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In New London, Connecticut, a family seeking refuge from Syria moved into their new home this week, a property purchased by All Souls Unitarian Church to help address the refugee crisis. The Rev. Carolyn Patierno of All Souls said of the effort, “Fortunately, this family got in right under the wire. There will be others that are in need of shelter, safety, and reassurance. We will serve as needed.” (The Day – 2.8.17)
In Reno, Nevada, members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a refugee family with four children from Syria. They were disappointed when the family was refused entry because of the recent executive order on immigration, but they remain committed to reaching out without fear. (Reno Gazette-Journal – 2.7.17)
In Montclair, New Jersey, there was an overflow crowd at a recent Township Council meeting as residents gathered to express their support for declaring Montclair a sanctuary city. The Rev. Justin Osterman of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair said that by declaring sanctuary in the township, residents are standing up for American values as “embodied by the woman standing on Ellis Island, holding a torch in her hand.” (The Record – 2.8.17)
More coverage:
“The sanctuary movement: how religious groups are sheltering the undocumented” (The Guardian – 2.8.17)
OWL for adults in the spotlight
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Washington, D.C., is holding a workshop for the popular Our Whole Lives sexuality education curriculum. Unlike the widely used editions designed for younger age groups, this workshop is geared toward adults. Fourteen people ranging in age from 23 years old to 96 years old are participating in the congregation's workshop. A new age cohort for the series, OWL for older adults, which focuses on people over 50 will be released next year. (Washington City Paper – 2.9.17)