Ride Report: The Joy of Sects (Photo)

(Photo: Amos Hunter)

Reporter – Deacon Amos Hunter
Ride Date – Sunday, June 13, 2010

Report
A fervent and devout group of about 25 bicycle believers made their way through town visiting a diverse variety of houses of worship.

-We met at Colonel Summers park, where we lit incense and listened to Gregorian chant as we introduced ourselves and folded tracts.

-Then we rode south to the Moonshadow Pegan and Wiccan supply shop above the Hawthorne Cafe, where Roy, a druid of the first order, briefed us on the Wiccan practice and answered questions about his lifestyle and spirituality.

-Next we visited Deacon Ken and Father Dennis at the St. Stephen’s episcopal parish, home of the Portland Bicycle Shrine. The shrine was introduced and explained to the group and the clergy then offered details on their church and faith. As we left they blessed our bicycles with holy chain oil.

-After the shrine we rode a few blocks up 12th ave to the Hubbard Dianetics Research Center, better known as the church of Scientology. They sat the group down and explained the principles of their religion and answered a few questions, inviting anyone who would like to come back for a free interview to do so anytime.

-Our next stop was the Atheist Bible Study group, who were in middle of a meeting at Couch Park. The kind folks at ABS told us all about how they are reading through the bible from beginning to end and discussing it from the point of view of an atheist. The group also answered many questions from the ride participants and showed us a few pieces of their sacred literature.

-Our final stop on the tour was St. Mary’s cathedral, where they were holding the annual blessing of the bicycles. Our group arrived just as the ceremony was beginning and participated in the message, prayer, and once again got our bicycles blessed by the priest there.

That is the bare-bones ride report. Keep your eye on biketemple.org for a more in depth recap with more pictures and video in the next couple days.