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Before yesterdayUUA

UU Nations: Ukraine and Our Commitment to Peace

23 February 2022 at 13:00
Stock photo of the Ukrainian Flag blowing in the wind over the city of Kharkov.

Bruce Knotts

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reminds us that peace, justice, and human rights are linked and interdependent.

Prepare for GA 2022 by Joining the UUA Board's Webinars

In order to prepare for a new and different way of doing the business of GA this year, the Board will lead several different webinars. Each one will be 75 minutes in length, and a recording of each will be posted on this page at a later date. Pre-registration is required for all.

At this year’s multiplatform General Assembly (GA), we will explore the power, possibility, purpose, struggle, and joy of meeting the moment as Unitarian Universalists. Whether you're a first-time delegate or a long-time attendee, we invite you to join us to learn more about what will happen at GA this year.

Find a date that works best for your schedule. https://bit.ly/3s7Zkgb


Register to join one or more of the upcoming GA 2022 prep webinars let by members of the UUA Board.

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Timeline photos

Respecting the interdependent web of our existence on earth is a principle we must strive to fulfill as conscious human beings. Transportation generates 29 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, meaning any serious work to mitigate harm from global warming requires changing how we move people and goods.

Our individual choices as consumers matter. But only through our actions as citizens can we drive change on the scale our climate crisis demands. Learn more about UUA climate justice work and resources. Jeff welcomes your criticism, questions, and commentary. Tweet @JMilchen.

https://bit.ly/3h91w0G



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Volunteer for a UUA Committee, Commission, or Board

We need YOU and YOUR leadership!

Do you want to help make real and concrete changes to our Unitarian Universalist Association? The UUA Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for our denominational committees elected by the General Assembly. We need you to join this work!

We are seeking nominations for all of our elected committees: Board of Trustees, Board of Review, Nominating Committee, General Assembly Planning Committee, Commission on Appraisal, Commission on Social Witness, and Financial Advisor.

To learn more and to apply, head over to https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/volunteer.

We are asking applications to be in by February 27th.
Have any questions about serving? Reach out to the nominating committee at nominating@uua.org


Volunteer for a UUA committee, commission, or board and help us carry out the mission of the Association.

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Love Reached Out: A Litany of Blessings from Online Worship

Not too long ago, in 2014, our General Assembly theme was β€œLove Reaches Out.” Workshops included visionary topics such as β€œDeepening Online Engagement,” β€œUpdating Your Web Presence,” and β€œMaking and Sharing Videos.” But old, comfortable ways of doing church are hard to change…until you have to change.

One of the silver linings in the dark cloud of the pandemic is that love has been reaching out, in ways we couldn’t have imagined back in 2014β€”or even 2019.

Since 2020 there have been so many moments of radical inclusion, connection, and creativity, we offer you litany for all these moments these past two years.

Read more at:https://www.uua.org/leaderlab/online-litany


Online moments of radical inclusion, connection, and creativity shared as a litany.

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Connecting Across Differences

23 February 2022 at 06:38
A man in an orange prison jumpsuit reads a letter, smiling.

Anonymous

Praise be for our connection. Help us to learn from each other.

Continue reading "Connecting Across Differences"

Connecting Across Differences

23 February 2022 at 06:38
A man in an orange prison jumpsuit reads a letter, smiling.

Anonymous

Praise be for our connection. Help us to learn from each other.

Continue reading "Connecting Across Differences"

Spring Resources for Congregations

21 February 2022 at 11:15
Central East Region UUA Logo
Are your congregational members looking for resources for trainings and education? There are several opportunities for learning, networking and sharing coming up in the next few months.

Continue reading "Spring Resources for Congregations"

Toni Morrison’s Work Taught Us That Blackness Is Queer

Today would have been Toni Morrison's 91st birthday.

Morrison wrote for all Black audiences and touched the whole world at the same time. She was an embodiment of Black excellence. Because of this, we can love her and her genius as stewards with integrity. She, like so many Black women, gave so much to this world. Toni Morrison put Black life into prose that will endure.

