Good morning, UU Shenandoah! Just a quick note to say I know the last two weeks have been annoying, unsettling, confusing and a whole lot of feels. Outside of the political landscape, The Physical Plant Team is doing everything possible to get us back in the building. They are well aware that in the midst of what feels like the systematic dismantling of everything we believe in, having our place to gather is crucial. I know we all support them and will extend the utmost of patience with everything they are facing head on!
In the meantime, I wanted to share with you my latest blog post. I have been in conversation with colleagues inside and outside of Unitarian Universalism about what the last week alone has brought and many of them are on shaky ground. My world touches people in higher education, government, the military, local schools, advocacy organizations and more. We are all in a place of combined shock and trying to soldier on.
I wrote this piece yesterday because I’ve been at odds with Unitarian Universalism since I first attended All Souls DC 20 years ago. My beef has always been about embodiment, and I believe we are being called to answer this need now as a spiritual community. I’m sure that there are several of you who will take issue with my challenge over ‘freedom’. But what I humbly ask is that you consider it from the perspective of someone who has not always had access to freedom. No offense is intended:
https://spirituwellness.com/
After sharing it with my brilliant former DRE from Cambridge, Mandy Neff, I was reminded of how far reaching the dehumanization and disembodiment of people goes. She directed me to read up on a Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) that will be presented by the Church of the Larger Fellowship at GA this summer. It calls for UUs to take a more active role in the Prison Abolition movement:
https://www.uua.org/action/
In this action, you will hear much of the same language I use in my blog. You will also hear resonance with some of the challenges being faced by trans people, and by immigrants as we face a government determined to erase both.
Again, I know not everyone will agree with the position in my blog, but I wanted to share with you some of my thinking as part of my own journey with Unitarian Universalism to face the world ahead. It is not just my job, but my way of showing I care about you by being vulnerable.
Don’t lose hope. We have each other and the model of strength we share with each other can show the world how this is done.
See you (hopefully) next week!
Peace,
Rev. Adam