Happy Spring everyone! As we leave Winter behind, let us enter into this time of transition and renewal in a spirit of thoughtful contemplation. What is important to us as UU’s? What must we do now that we are faced with deep divisions and hatred in our society?
I have been reading this month’s article by Peter Morales and I want to share his words that comforted and energized me. First, he suggests we must work hard to make sure that our congregations are places of safety for one another. We must be a place of peace and healing for all who are seeking spiritual refuge. And, we need to be gentle with each other for these are hard times. Second, he asserts that we must “preach” our gospel. Gospel means “good news” and we do have good news to share! Here is our good news:
- It doesn’t have to be like this.
- Love must guide us.
- It is up to us.
You see, we UU’s truly believe in creating a “Beloved Community” which says that everyone matters, we are in this together and compassion will guide all our decisions.
Peter Morales speaks from his heart about what we are facing and I am inspired to believe that together we CAN create a shared future that is full of “good news.” But we can’t do it alone and we can’t do it by talking. Action is required!
The following is the Declaration of Conscience that the UUA is asking all congregations to accept. At the Annual meeting the Social Justice Committee will be asking the congregation to accept this declaration AND to work, each in our own way, to do everything we can to uphold and embody the principles in the declaration.
Written in the spirit of Beloved Community,
Judith Pedersen-Benn, Social Justice Chair
Declaration of Conscience
At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.
In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGBTQ community and the rise of hate speech, harassment and hate crimes, we affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations.
And against actions to weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the interdependent web of all existence.
We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.
As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.
We welcome and invite all to join in this commitment for justice.
The time is now.