Happy Birthday Toni Morrison.

https://bit.ly/3sUk76p


Author and activist Charlene Carruthers pens a eulogy for one of the greatest minds of our generation.

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Photos from Unitarian Universalist Association's post

The stories of black history hold a powerful truth. These stories are alive and playing out today. Seeing the connections between the past and the present gives us the context that enriches our history. In the spirit of celebrating Black history, we’re offering the following list of recommended reading that offers diverse voices and perspectives on a range of topics.









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Two Paths, One Life

People of all ages, and many beliefs, are longing for ways of understanding that can provide them support in these stormy times. The uniqueness of Unitarian Universalism’s non-creedal tradition creates a force more powerful than one person or one belief system. Our joint journey together honors everywhere we’ve been before and our diverse and inclusive beliefs.

Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow isn’t half Buddhist and half Unitarian Universalist β€” she’s completely both. Learn how Rev. Caplow explains the uniqueness of her transrelgious identity.

https://bit.ly/3oZLCtV


Rev. Zenshin Florence Caplow isn't half Buddhist and half Unitarian Universalist β€” she's completely both.

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Opportunities to be in Solidarity with Water Protectors β€” Side With Love

From Side with Love – β€œOur Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and assembly, and criminalizing protest is a threat to democracy.”

https://bit.ly/354KSwH


On September 14, we hosted β€œFrom #NoDAPL to #StopLine3: Water Protectors, Movement Building and Solidarity,” featuring a conversation with Michael β€œRattler” Markus and the Rev. Karen Van Fossan.

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Palestinians and Jews Wrote This New Book Together

Stories touch hearts, open minds, and transform our understanding of the β€œother”—as well as our comprehension of own roles and responsibilities. A Land With a People is a book of stories, photographs and poetry which elevates rarely heard Palestinian and Jewish voices and visions. It brings us the narratives of secular, Muslim, Christian, and queer Palestinians who endure the particular brand of settler colonialism known as Zionism.

https://bit.ly/3gTcWpc



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Timeline photos

An important part of being in a community of faith is taking seriously our need make space in our daily lives to care for others and to be cared for ourselves. Here's your reminder to prioritize compassion and self-care as we all process the many layers of stress and trauma we've been experiencing in these last two years of this pandemic. We can all do something to connect in care with those around us. What will you do?



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Sowing Justice: β€˜Voter Fraud’ Conspiracists Reveal Their Hypocrisy

17 February 2022 at 12:00
Stock image depicting a hand moving through a maze to get to a ballot box, symbolizing voting challenges, election problems, and voter suppression.

Jeff Milchen

An effective tool exists to minimize the chance of illegitimate votesβ€”those who fail to embrace it show professed concerns about voter fraud are false.

The Unexpected Sacredness of Things

16 February 2022 at 06:42
A hand holding a censer, in which burning copal incense releases smoke.

Tania MΓ‘rquez

Every time I find the sacred unexpectedly, I am filled with awe and surprise.

Continue reading "The Unexpected Sacredness of Things"

The Unexpected Sacredness of Things

16 February 2022 at 06:42
A hand holding a censer, in which burning copal incense releases smoke.

Tania MΓ‘rquez

Every time I find the sacred unexpectedly, I am filled with awe and surprise.

Continue reading "The Unexpected Sacredness of Things"

UU Nations: Reprisals Against Human Rights Defenders at the UN

15 February 2022 at 12:00
Photo of protesters behind jail bars holding yellow signs with black bars with white text #freerightsdefenders

Bruce Knotts

Human rights defendersβ€”especially women and LGBTQ+ peopleβ€”can suffer harsh consequences in their home countries for working with the United Nations.

Sowing Justice: Slam the Brakes on Plan for USPS Fleet of Gas-Guzzlers

10 February 2022 at 10:20
US postal truck driving quickly

Jeff Milchen

Our personal transportation choices matter, but significant emission reductions must also involve large-scale institutional change.

Claiming My Worth

This week's Braver Wiser message comes from JeKaren Olaoya.

