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Two UUs are finalists in global competition to change the world
The Rev. Heather Concannon and the Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen of Unitarian Universalist Community Cooperatives in Roxbury, Massachusetts, are two of six finalists in Forbes magazine’s contest for young social entrepreneurs who are creating solutions to global challenges. Next, the finalists will compete in the Forbes Under 30 Summit for an ultimate prize of $500,000. (Forbes - 9.21.15)
UUs connect Pope’s visit with migrant justice, climate change
Notorious Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio is back in the news this week for failing to follow a recent ruling against him in a racial profiling and civil rights lawsuit. Unitarian Universalist Association President Peter Morales notes this disappointing news in light of the Pope’s recent emphasis on welcoming migrants as humans in need during his visit to the United States. (Huffington Post - 9.25.15)
Related: UU World covered protests of Joe Arpaio and the anti-immigrant law, SB 1070 in 2010 and the vigil outside Arpaio's Tent City detention center during Justice General Assembly in 2012.
Unitarian Universalists resonated with another message carried forth by the Pope during his visit: that of the urgent issue of climate change. Susan Rogers of All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington, D.C., said that while her congregation has long been active in raising awareness of climate change, they were all glad to hear the Pope's vocal support as well. (ThinkProgress.org - 9.24.15)
More coverage:
“Faith leaders gather to reflect on Pope Francis' stance on climate change” (Delaware Public Media - 9.23.15)
“Pope's plea on environment resonates in San Diego” (The San Diego Union-Tribune - 9.24.15)
UU minister seeks in-person engagement on racism
The Rev. Jake Morrill of Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has been inviting people who oppose the phrase “Black Lives Matter” to be in dialogue with him in person so that he may listen to their concerns. He recently attended a “Police Lives Matter” rally and attempted to talk with attendees there. As he notes in an open letter in his local paper, only one person has taken him up on his invitation. (Oak Ridge Today - 9.21.15)