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The debate over abstinence only vs. comprehensive sexuality education is heating up as rates of sexually transmitted infections among Minnesota young adults rise. The Our Wholes Lives program at First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis is profiled for its successful approach to equipping young people to make important decisions about relationships and sex. (Minnesota Daily – 4.29.16)
Jewish man visits UU seder
David A. M. Wilensky, who is Jewish, attended several “outside the box” seder services this year, including one held at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, California. Wilensky appreciated the thoughtful attention to detail in creating the service and called the event cultural appropriation at its best. (JWeekly.com – 4.28.16)
Tim DeChristopher on climate change
Coping with the Reality of Climate Change - Tim DeChristopher and Chris Hedges
Chris Hedges interviews climate change activist and Unitarian Universalist seminarian Tim DeChristopher about the failure of big industry in confronting the effects of climate change (see video above). The two discuss how climate change has triggered social tension and injustice, and consider the potential ethical responses that must be made. (The Real News Network – 4.27.16)
UUs crowdsource funds for social justice
With a wish to help Syrian refugees, the Woodhouse family sought funds from their church, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, New York. They donated part of the grant they received to support the UU Service Committee's work helping international refugees. The family then turned to an online crowdfunding website to finance a trip to Lesvos, Greece, where they volunteered for three weeks helping refugees get access to food, clothing, and medical care. (The Island Now – 4.28.16)
When Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church in Massachusetts wanted to sponsor a community effort to provide food for needy families during school vacation, they set up a GoFundMe page online and raised more than $4,000 in two months. They’ll save part of their funds for next year so they can provide food during both February and April school vacations. (The Melrose Free Press – 4.28.16)