Charlottesville. All morning, a long line of (mostly) clergy, arms linked, faced Emancipation Park. UUs were in that line, including UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray. To our front, a growing mass of heavily armed racists, periodically hurling verbal abuse at us. Behind us moved hundreds of people who had come to stand against the hate in the Park. Separating these groups, the clergy line was morally strong and physically weak.

I’ve been asked to reflect, as a UU, on my reaction to the experience. I’ll try.

Standing in that line, I found it hard to recognize the inherent worth of the people threatening me. I’ll need to work on the First Principal. As an elderly white male, I was not likely to be targeted. Even so, I experienced periods of fear, strangely alternating with a sense of inner peace. My conviction that I needed to be there is unambiguous.

I feel conflicted about the antifa groups that showed up. I believe in non-violence, in a sterile, untested way, while the antifas arrived ready to meet force with force. Their presence increased the tension, but they made me feel safer. Later, I learned that their members rushed to protect clergy being physically attacked. And a young man told me: “When a Nazi pulled a gun on me, four antifas immediately stepped between us to shield me.” It’s hard for me to not recognize value in that.

There is much to reflect on. I came away understanding that the moral challenge is steep and real. Racism must be opposed, everywhere and with overwhelming moral commitment.

Ron Outen
Cedar Lane UU Church
Bethesda, MD