"It is so easy to throw up a shield of protection in the form of doubt, but that doesn’t lead to growth or connection. Help us to realize that being vulnerable is a gift. We don’t have to doubt the worth of others nor ourselves when we are reflected out in the world."

Read it in full and subscribe to Braver/Wiser:https://bit.ly/3oMqck3


I affirm that I am worthy of being good enough to touch hearts and souls, and connect others to Spirit.

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Timeline photos

Happy Valentine's Day! This Valentine's Day (and every day), be the love you wish to see in the world. Let's celebrate the love of self, love of others, and love of all that is.



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Yearning for In-Person Worship?

As local infection rates trend downward, and people start including the word β€œendemic” in conversations, the yearning to get β€œback to normal” becomes stronger.

Many of our people hope to be back in the sanctuary with live music, the blending of voices during the hymns, and our friends surrounding us. This hope reminds us that in person worship is vital and life-giving. However, this is a time to stay centered in the values of inclusion, consent, going slow and being flexible.

It’s important to remember how online ministry has been a blessing for many in our faith communities. Just as in-person worship is vital and life-giving for some, for others online and multi-platform worship provide a lifeline.

The UUA remains committed to supporting congregational practices that are as inclusive as possible and we remain committed to supporting online and multi-platform strategies to achieve this goal.

https://bit.ly/3szUmrH


As religious leaders, part of our work is to help our communities hold the tensions between different needs in the congregation, especially around worship.

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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Emma's Revolution - A Winter Concert . After registering, you will receive a confirm...

Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth and Side with Love are excited to co-sponsor a winter concert fundraiser for Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth! Emma's Revolution is a dynamic band described by the New York Times as "fervent and heartfelt." Join us to pause for excellent music, a conversation about music for justice during this moment, and to be galvanized for the work ahead! Registration required.

https://bit.ly/3uK4BMU


Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth and Side with Love are excited to co-sponsor a winter concert fundraiser to sustain the justice ministries of Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth! Emma's Revolution music is praised by the New York Times as "fervent and heartfelt" - we're excited to sh...

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Defund Fear: How Can We Make Each Other Safer?

11 February 2022 at 08:00
 book titled "Defund Fear" by Zach Norris is held in the hands of someone whose hands are light brown; only their torso is showing.

Susan Lawrence

Zach Norris, the author of this year's UU common read, challenges our notions of safety, promoting a culture of care.

Photos from Unitarian Universalist Association's post

We know that corporate wealth and influence corrupts our democracy. We're really appreciating the way UU World columnist Jeff Milchen calls out corruption at the heart of today's most pressing issues, like in this column on the filibuster.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3JgZnMy.







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For far too long, voices of Black women in the fight for justice have been ignored

Today we are resharing this important article which includes an interview with BLUU Exec Director Lena K Gardner. She discusses the historic and ongoing erasure of Black Women's work and their complex identities in movement spaces.

https://strib.mn/3JlIu3w


Throughout the history of the movement for equality, Black women have been denied the recognition they've deserved.

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Week Four: February 7 - 14 – Climate Justice β€” Side With Love

Throughout this last week of 30 Days of Love, we encourage you to listen, learn, reflect, and take actions through the lens of climate justice to shape a more just and equitable future for all.

https://bit.ly/3gB1bne


All Ages: Plant something. You can plant a tree outdoors or started a potted plant inside. What can you plant that will yield food you can eat?

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Honoring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

Buddhist monk, peace activist, poet, writer, and teacher ThΓ­ch NhαΊ₯t Hanh promoted nonviolence, mindfulness, and compassion throughout the world.

We honor his recent passing with this interview, in which Hahn shares his wisdom on the importance of meditation and mindfulness.

We hold our UU Buddhist community in love and light.

https://bit.ly/3uvOjHf


We humans have lost the wisdom of genuinely resting. In an interview with Marianne Schnall the master explained how meditation can help us.

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Starting Fresh

9 February 2022 at 05:11
A woman stands, eyes closed and hands up in a meditative pose, on a crosswalk with the blurred impressions of passersby around her

Lynette Yetter

I was often being a stern taskmaster over my mind. I yearned for more openness and joy.

