Dear friends,
I seem to be witnessing it everywhere these days–Unitarian Universalists rising to meet the moment: pushing back against hate in their communities, supporting their members and reaching out to neighborhood partners after devastating storms caused by the climate crisis, opening doors to families seeking refuge and asylum, providing support for those needing gender affirming and reproductive medical care which isn’t available in their home state, and so much more.
This is a time when the constitutional protection of religious practice is an incredible asset against hostile governments and repressive laws. Our faith anchors the long-term reach of our values. What does it take to reset a firm foundation for the long arc of that work? Two weeks ago we shared some practical ways to protect ourselves, and prepare for the additional attention we are now receiving as we succeed in advancing our values. That included aspects of physical and virtual security that every congregation should take into consideration.
Today, I want to illuminate the threads of hope and care that run through safety considerations. I don’t want us to shrink from our values, I want us to be girded for the waves that will inevitably come as we hold fast against the tide. That attention to the safe, stable foundation is an essential way we show community care in this time.
While there is tremendous opportunity for UUs to meet the needs of this moment, the truth is that risks and costs of our ministry are likely to be concentrated in our most impacted communities. As our exposure grows, we must not only be ready to protect those who are most likely to be targeted, and the fear is real. We need to prepare our institutions as a whole, institutions increasingly led by those of us who are BIPOC, trans and queer, or disabled, so that we can continue to be safe havens.
I have been so buoyed by the fierce clarity of purpose that UUs are displaying. We are not trying to seal ourselves off in a bubble. We are learning to live with the daily risk of just being who we are. It’s a lesson many of us learned young in our families, and now we must all reckon with. It is not easy, but it is the wellspring of honesty and courage that will feed our ministry in the years ahead.
As we move together into a season of holiday celebrations and gatherings, let your care for your community shine through your preparations and considerations for their safety. Stay in touch with us at your UUA, make use of our resource collections, and know that we are here to support you through all the waves that will come.
Warmly,
Carey McDonald UUA Executive Vice President |
