The Beauty Way

Issue 14/ Spring 2025

The Diné of ECN gathered to form a sacred talking circle as friends traveled from the East, South, West, and North of Navajoland. We thought, pondered, reflected, and united our voices to establish a Mission Statement where K’e and hózhó were restored with Christian love and áshįįnéé.

We have reached a milestone in the life of ECN. We now embark on a journey to elect a Bishop for Navajoland, aligned with our Christian path and Dinécultural history. The Hooghan Learning Circle and its teachings already embrace the Mission Statement. Today, we each have a calling from the Holy One, as we are all ministers called to proclaim the word of God and strive for unity in pursuit of the Mission Statement.

At St. John the Baptizer, we align our gospel with our Diné culture. Maundy Thursday is marked by the washing of feet, reminding us of cleansing and purification for healing. In the Utah Region, we hold our Easter Sunrise service outside above the San Juan River, facing east to welcome the sunrise. We stand in the presence of the cross, the altar, a fire, and water. Most importantly, we breathe fresh air, symbolizing new life as we celebrate the risen Christ. In the Four Directions of Diné Tah, from the high mesas, the river and creeks, and the deserts of Mother Earth, we all unite in prayers and songs spoken in our Navajo language, just as our forefathers (grandfathers and grandmothers) offered prayers. They offered white corn pollen at dawn; we continue that tradition today as we say, “Kodóó Hózhó dooleeł” (It Begins in Beauty).