SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Episcopal Diocese of California recently held a multi-faith service in collaboration with the “Global Climate Action Summit,” beginning with a procession that included circus stilt men adorned with leaves.
According to reports, the event was held at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Sept. 12 and featured music, dancing, art, and a performance by the Tree Stilt Walkers of Cirque Berzerk, who also walked down the aisle alongside representatives of the Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist religions, among others.
“The service includes … video greetings and words of encouragement from global faith leaders including His Holiness the Dalai Lama; His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople (via a representative); the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church (via video); and members of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s monastic community,” the event website reads.
According to Living the Change, co-sponsors of the Global Climate Action Summit included Interfaith Power & Light, The Global Catholic Climate Movement, The Global Muslim Climate Network, the United Religions Initiative, the World Council of Churches and the World Evangelical Alliance. Workshops were also held at the Cathedral to discuss “environmental praxis from a multi-faith perspective.”
Videos of the gathering, which have been described by some viewers as being “pagan,” “ridiculous” and “creepy,” may be viewed here, here and here.