Leon Shenandoah, Native American leader (Iroquois Confederacy), dies at 81. On July 22nd 1996, A ground-breaking interfaith dialogue occurred at the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky, marking the first significant inter-monastic encounter between Buddhist and Christian monks
Tadodaho Leon Shenandoah, Eel Clan, died at the age of 81. The Tadodaho is the spiritual and political leader of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy which consists of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora nations.
**"Read More" BELOW for the complete story**
Shenandoah served as the spiritual and political leader of the six nations since 1969. Runners left the Onondaga Nation to deliver the news in the traditional way by carrying strings of wampum to Haudenosaunee communities as far west as Oklahoma.
He was succeeded in the position by Sidney Hill, also of the Eel Clan, who still holds the position today.
A groundbreaking interfaith dialogue occurred at the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky, marking the first significant intermonastic encounter between Buddhist and Christian monks.
The event was organized by the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (DIMMID) and featured prominent spiritual leaders, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Bishop Joseph John Gerry.
This historic meeting represented a pivotal moment in interfaith understanding, fostering mutual respect and exploring shared contemplative traditions between two distinct religious traditions.