Jane Goodall’s legacy celebrated with sacred sendoff
Compassion Consortium hosts free online event inviting participants worldwide to honor her life, share stories, and support one another in grief
NEW YORK — In 1963, through a National Geographic cover story, primatologist Jane Goodall became a well-known global figure, capturing readers’ curiosity. Who was this beautiful young woman, with the blond ponytail and khaki shorts cavorting alone with wild beasts? The young girl withstood criticism to become a modern icon with impressive reach. Her pervasive presence in popular culture allowed her to inspire young girls around the world to enter science. Likewise, Goodall inspired aging adults who consider nature a personal spiritual resource to consider practical actions to help the Earth they will leave to future generations flourish.
Dr. Goodall’s passing leaves many sorrowful, and those who knew her well deeply devastated. One might even suggest there is a global sense of loss. For this reason, Compassion Consortium, a non-denominational spiritual community for animal advocates and activists, is offering a way for people to share joyful memories of Goodall as well as support one another in their grief.
The free event “A Sacred Sendoff for Jane Goodall” will be held on Zoom on Saturday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Event registration information is available at compassionconsortium.org/jane.
Facilitated by Rev. Sarah A. Bowen, co-founder of Compassion Consortium and author of Sacred Sendoffs:An Animal Chaplain’s Advice For Surviving Animal Loss, Making Life Meaningful, & Healing The Planet, the memorial gathering will explore Goodall’s profound integration of science and spirituality.
Bowen reflects: “Goodall’s biocentric spirituality found an engaged and passionate audience in people who look to nature—rather than religious institutions—for feelings of spiritual connection, or view connection with nature as positively related to wellbeing. Through publicly repeating her spiritual journey on stages around the globe and digital media, Goodall modeled a way to come to terms with human destructiveness toward nature and apply active hope as a remedy. That ‘Gospel of Jane,’ a powerful personal story of spiritual connections to animals and habitats, undoubtedly has enough power to outlive the narrator.”
A Sacred Sendoff for Jane Goodall will also include a visual tribute from Patricia Denys, photographer, educator, animal rights activist, and creative inspiration behind Animal Culture Magazine, who will share her own moments with Goodall through images.
Ginny Mikita, an attorney and animal chaplain, will briefly share about Dr. Goodall’s support as a witness and inspiration in a Michigan legal case scheduled for oral argument before the Court of Appeals. In this case, the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) is calling for the right to liberty for seven chimpanzees confined at a roadside zoo. Mikita notes, “As one of the NhRP’s first board members, Dr. Goodall offered her support for its mission and work in the very early days when the concept of nonhuman animals as legal persons with rights was still just an idea and not the legal reality it’s now becoming.”
Participants in A Sacred Sendoff for Jane Goodall will be invited to share how Jane impacted their lives. The evening will conclude with a sacred fire ritual offering prayers and blessings for Goodall on her journey to “whatever’s next.”
Event registration information is available at compassionconsortium.org/jane.
###
About Compassion Consortium
Compassion Consortium is a non-sectarian spiritual community created to support animal advocates, activists, and all who seek to expand compassion beyond the human species. Founded in New York, the Consortium offers monthly spiritual services, animal chaplaincy educational programs, vegan resources, and spiritual support for those devoted to creating a more just and compassionate world. Learn more at www.compassionconsortium.org
Contact:
Sarah Bowen
Compassion Consortium
888-669-9734
connect@compassionconsortium.org
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Association
