Some recent links …

Here’s part 1 of my most recent post at sojo.net, relating to the recent “Manhattan Declaration” from some important religious leaders … Here’s part 2.
After the jump, an important release from the White House about Native Americans and Thanksgiving … with a few comments and book recommendations:

From the White House:

Statement by the President on Native American Heritage Day
“Tomorrow, Americans everywhere will observe our National Day of Thanksgiving. It will be a time of celebration and reflection as we gather with family and friends to count our blessings and remember those less fortunate. But it will also be a time to remember how this holiday began– as a harvest celebration between European settlers and the American Indians who had been living and thriving on the continent for thousands of years.”
“That is why on Friday, I encourage every American to join me in observing Native American Heritage Day. My Administration is committed to strengthening the nation to nation relationship with tribal governments. But it is also important for all of us to understand the rich culture, tradition and history of Native Americans and their status today- and to appreciate the contributions that First Americans have made, and will continue to make to our Nation.”
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In recent years, a number of Native Americans have deeply enriched my life. Through them, I’ve learned to see US history in a new way. Through them, I’ve seen new dimensions of the ways that systemic injustice infiltrates all of our minds and hearts. Through them, I’ve learned to see Jesus and the gospel in a new and deeper way. So I hope we’ll follow through on the President’s request. We’ll all be better for it. Here are some recommended sites and readings …
Neither Wolf Nor Dog … My Lakota Sioux friend Richard Twiss recommended this to me. It made me laugh out loud and choked me up more than once too.
Richard’s own book One Church, Many Tribes was my initial introduction to the Native American Christian community … which you can learn more about here.
Randy Woodley’s Living in Color reflects his experience as a Keetoowah Cherokee and an up-and-coming Christian theologian …
And The Justice Project brings together Randy, Richard, and many other voices around the subject of God’s will being done on earth as in heaven …