Jericho Walk

 

Last week I had the privilege of participating in the LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious). One of the most moving parts of the experience was participating in the Jericho Walk. The Jericho Walk is a form of non-violent public witness rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, developed by the New Sanctuary Coalition in New York City dedicated to upholding human rights. Jericho Walks have been held around prisons, detention centers, where violence has happened in cities and in places where injustice is present.

The walk consists of gathering in a line and encircling the place where violence is present. We walked around the pool where a centerpiece naming and lamenting the injustices prevalent in our world were listed on beach balls in the water. During the traditional Jericho Walk, there are seven circuits of a route circling the object of prayer. During each circuit, we remained in silence, except for the sound of the shofar, the drum which guided our steps and the readings. During each circuit, three lamps of light and hope were placed into the pool representing our commitment make our actions match our words as we go forth from this space.

Between each circuit, we prayed the litany of saints, invoking the spirit of those who have spoken truth to power in our past and who represent the founders and foundresses of some of the congregations who were present.

It was a truly moving experience to see hundreds of sisters walking around the pool, standing in reverent silence, and praying for peace in our world. May we continue to seek peace in all we do.