As Pagans, we enter a series of festivals that celebrate harvests, particularly those who follow the wheel of the year. Our sources of sustenance are of vital importance to us humans, us living beings, in fact. So, it should come as no surprise that harvests are recognised in festivities in most, if not all faiths, as is sharing the results of our harvests with one another. Breaking bread together is symbolic of connecting on a human level and, in my understanding, having an interest on the well being of others. Interfaith gatherings frequently include opportunities to share a meal together, and some faith traditions such as our Sikh friends extend this kind of opportunity to everyone throughout the year through Langar, reflecting the approach of a number of the Gurus of Sikhism. The third Guru, Guru Amar Das, made it a requirement that everyone must be fed before entering into discussions, particularly on important matters. One could argue that if you have something you feel is important enough to say to someone, that would constitute an important matter. Connecting with our fellow humans and seeking to improve our understanding of them, helping all to live well together, would definitely constitute an important matter. If we see the sacred in nature, and recognise that humans are part of nature, then it makes sense to me to have an interest in the well being and sustenance of nature, including other humans. This harvest period, and indeed throughout the year, I extend to people of all faiths and of no spiritual tradition the blessing of ‘May you never thirst, may you never hunger.’
Mike Stygal
Pagan Federation Interfaith Manager
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