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Creative responses to banner vandalism
Although their fourth “Black Lives Matter” banner remained intact for a month, members of River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland, decided to replace it with a more powerful display of support. Now, people stand outside the church holding signs to show their support and engage directly with passersby. (Washington Post – 10.7.15)
After the “Black Lives Matter” banner at First Unitarian Universalist Society in Albany, New York, was defaced, the congregation posted a public response directly on the building. They reiterated their belief in seeking racial justice and noted that the Black Lives Matter movement received support from the full Unitarian Universalist faith in a vote at our annual General Assembly. (Albany Times Union – 10.4.15)
Congregation mourns shooting victims
Members of Umpqua Unitarian Universalist Church in Roseburg, Oregon, mourned the loss of victims in the tragic mass shooting last week at nearby Umpqua Community College. Members cried openly and sang hymns as they grieved during Sunday service. The Rev. Annie Holmes asked members to consider, “Who are you now that this has happened?” (Reuters – 10.5.15)
Connection, mindfulness themes at animal blessing
Last week, people brought pets of all shapes and sizes to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County in State College, Pennsylvania, to receive a blessing by the Rev. Gabi Parks. The service, held each year near the birthday of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrates the deep bond between animals and humans and reminds all to appreciate the joy of the present moment. (Centre Daily Times – 10.4.15)
Minister leads call for greater protections for prisoners
The Rev. Anne Mason of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is joined by faith leaders from her community to voice their public opposition to the decision to remove “sexual orientation” from protection against discrimination at the Lancaster County Prison. They believe that all people deserve to be safe and free from harassment while in prison. (LancasterOnline – 10.9.15)