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More than 500 clergy, including more than 30 Unitarian Universalist ministers, gathered with others to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline in southern North Dakota. The interfaith group, which included additional UUs, marched, sang hymns, and ceremonially burned a copy of a 600-year-old religious document sanctioning the taking of land from indigenous peoples. “The pipeline ‘is a textbook case of marginalizing minority communities in the drive to increase fossil fuel supplies,’” said UUA President Peter Morales, who took part in the events. The interfaith protest was organized by John Floberg, an Episcopalian minister from the Standing Rock Reservation. (Chicago Tribune - 11.3.16)
More coverage:
“Clergy Join Dakota Access Pipeline Protesters for Ceremony” (ABC News - 11.3.16)
“Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church Minister Provides Protective Witness at Standing Rock” (Blue Virginia - 11.1.16)
“Amado pastor joining N.D. pipeline protest” (Green Valley News - 11.2.16)
“Las Cruces couple travels to Standing Rock reservation” (Las Cruces Sun-News - 11.2.16)
Rainbow flag missing from Malden UU congregation
Members of First Parish in Malden, Massachusetts, believe their rainbow flag was stolen from outside the congregation on Halloween. A police report has been filed, but the congregation has vowed to replace the flag in the meantime. This is not the first time the flag has gone missing; a previous rainbow flag was vandalized over the summer. “All are welcome to join us as we reaffirm our stance on the Side of Love,” a First Parish announcement about Sunday's ceremony to replace the flag said. (Malden Patch - 11.3.16)
Black Lives Matter sign stolen in Idaho Falls
After being vandalized four times, the Black Lives Matter sign at the UU Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho, was recently stolen. “There are many (congregation members) who are quite concerned that anybody in our city would be so distressed about a sign being there that they would steal it,” said the Rev. Lyn Stangland Cameron. A police report has been filed, and church members will discuss how to move forward, including a potential new sign and security cameras. (Post Register - 11.3.16)