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 Statement of Belief :: Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Gospel Choir believe that Consumerism is overwhelming our lives. The corporations want us to have experiences only through their products. Our neighborhoods, "commons" places like stoops and parks and streets and libraries, are disappearing into the corporatized world of big boxes and chain stores. But if we "back away from the product" - even a little bit, well then we Put The Odd Back In God! The supermodels fly away and we're left with our original sensuality. So we are singing and preaching for local economies and real - not mediated through products -- experience. We like independent shops where you know the person behind the counter or at least - you like them enough to share a story.We ask that local activists who are defending themselves against supermalls, nuke plants, gentrification -- call us and we'll come and put on our "Fabulous Worship!" Remember children... Love is a Gift Economy! — The Rev 
 The Church of Stop Shopping is based in New York City. We are a 501(c) not for profit organization staffed almost entirely by volunteers.
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STOP SHOPPING, BLOG-ALLUJAH! 
Come into the Rev's Confession Booth we are all sinners, we are all forgiven 
Bless me father...Can you tell me if I have sinned? I make a good living. This weekend I purchased some expensive artwork from a Chelsea Gallery made of found objects done by American born Chicano date farmers. The markup was ridiculous and the art is a definite good investment. It will appreciate a lot and fast. So why do I feel guilty about it. i like beautiful things and think looking at an investment you enjoy is better than looking at numbers in your investment report. What should my penance be? -- MaryLisa
Dear MaryLisa...It's the marketing of art that has made art so beside the point in American life. No-one knows or cares what goes on in the Chelsea galleries, or on the walls of the 80 or 90 collectors who create that "art futures." So you say "it's a definite good investment" but then wonder "Why do I feel guilty?" We need to have a love of beauty that is independent of the false assignments of value that come to us from the professionals. No penance, just this: Be sure of your own beauty, find your own found objects. If you want to connect with the Chicano date farmers then talk to them directly. They are people, not markets. Amen? -Rev
NOTE: Members of the press should contact the Church through press@revbilly.com
Wed, July 9 @ 5:00 PM : : First Amend-a-thon!
: : Northwest Corner Of Union Square, New York, NY
: : more 
Go to complete events listing
Our Stop Shopping Church wants to continue to help community defense groups. Below we have a list of citizens' orgs. The choir has sung for them or the Rev has hosted their fundraisers. Picket lines, marches through traffic jams, or in the heart of super malls... the Stop Shopping Church has tried to respond to the needs of the new activism. If you have money to offer and want that tax deduction - we have come to trust the Just Give folks.
 Stay in touch, hear from us, confess!
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