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The social action committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton, New York, has sponsored a bus trip for locals to join the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., which will take place the day after Inauguration Day. Church member Carol S. Pynchon said people of all ages have signed up for the bus trip, including women, men, and families from throughout the region. (Watertown Daily Times – 12.30.16)
Members of First Unitarian Universalist Society in Marietta, Ohio, came together after the presidential election for a time of prayer and meditation. “Now,” says the Rev. Katherine Hawbaker, minister of the congregation, “many women are going to the March on Washington to show their fight for women’s issues continues, and [they] have looked to get more involved in local issues.” (Marietta Times – 1.6.17)
The Rev. Kathleen Hepler of First Parish in Framingham, Massachusetts, sees the election of Donald Trump as a direct threat to local minority communities. She is helping lead her congregation through starting a witness program to stay more informed about local needs. The church has also recently participated in events showing solidarity with local Muslims. (Metro West Daily News – 1.1.17)
New York UUs help coordinate refugee resettlement
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern, New York, is receiving tax deductible cash donations for refugee resettlement on behalf of the local Greater Newburgh Interfaith Council. The congregation’s minister, the Rev. Chris Antal, recently presented the refugee welcome team coordinator with a $10,000 check from an anonymous local donor to go toward resettlement efforts. (The Chronicle – 12.28.16)