Yesterday saw that the memorial service for Jane Goodall, ground-breaking chimpanzee researcher and global ambassador for Planet Earth was happening that morning, In fact, it was taking place at that moment and live-streaming so I found it and watched with Ruth, since we're retired folk. It took place in the Washington National Cathedral, something of a surprise given that Dr. Goodall was British but it seats 1,600 people and this was an invitation-only service for an iconic figure.
Seeing that Leonardo DiCaprio would be amongst those giving a tribute I wondered if this was going to be one of those events that is studiously non-religious despite the venue with lots of high-profile speakers. Goodall was a spiritual-but--not-religious person although she had respect for different traditions, including Indigenous spirituality. While her outlook was acknowledged the service was decidely Episcopalian, in the best way, and the clergy participants were all in full liturgical garb.
Bishop Marion Budde, who spoke truth to power when President Trump sat before her a few months ago, offered a thoughtful homily which highlighted Jane's strengths. She noted that Goodall spoke openly about the "still small voice" of her calling to be an Earth advocate and her "road to Damascus" experience, both biblical allusions, ala the prophet Elijah and the apostle Paul.
The hymns were old favourites celebrating Creation including All Thing Bright and Beautiful and For the Beauty of the Earth. The gospel reading was from the Beatitudes in Matthew while the responsive psalm was a portion of 104. While this is truly a psalm of thanksgiving for all creatures chimps aren't named, nor are dogs. Goodall loved dogs so there was an honour guard of pooches, all therapy dogs, at the entrance to the cathedral. It might have been more fun -- or more chaotic -- than a barrel of monkeys if there were also chimpanzees.
Therapy dogs and volunteers from the organization People Animals Love outside the Washington National Cathedral for Jane Goodall’s funeral. (Mike Crawley/CBC)
There was a wonderful young people's choir offering Why Do We Sing by Gail Jones Muphy...I could go on. At the conclusion there was a montage of Jane Goodall photographs beginning in childhood and concluding with one that I'm almost certain was her planting a tree in Sudbury, Ontario. Perfect.
Goodall died peacefully while on tour inviting people to live and act with hope for our planetary home. What a life and what a tribute.
Merlin van Lawick, Goodall's grandson, described her as someone who "constantly reminded us that life is full of wonders, an interconnected tapestry of diverse creatures."
Thanks for this. It's available on line and I will watch. She was a person who was so admirable and so very relevant, always. KB
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's available Kathy. It's worthwhile, even just for the dogs!
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