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In a story that was picked up in news outlets across the country, Unitarian Universalist Association President Susan Frederick-Gray offers her perspective on why church attendance has increased since the November 2016 election: “‘When people are afraid, when they’re facing trauma, when they’re in the midst of tremendous challenge and difficulty, they seek out communities that will support them,’ Frederick-Gray said. ‘They seek out religious community. And I believe people are experiencing trauma in this political environment.’” Church attendance is reported to be on the rise across many different denominations nationwide. (Washington Post – 11.21.17)
Developments in UU work on sanctuary and supporting immigrants
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is publicizing its recent vote by 98 percent to offer its building as sanctuary to an individual or family in imminent danger of unjust detainment and deportation. With more than 600 members, the congregation has been a liberal religious voice in the region since 1865. In the 1980s, the congregation kept a family from El Salvador safe for more than a decade. (MLive.com – 11.22.17)
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Meriden, Connecticut, recently held a roundtable discussion on immigration with U. S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and undocumented West Hartford resident Sujitno Sajuti, who has not left the church since taking sanctuary from deportation over a month ago. Sajuti spends his days in study and prayer and remains positive about his prospects. (MyRecordJournal.com – 11.24.17)
Congregation receives backlash over parking lot plan
When University Unitarian Church in Seattle, Washington, made the painful decision to demolish the homeless shelters on its properties to expand parking for its growing membership, it prompted complaints from the community. “The agency [that leases the shelters] informed us that all of the residents will be moved next year to properties they operate. None of the current residents will become homeless," affirmed the congregation’s minister, the Rev. Jon Luopa. (UPI.com – 11.26.17)
More coverage:
“Seattle church to replace homeless cottages with parking” (Pueblo Chieftain – 11.25.17)
“‘When do churches stop caring about people more than SUVs?’ Seattle church to replace homeless housing with parking spots” (Seattle Times – 11.15.17)