Michigan African Diaspora Religions Education Society
Seeking to understand
The Michigan African Diaspora Education Society- or MADRES- was born from a group of Lucumi practitioners in Michigan. Being so far from centers of African Traditional Religions like Miami and New York, many people do not understand the practices or culture of these varied and beautiful religions. The mission of MADRES is to facilitate dialogue between ATR communities and the general public.
Seeking to increase knowledge
Each religion that was born from the creation of the African Diaspora is unique in it's traditions and the way it was shaped on its journey from the Motherland. There are times when traditions diverge from each other. MADRES seeks to be a resource for practitioners of different traditions to come together and understand each other and work together to overcome common obstacles.
MADRES
Michigan African Diaspora Religions Education Society- MADRES
A group dedicated to furthering the understanding of the general public, and practitioners of African Diasporic religions
Seeking to provide information
Because of the nature of the environment in which Diasporic religions developed, many communities are not very open or forthcoming with information. This has the unfortunate side effects of 1) not providing information to those who seek it; 2) creating an air of mystery that promotes wild speculation and fantasy; 3) opens the door for charlitans, and frauds. MADRES will act as a resource for the curious, the lay public and a warning source for frauds.
Seeking to deepen understanding
There is no way to ever know all there is to know about any of the Diaspora traditions, no matter how long you practice. Yet, the truly devoted strive to learn all they can. MADRES seeks to put people together to further explore their faith and facilitate deeper understanding of an given tradition.