Continue reading "Starting Fresh"

Starting Fresh

9 February 2022 at 05:11
A woman stands, eyes closed and hands up in a meditative pose, on a crosswalk with the blurred impressions of passersby around her

Lynette Yetter

I was often being a stern taskmaster over my mind. I yearned for more openness and joy.

Continue reading "Starting Fresh"

Sermon of the Month Series for Small Congregations

7 February 2022 at 13:45
Rev. Phil Lund in pulpit
A recorded sermon, suggestions for opening and closing words, readings, and hymns, as well as a complete transcript.

Continue reading "Sermon of the Month Series for Small Congregations"

UU Nations: Authoritarianism on the Rise Again

8 February 2022 at 12:00
Stock photo of a burning book engulfed in brilliant flames

Bruce Knotts

We see a historical pattern that puts everyone in the world in danger. To obtain a safe and dignified life, we need to foster trust, mutual support, and reliance on science.

Timeline photos

Today, February 7th we rally together for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #NBHAAD, observed annually on this date to increase awareness, spark conversations, highlight the work to reduce HIV in Black or African American communities in the United States, and show support for people who are living and thriving with HIV in these communities.

Pastor Sande Bailey-Gwinn, a member of the U.S. HIV & AIDS Faith Coalition and Founder of Foundations for Living shares "As we observe National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, let us continue to shed light on the importance of education, encouragement, and inspiration as we continue the fight to eradicate HIV/AIDS throughout the world. Let us commit to creating more spaces for conversations and testing opportunities so that lives can be healed from stigma in our communities. And on February 8, we can ALL say, Say it Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud."

https://bit.ly/36svYhB



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Unitarian Universalist β€œCommon Read”

One of the most powerful lies of white supremacy, capitalism, and colonialism is the notion that jails and police make us safer.

Our UU theology calls us to work for the liberation of all people - none of us are truly free until we are all free. The UUA invites you to explore this call by joining together to read and reflect on "Defund Fear" by Zach Norris, which has been selected as the UUA's newest Common Read.

https://bit.ly/3J4oQbO


"Defund Fear" by Zach Norris is the new UUA Common Read.

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Fighting Supremacy in the Global Arena

8 February 2022 at 08:00
Bruce Knotts, executive director of UU-UNO

Roger Santodomingo, Bruce Knotts

An interview with Bruce Knotts, director of the Unitarian Universalist Office at the United Nations and new UU World columnist.

Lessons from a Crisis

7 February 2022 at 12:05
Image of a tree covered in ice, with branches around it on the ground and over a small play area for children

Beth Casebolt

Last week I skimmed over an article that talked about how Americans love to be the heroes but never want to do the long term work to make lasting change. And I wondered about that. Was it true? And then the storm of this past weekend happened.

Continue reading "Lessons from a Crisis"

Join me for this great event!

The Minneapolis Police Department murdered another Black man yesterday. We send our love and witness to the family of Amir Locke, and the community in Minneapolis that is yet again called to respond to the violence and brutality of policing.
However you are responding to this latest horror, you are beloved and held in community.

We invite you to join Side with Love tonight for a re-imagined live embodied practice tonight with Rev. Ali KC Bell and E.N. Hill, "Friday Songs of Grief, Anger, & Healing." They will make space for the range of feelings and experiences we are holding, and gently invite our gathered group into practices to support moving these intense emotions through our bodies and our hearts. Register at https://bit.ly/3GxviGB.



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Join me for this great event!

Join Side With Love for this conversation with Sheila Nezhad and Jonathan Stegall of Reclaim the Block and Yes4Minneapolis as they reflect on long-term cultural organizing, building strategic values-based campaigns, abolitionist dreams of a world without police, and the possibilities that lie ahead. Hosted by Rev. Ashley Horan.

