Photo: Rev. Timothy Eberhart, Dakotas Conference elder (standing far left), students from Garret-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Rev. Jen Tyler (standing far right), Wahpeton UMC pose for a photo at Standing Rock. The group traveled to Standing Rock to be part of the clergy gathering in support of the Standing Rock efforts to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline and more. Rev. Matthew G. Richards, Miller First United Methodist Church, was praying on the front line of the bridge when this photo was taken. Photo courtesy of Tim Eberhart.

More than 500 clergy and other people of faith gathered in a day of prayer and support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Among those that attended were Reverends Timothy Eberhart, Matthew Richards and Jen Tyler, from the Dakotas Conference.

Dr. Timothy Eberhart, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ecology, and students from Garrett-Evangelical Seminary caravanned to the Oceti Sakowin Camp in North Dakota to stand in protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline.  Eberhart and the students responded to a call for a clergy solidarity gathering on Thursday, November 3rd to support the indigenous peoples and others who are standing up for sacred ground and sacred water.

Eberhart posted this message of reflection on Facebook:

You should know that the Oceti Sakowin camp is surrounded to the north by massive floodlights, lit up at night by security forces to intimidate the Standing Rock water protectors and their allies.

You should know that security forces fly a menacing airplane over camp from sundown to sunup to harass and disrupt sleep.

You should know that sniper vehicles sit atop hills to frighten those who would dare to believe that water is life and that life is sacred.

You should also know that a sacred fire burns at the heart of the Oceti Sakowin camp always, tended by keepers across each day and throughout every night.

You should know that songs and dances and prayers are lifted up continually, including for security forces and those financing, directing, and applauding them.

And you should know that there is a spirit of welcome, humor, and joyous sharing wedded to deep, deep sadness, pain, and anguish flowing through it all.

Photo: Rev. Matthew G. Richards (fourth from right), Miller First UMC walks in the early morning light with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary students from the camp to the site of the pipeline. Photo courtesy of Rev. Timothy Eberhart.

Rev. Matthew G. Richards, Miller First United Methodist Church, had been to the camps earlier this fall to deliver supplies. He also traveled to Standing Rock on November 3rd, before the group from Garrett, to reserve camping space, welcome and orient them.

“It was a humbling experience to see so many faiths being represented,” said Richards.  “It was about much more than the pipeline protest. It really is about taking a stand for the environment and standing with our indigenous people whose rights have been ignored. The gathering provided a mood of hopefulness and playfulness.”

Richards described that a powerful moment took place when there was representation from different faith backgrounds, who had written resolutions about the Doctrine of Discovery.

Photo: Clergy present copies of the Doctrine of Discovery to the elders at the Oceti Sakowin Camp along with a resolution denouncing the Doctrine. Photo courtesy of Rev. Timothy Eberhart.

“Each of the representatives read their resolutions.  Then the elders were given the option of throwing the doctrine into the sacred fire.  They chose not to. This was very powerful.  They decided to burn the doctrine with lighters away from the sacred fire,” said Richards.

There were United Methodist clergy from Minnesota, Washington, New York and several other locations who attended the clergy gathering.

“I was glad I went. I wanted to get a fuller understanding that this truly is a movement of peace.  They have white boards up with instruction about what you need to do to be part of the peaceful demonstration,” said Richards.

Rev. Jen Tyler also was part of the the gathering stated how peaceful and prayful the Oceti Sakowin camp is.  " There was a general welcoming spirit and a prayful environment. It truly was a gathering of pray for everyone."

Other updates and resources related to the Dakota Access Pipeline and Standing Rock:

Click here for more information and ways to respond

Click here to read a local newspaper column by Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd, Redfield United Methodist Church

Update by Sam Hodges, United Methodist News Service

Read a reflection: A Day at Standing Rock, By Rev. Richenda Fairhurst, Camas United Methodist Church

Call for clergy to come by Fr. John Floberg, Episcopal priest serving in Standing Rock

Click here to read a Statement of Solidarity affirmed by clergy at Standing Rock on November 3, 2016

Click here to read a statement by Bishop Ough