part in a religion so deeply misunderstood and reviled by the general public. And I’m sure any Muslims out there would agree with that. Nevertheless, the knowledge that our country recognizes such a wide variety of religions so publicly brings me a renewed sense of confidence that our government’s capacity for recognizing civil liberties is not completely disabled.

Please take a peek at the article on CNN.com as well as the accompanying video.

Filed by Trevor at 11:50 pm under Religion, Social Issues, Activism
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The National Day of Prayer is on May 3rd, and Atheist Volunteers are spearheading an alternative campaign; whether theist, pagan, or otherwise, I encourage you to get behind this.

Filed by Trevor at 9:05 pm under Religion, Atheism, Social Issues, Activism
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