Category: Commentary

Opinion Articles on Social Justice topics

“Act for a Livable Climate” Action of Immediate Witness Passes at 2015 UUA General Assembly by Doris Marlin

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As heat records were being set for the month of June in Portland, Oregon, Unitarian Universalists were stepping up to leadership for a Strong and Compassionate Global Climate Agreement in December 2015.  The 10+-person “Act for a Livable Climate” Clipboard Team collected 500+ signatures that led to the overwhelming Action of Immediate Witness adoption by the 2015 General … Continue reading “Act for a Livable Climate” Action of Immediate Witness Passes at 2015 UUA General Assembly by Doris Marlin

Why I Believe Black Lives Matter by John Harris

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As a Unitarian Universalist who takes the seven principles to heart, I do believe that “All Lives Matter”. So, why do I wear a button that reads “Black Lives Matter”? First let me clear up a misconception; “Black Lives Matter” does not say that other lives don’t matter. There are sections of our society that are saying (overtly or covertly) that black lives matter less.

Rev. Terry Ellen, former UUSJ Executive Director – What the Pope’s Encyclical Means for UUs and Everyone Else

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  I’d like to share with you why the Pope’s encyclical on climate is so important and what we can do in support. I began my interest on climate when the evidence became clear that our warming world was having disastrous consequences for the poor, marginalized, and most vulnerable – children of course included – … Continue reading Rev. Terry Ellen, former UUSJ Executive Director – What the Pope’s Encyclical Means for UUs and Everyone Else

Rev. Madelyn Campbell of Davies Memorial UU Church – Water From A Stone – Do we still need to learn that we cannot deny this basic right of survival to people?

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This past July I visited Siem Reap in the Mekong Delta of Cambodia. There was no potable water anywhere – all drinking water came from bottles. All water taps had warnings on them not to drink the water. I visited a floating village on Tonle Sap, a huge lake in the region, and saw rain … Continue reading Rev. Madelyn Campbell of Davies Memorial UU Church – Water From A Stone – Do we still need to learn that we cannot deny this basic right of survival to people?

David Strauss of the UU Congregation of Rockville On the President’s Executive Action on Immigration

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The new program the President launched (called DAPA) will permit undocumented persons who have lived here continuously for over five years, have at least one child who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident, are willing to pay a fee and any back taxes they owe, and have lived within the law (no serious criminal record) to apply for a three-year deferral from deportation.

Rev. Kate Walker of Mt. Vernon Unitarian Churcn on Same-Sex Marriage in Virginia

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My experience with same-gender couples has been filled with awe at the courage and dedication of these couples have demonstrated. The amount of social pressure they often endure creates subtle and sometimes overt psychological tension that heterosexual friends and family are often clueless about. For this pressure they endure, I am both in awe and … Continue reading Rev. Kate Walker of Mt. Vernon Unitarian Churcn on Same-Sex Marriage in Virginia

Rev. Amanda Poppei of the Washington Ethical Society to Her Congregation

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  November 25, 2014 This morning, I remain grieved. I am grieved by the violence overnight in Ferguson–including the tear-gassing of a space designated as sanctuary, as reported by Ethical Culture Leader in Training James Croft. I am grateful no lives were lost. And I am keenly aware of Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Violent … Continue reading Rev. Amanda Poppei of the Washington Ethical Society to Her Congregation