Consociate Shawn Smith visits Community Center
Shawn Smith with Robert Petrovich at the Monastery Gardens, Red Rock Sanctuary PHOTO CREDIT: Barbara Whitney
The staff of the International Community of Christ was graced with the visit of a Consociate from Cameroon, Africa, the Reverend Doctor Shawn Smith, November 7th-8th.
Although Shawn spent only a day and a half in Reno, during his short visit he was able to tour both the Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary, and there meet Sanctuary caretakers and residents, and the Steamboat Healing Center, as well as meet several staff members over dinner at the Rectory-Abbey.
Shawn made his visit while Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. was traveling in Peru, and so he was unable to meet him. However, Shawn did bring a gift from Africa honoring Bishop Gene as the spiritual leader of the Community. (See photo.)
Rev. Dr. Shawn Smith with gift to Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. PHOTO CREDIT: Rebecca Willis
Rev. Dr. Smith explained the significance of his gift in a recent email to the Center:
It was my utmost joy to present to the Ordained of the International Community of Christ in Reno, Nevada, a gift representative of Cameroon at large and of the Bamileke in particular, to hand to the Bishop Right Rev. Gene Savoy Jr. on my behalf.
The Bamileke are native to Cameroon, settled predominantly in the West region, divided into eight major clans. Their traditions, which have been reverently preserved, can be historically traced for hundreds of years, but claim their origin from a time when there was a common exchange between the Dogon, Yoruba, and other prominent groups on the continent.
With the arrival of colonialism, most of the Bamileke outwardly converted to Christianity or Islam, but secretly held to their spiritual practices. Their Chief is the spiritual, politicaland military leader known as the “Fon.” His delegates and advisors are men of noble descent, initiated into the “mysteries” known as the “Kamveu.”
The traditional garb which I had the privilege to present is what the Kamveu wear when going behind a sacred curtain known as the “Ndop” to perform their practice veiled from “outsiders.”
My mother, being Bamileke, was able to obtain this on my behalf on the occasion of my visit, since it is to be presented to a great teacher of spiritual power. Each garb is hand made with particular symbols known particularly to those initiated within the “mysteries.”It is with gratitude that offer this gift, to represent my hope that the people groups of Africa will also come appreciate what I am learning in the System of Cosolargy.
Table set at Rectory-Abbey in honor of Shawn Smith’s visit PHOTO CREDIT: Sabrina Savoy
