This idea of “personhood” gets a lot of press.

Some “grant personhood” to masses of cells in women’s bodies, claiming they are protecting, defending, the unseen unborn.

What about what we see, what is already born?

Indigenous tribes have always granted personhood to living things or land in the natural world.  The Maori of New Zealand successfully achieved official recognition for them to “grant personhood” to a sacred river.

When I was a chaplain in county jails, I encouraged congregations to “grant personhood” to those judged guilty of crime or sin.

When I was a chaplain on the streets and in shelters among people seeking safe housing, I encouraged the community to “grant personhood” to their poorest and most vulnerable neighbors.

When I was a counselor and chaplain in a residential school, I became an advocate for “granting personhood” to people with mental and physical disabilities.

I wish many politicians and judges would “grant personhood” to migrating refugees, to non-White people, to those who suffer in poverty.

Now, in today’s reflections, I was wondering:

Do people “grant personhood” to Nature, the Cosmos, and call it “God”?

And, for further thought:

Can humans “grant” (give, allow, bestow) such a thing as personhood (whatever that means), to anyone, anything?