NEWFANE — They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; they will long enjoy the work of their hands.” -Isaiah 65:21–22 (NRSV)
In my Christian tradition, which has its roots firmly in Jewish tradition, there is perhaps no more foundational spiritual ethic than that of hospitality. In our own culture, this word may prompt associations with being gracious, personable hosts or having a warm, inviting affect. But in scriptural tradition, the idea of hospitality runs far deeper and encompasses a much broader sweep of relational ethics.
At its core, the spiritual practice of hospitality means truly honoring the ultimate reality that everyone belongs here. Our commitment to this reality can take many different expressions and will necessarily interact or conflict with other commitments.
Such conflicts are amply evident in the recent discourse in our community surrounding the housing crisis in Vermont and beyond. Indeed, given the breadth of issues and geographies involved, it's perhaps more accurately referred to as “housing crises.”
From insufficient housing stock to skyrocketing real estate prices to the increase in homes converted to short-term rentals, for many (myself very much included) the issue can feel overwhelming and hard for someone to follow, let alone be an informed participant in the discussion.
For this reason, we are so glad to announce that for our next Courageous Conversation, on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., we will be joined by Peter Elwell, former Brattleboro town manager. Through his impassioned involvement on a host of housing and adjacent concerns, including his service on the board of directors for Groundworks Collaborative, Elwell has lent his voice and insights to a constellation of issues related to the housing crisis.
This will be the second in our series of monthly discussions, where we create a regular space in which to engage folks in our area on a range of pertinent questions facing our country and community.
Each month, we're facing a different topic in the hope of creating opportunities to face hard, uncomfortable, high-stakes questions, together, in healthy, generative ways that stoke our curiosity, illumine our perspectives, and make space for real difference.
For questions regarding the event, please email me directly. Attendance is free, but space is limited. Masking is strongly encouraged, and masks will be available at the door. An elevator and a chair lift are available.