The Genocide Prevention Ritual (Polytheist Charity)

The individual cannot change the world alone. Yet, just as army ants can take down large insects, combined individual actions can sow the seeds for powerful social transformation. With that in mind, I would like to mention a group of polytheists working to make a difference through worship, Polytheist Charity, and their current work:

The Genocide Prevention Ritual 2009 is an interfaith event organized by Polytheist Charity in recognition of Genocide Prevention Month. Rituals occurring simultaneously across the globe in the month of April are creating a wave of change. By joining together to focus our intentions, we are generating the power necessary to act. We remember past tragedies, recognize current atrocities, and pledge to do all we can to prevent genocide.

Will this ritual prevent people from murdering others due to their religion, ethnic group, or sex? Will it magically stop the atrocities committed in Darfur or end the conflict in Palestine/Judea? Not directly. However, actions like these make a profound statement that will get noticed if enough people perform them.

According to the Google group, many members of Polytheist Charity have a Hellenic focus, but they welcome participation from any and all polytheists in their various endeavors. Their current ritual is very flexible and can be adapted to suit many ritual styles. The basic steps are:

1. Time to Remember. Bring attention to genocides and atrocities past. This is an opportunity to reflect upon tragedies and remember those lost.

2. Time to Awaken. Bring attention to current areas of concern. Atrocities are going on at this very moment. This is an opportunity to wake up to the reality of what is happening right now.

3. Time to Act. Bring finality to the ritual through symbolic action. This is an opportunity to concretely express the intention to prevent genocide. Display an arrangement of flowers--all of one kind--in a central location. Clip the blossoms from these to represent the wholesale slaughter of genocide. Follow this with a moment of silence. If appropriate, finish with a verbalized affirmation to never allow genocide to happen again.

For those wanting to perform the Genocide Prevention Ritual, the organizers have included a form on their web site to “register” the event.

Polytheist Charity Google Group
The Genocide Prevention Ritual
Genocide Prevention Month