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As fall deepens and turns towards winter, our values, spiritual expression, and diverse rituals can nurture us in a time of change and enormous complexity. We honor our living tradition and the imaginative shape of worship and prophetic action within our communities. And we are still recovering after the life altering experience of having lived through the COVID-19 pandemic.
UU World’s expression of the word “faithful” speaks to the voices and stories that reflect both a spiritual practice as well as to being true to your authentic self. We highlight the importance of creating spaces of welcome and finding a sense of belonging in spiritual community.
We have included stories of faithful action in the face of a world that is rife with oppressive legislation, legal cases, and violence. We lift up how UUs have shown up for justice in states nationwide against attacks on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, reproductive rights, and racial justice.
You will meet UUs who offer a glimpse into their spiritual journey and why they were drawn to the UU faith. A piece on a new children’s book, Everything Possible, by Rev. Fred Small, inspired by his popular folk song, affirms, “You can be anybody you want to be...and know I will love you still.”
You will read an excerpt of the new Skinner House book Authentic Selves, which celebrates trans and nonbinary people and their families. And you will learn about congregations that are co-creating worship services with both ministers and lay leaders.
This issue also celebrates, with great enthusiasm, that Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt began her tenure as the tenth UUA President on July 10. We are inspired by her theological depth, commitment to communal care, and pledge to keep organizing for justice. With her leadership, we are continuing our faith journey and work to build the world we imagine. In this issue, you can find her President’s Column, a Q&A, and a recap of her installation at GA, where she was welcomed by a cheering crowd and a standing ovation.
This issue was created with intentional connections to the variety of faithful expression within Unitarian Universalism, including music and an embrace of myriad cultural voices. So, in praise of song, worship, and authentic self, we hope you enjoy these stories from our UU community.