A lot of people these days – politicians, activists, academics – are thinking about how to solve the problem of homelessness. A group of local religious leaders is taking a different tack, hearkening back to the ancient tradition of using fasting to mark, mourn and bring attention to political and moral problems in the culture.

They are calling for an Interfaith Public Fast in solidarity with the unsheltered community of Sonoma County from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, March 2.

According to the press release for the event. “Fasting is an ancient tradition in many faiths, used to express contrition, distress, and mourning, and as a mechanism when seeking guidance. We regard fasting additionally as a way to stand as a moral voice in witness and solidarity with suffering and in demand of change."

Christy Laborda-Harris, the rector of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Sebastopol, is one of the organizers of the fast.

She stresses the importance of taking time out of our lives to stop, acknowledge, and grieve life’s tragedies.

“There’s a feeling that so many of us have that the day is just supposed to keep moving as the news unfolds about the latest horrific thing,” Laborda-Harris said.  “A big piece of fasting is about setting a day apart or setting a time apart and breaking that normal routine.”

When most people think of fasting, they think about abstaining from food, but Laborda-Harris says choosing what to give up for your fast is a personal decision.

“You can fast from technology; you can fast from carbon emissions; you can fast from consumerism. We're encouraging folks to join the fast in the way that works best for them,” she said. 

The point is to give something up that you like (or use frequently) as a way reminding yourself of the issue at hand - a kind of aid to mindfulness. (Laborda-Harris had a friend who said he was giving up beer for Lent, which seemed like a fine idea, until she realized, “Wait, you don’t drink beer.” Giving up something you don’t like doesn’t count, she said.)

Laborda-Harris is aware that many non-religious people will see “fasting for the homeless” as a kind of non-action, but she doesn’t see it that way.

“We are really aware that this is not an action that is going to change the course of an event in the moment. But it is people coming together in unity and lamenting—declaring this is not what we believe God dreams for this world. And that we stand pushing and wanting and yearning for a world that is more just and more whole and where abundance is shared more equally.”

Rabbi Erwin Keller of Ner Shalom in Cotati takes it one step further, believing that fasting can be a prelude to action.

“Fasting is a strong and personal action to take, valuable to those of us who so frequently feel helpless,” he said. “It is also a moment of taking stock before taking action. We will therefore be providing opportunities to be of service on that day and to commit to perform acts of service at a later date.”

It should also be said that all of the groups involved in the Interfaith Public Fast are also doing hands-on work among the homeless. In Sebastopol, for example, St. Stephen’s Episcopal runs a food pantry, and the Community Church of Sebastopol houses several homeless individuals in temporary shelters on church property.

The following churches, temples and organizations have formed a coalition to promote the Interfaith Public Fast: Christ Church United Methodist (Santa Rosa); Community Church of Sebastopol; Congregation Ner Shalom (Cotati); Congregation Shir Shalom (Sonoma); Congregation Shomrei Torah (Santa Rosa); First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa; Sonoma County United in Kindness; St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (Sebastopol); Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Rosa; Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa; Interfaith Council of Sonoma County; The Living Room, Sonoma County; and the North Bay Organizing Project Religious Leaders’ Caucus.

Although the Interfaith Public Fast coalition doesn’t have any further fasts planned, they see this as the first in a series.

“It'll be something that is available to us as a community,” Laborda-Harris said, “to stand witness to injustice or tragedy.”

An invitation to fast and gather

From the press release: “The Interfaith Public Fast stands in solidarity with all who are unhoused and invites people of faith and people of conscience to join us in our fast on March 2, from sunup to sundown. There will be a gathering to conclude the fast from 5:30 to 7 pm at The Living Room Life Center, 1335 North Dutton Ave. in Santa Rosa.”

Find more information at https://www.interfaithpublicfast.org.