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Several news organizations noted that Unitarian Universalists have doubled their representation in Congress—from one to two. A Pew Research Center and CQ Roll Call poll of the new Congress provides this and other interesting data, including that members of Congress are more likely to claim a religious affiliation than the general public.(NPR, 1.3.19)
The UU Church of the Palouse in Moscow, Idaho, recently reached out to the Pullman Islamic Association in Pullman, Washington, to offer to help expand its Feed the Hungry program to Moscow. PIA President Mohammed Riajul Islam said, “He is not a believer who eats three times a day and his neighbor is starving to death.” (Idaho Spokesman-Review, 1.7.19)
Miguel Ramirez Valiente, a married father of three, has sought sanctuary in All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Valiente’s immigration application has been delayed by the government shutdown. According to Valiente’s attorney, “Miguel’s rights to due process are being violated. . . . He has a compelling and strong legal case and we are waiting for the government to reopen in order to fully pursue all legal options available to him.” (KKTV, 1.4.19)
First UU Society of Marietta, Ohio, has been distributing yard signs that read “Hate Has No Home Here” in six languages. While stressing that the message is neither exclusively UU nor partisan, the Rev. Kathryn Hawbecker said that, “We want people to feel safe and welcome in Marietta.” (Parkersburg News and Sentinel, 1.7.19)
The University of Buffalo held a commemorative birthday celebration for Millard Fillmore, the 13th U.S. president, the University’s first chancellor, and a founding member of the UU Church of Buffalo, New York. The Rev. Joan Montagnes began the ceremony with a prayer, and church member Bill Parke was the featured speaker at the reception after the ceremony. Fillmore is remembered primarily for signing the Fugitive Slave Act, despite his hatred of slavery, because he hoped it would keep the Union intact. (WGRZ, 1.7.19)