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‘Faith and intolerance do not go hand in hand,’ says Escondido minister
The Rev. Sharon Wylie of Chalice UU Congregation in Escondido, California, responded to the recent shooting at Chabad of Poway: “Faith and intolerance do not go hand in hand. Many of us strive to follow the teaching to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Our shared prayer is that we may live ever more fully into our highest ideals.” (San Diego Union-Tribune, 5.3.19)
Minister advocates for spiritually challenging approach to drug addiction
The Rev. Dr. Jodie Hayashida of First Universalist Church in Auburn, Maine, advocated for a more humane approach to drug addiction: “Harm reduction feels emotionally and spiritually hard for many of us. It may seem like enabling or even encouraging drug use. We have so thoroughly internalized the false narrative of salvation through punishment that it is difficult to imagine a different way. But our people deserve better. They need better. And no matter how it feels, we know better.” (Lewiston Sun Journal, 5.5.19)
Building relationships should precede applying labels
The Rev. Rebecca Bryan, minister of First Religious Society in Newburyport, Massachusetts, suggests that building relationships should precede applying labels: “When we stop wondering what church people go to or if they believe in God, we can explore more relevant things. For example, we might discover common interests, shared connections, and ways that we can support one another.” (The Daily News, 5.4.19)
Congregation celebrates an important first
The congregation of First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, Massachusetts, celebrated an important first the installation of is first female settled minister, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Landrum. In keeping with Landrum’s passion for drawing Zentangles, the reception following the service was “inspired by Rev. Cindy's Zentangle drawings of flaming chalices, which are the symbol of Unitarian Universalism.” (The Patch, 5.6.19)