Belltowers & Columbariums
The plum line in this sculpture of downtown Cincinnati sits over Christ Church Cathedral as a fixture of stability in the city
The first thing which was noticeably different about our session was the lack of Muslim participants. I’m not sure where the members of the cohort were – hopefully we will see them again at our next meeting. After socializing for a few minutes, we divided into two groups and began discussing the various Jewish and Christian texts. One member of my group asked some fantastic questions to get our discussion going. We talked particularly about marriage as a contract (including ketubot), equal relationships versus subjection (and understanding of these texts), relationships, intermarriage, sex outside of marriage, and children. Our discussion was naturally more personal than the Lifelong Learning topic.
The original chapel and lights from Tiffany’s
After an interesting and lively text study, we went on a tour of the church. An excellent docent told us the history of the church and neighborhood and took us on a tour of the building. She pointed out artwork and structures which were important to the church, connecting history to each part of the building by holding different discussions in each location. The church has been a fixture in downtown Cincinnati for two centuries next year. I was most aware of how this church has intentionally sought to reach its neighborhood through providing for the poor, teaming up with other faith communities and charitable organizations in the city. At each phase of Cincinnati’s past, Christ Church Cathedral has thought about how they can help the people who most need aid.
Details of the new sanctuary – glass outside the entrance, and beautiful pipes for the organ
I am looking forward to our last text study, which will take place next month at Plum Street Temple and address social responsibility.
Participants view the Bell Tower and other downtown Cincinnati buildings from the Columbarium/rooftop garden