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Sixteen members of clergy, including eight Unitarian Universalist ministers, were arrested earlier this week after they briefly blocked construction of a natural gas pipeline in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. Among those arrested was the Rev. John Gibbons, minister of First Parish in Bedford and chaplain for the town’s Minutemen. He compared the situation to America’s fight against the British when he yelled, “No gasification without representation!” (Universal Hub – 5.25.16)
More coverage:
“Police break up protest at pipeline construction site” (Boston Globe – 5.26.16)
“16 clergy members arrested at West Roxbury Lateral gas pipeline protest” (MetroWest Daily News – 5.25.16)
UU World also reported on this story.
Unitarian documentary generating buzz
In September, PBS will air a film about Unitarians Martha and the Rev. Waitsill Sharp, who spent two years rescuing Jews in Europe before and after the start of World War II. The film is made by the couple’s grandson, Artemis Joukowsky, and renowned documentarian Ken Burns. Tom Hanks provides the voice of Waitsill Sharp in the film. (CBS News – 5.24.16)
More coverage:
“PBS film profiles couple who rescued Jews” (Sentinel & Enterprise – 5.25.16)
News from UU congregations
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, California, recently voted unanimously to build a solar-power structure on their property, which will allow the congregation to sell power back to its local utility company. Vanessa Warheit, one of the leaders of the church's sustainability effort, said the project is not just about making money. "When you are involved in making decisions about where and how that energy is being provided and are able to take ownership of that...it's really a good kick in the pants for efficiency," she said. (Palo Alto Online – 5.20.16)
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, recently dedicated their newly constructed labyrinth, the first of its kind in the region. The opening of the labyrinth coincides with the church's 60th anniversary, and the congregation is planning events and celebrations all year long. The labyrith is open to the public daily. (Burlington County Times - 5.27.16)