Advertisement
In solidarity with People’s Climate Marches across the country, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, Maine, organized a similar march in Augusta. “The message I hope people will take is that… climate change is real. No matter how many people try to deny it, it’s real — it’s happening.” said the Rev. Sylvia Stocker, minister of the Brunswick congregation. (The Times Record – 5.1.17)
Hundreds of people came out for a march through Langley, Washington, to oppose rollbacks to climate change policies and the fossil fuel industry. Gary Piazzon, a co-leader of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island’s social and environmental justice council, helped to energize the crowd with the chant, “We need to wake up, we need to rise up, we need to open our eyes up and build a better future.” (South Whidbey Record - 5.3.17)
More coverage:
“Demonstrators Call on Idaho Governor to Keep Promise at People's Climate March” (Boise Weekly – 4.30.17)
“Photos: Hundreds join in Potsdam for People's Climate March” (North Country Public Radio – 5.1.17)
On May 1st in Austin, Texas, activists filled the hallway of the State Insurance Building to voice their opposition to a bill that would make it illegal not to comply with federal immigration policies. “I’m here to use my privilege to expand the privilege of others who are not being afforded their dignity as human beings and their constitutional rights in our country,” said the Rev. Chuck Freeman from the Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry. (LifeZette.com – 5.2.17)
North Parish of North Andover Unitarian Universalist Church organized a rally to show solidarity with immigrants in advance of a planned unity march to celebrate immigrant pride in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The congregation’s minister, the Rev. Lee Bluemel, said the effort is one part of larger work they are doing to support immigrants in their community, “If there’s an undocumented immigrant who could be facing immediate deportation and is publicly willing to declare sanctuary status, we would be willing to shelter them,” she said. (Eagle-Tribune – 5.1.17)
Migrant workers joined with allies at the Auckland Unitarian Church in New Zealand to stand up to the government amid fears they are being scapegoated for New Zealand's problems. The congregation made international headlines in February when they provided sanctuary to Indian students who faced deportation from New Zealand. (Stuff.co.nz – 5.2.17)
More coverage:
"Video: 24 Arrested After Eight-Hour SB 4 Protest at Texas Governor’s Office" (Texas Observer – 5.2.17)