From the Editor: Unitarian Universalists Bring Out the Best in One Another

A decade ago, a task force met to study Unitarian Universalist religious professional collaboration. "In shared ministry," its members wrote in their final report, "we work together to bring out the best in one another."

Today, that central message remains true, but the concept of shared ministry has blossomed. Shared ministry is about the partnerships and collaborations we form as we hold each other in mutual care and respect, live our core values, and continue our interconnected work even in the most challenging and uncertain times. It unfolds in congregations and in the public square. It nurtures our spiritual community.

This issue of UU World uplifts shared ministry in its many forms and possibilities. We invite you to explore the ways collaboration and outreach can strengthen both our relationships and our resilience. Through its storytelling, it reflects how shared work is also the foundation for cultural change.

This issue highlights the powerful ways we are collaborating to fight against threats to our lives and our freedoms. We share the essential work of the Pink Haven Coalition, a lifesaving partnership that supports trans and gender-expansive people. We share efforts to battle book banning, bolster climate justice work, and advance voting rights.

I am particularly moved by the words of Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen, who writes: "We’re here, leaning on and being leaned on . . . planting interdependence, letting communal care grow."

As your new UU World editor, I am grateful to present these stories of compassion, collaboration, and care. For me, the process of working with a staff of talented, committed journalists, aspiring to help connect our UU community, is a form of shared ministry, too—work that aims to support bringing out the best in one another.