In the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020, organizers in Minneapolis built on years of cultural change work and strategic organizing to propose an amendment to the city charter that would have made it possible to disband the Minneapolis Police Department and create a new Department of Public Safety. While this groundbreaking initiative did not pass in 2021, it put abolition and true community safety squarely in the national conversation and paved the way for future organizing in Minneapolis and across the country.

https://bit.ly/3GqIIo4



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Sowing Justice: Let’s Purge Hate from Immigration Debate

4 February 2022 at 10:30
Banner hanging from a tree that says "Hate has no home here".

Jeff Milchen

Reasonable people disagree on appropriate levels of immigration, but to have substantive debate, we must refute racist scapegoating and tactics of dehumanization.Β 

2021 Police Violence Report

The UUA has always denounced the inherent violence of policing. Our country is facing a time of increased visibility of violence by police. Police brutality is a symptom of white supremacy and anti-Black racism, and as people of faith and conscience dedicated to justice and liberation, we must name this truth.

Mapping Police Violence collected data on over 1,100 killings by police in 2021. This report represents the most comprehensive public accounting of deadly police violence in 2021. The analysis suggests the majority of killings by police in 2021 could have been prevented.

Scroll through the report findings here: https://bit.ly/3J7il8t


Comprehensive review of killings by police in 2021.

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Timeline photos

In President Susan Frederick-Gray's most recent UU World column, she call us to readiness for the rapid, dramatic change that is needed if we are all to live and thrive together, with dignity and equity.

https://bit.ly/3o8vE01



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At least 7 HBCUs get bomb threats on the first day of Black History Month

We echo UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray 's message "I am holding all of the students, faculty, staff, and their families impacted by these terrible bomb threats in my prayers. And we know that these are not isolated incidents - they are part of widespread racialized attacks fueled by hate speech, racist tropes, and the expanding attack against Black and BIPOC communities on many fronts, from voting rights to the teaching of history. "

"As much as I am saddened to learn of these events, I am deeply moved and inspired to read so many messages of courage and resilience from Black and BIPOC groups across the internet. Let's continue to uplift the beauty, history and power of the Black community throughout this #BlackHistoryMonth."


A growing number of historically black colleges and universities have had to lock down or postpone classes due to bomb threats on the first day of Black History Month.

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Colleyville attacker β€˜bought into those antisemitic tropes,’ hostage survivor remarks

Jeffrey Cohen, one of the hostages held for 11 hours in the unsettling attack on Congregation Beth Israel last month, reminds us that we all have a role to play in working to end hate:

β€œThese little throwaway lines, you know, β€˜Ach, damn Jew bankers,’” Cohen told Jewish Insider. β€œThose lines... are not acceptable because these words have consequences, and the consequences that they have is they allow people to dehumanize other people... We’ve got to start challenging hate speech even when it’s β€˜minor,’ with quotes around that word.”

https://bit.ly/3sbyxhZ


Jeffrey Cohen was one of four hostages held for 11 hours inside a Texas synagogue.

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Claiming My Worth

2 February 2022 at 06:44
From the back, a Black woman is seen with her arms raised, wrists crossed. Her top is made from traditional west African fabric.

JeKaren Olaoya

I affirm that I am worthy of being good enough to touch hearts and souls, and connect others to Spirit.

Continue reading "Claiming My Worth"

Claiming My Worth

2 February 2022 at 06:44
From the back, a Black woman is seen with her arms raised, wrists crossed. Her top is made from traditional west African fabric.

JeKaren Olaoya

I affirm that I am worthy of being good enough to touch hearts and souls, and connect others to Spirit.

Continue reading "Claiming My Worth"

Timeline photos

Black History Month is as much about rediscovery as it is about celebration and commemoration. This month is in opportunity to get to know long-forgotten or hidden historical figures, unearth information previously unknown about prominent Black leaders, and get closer to the struggles and triumphs of Black ancestors.

In solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter and other movements that compel us to evaluate our country’s progress in racial justice, it’s important to get reacquainted with the work of Black forerunnersβ€”and their historyβ€”so we can better imagine how we will move this country forward.

Tune in these next 28 days as we lift up Black voices and celebrate the Black community. We'll also seek ways to broaden the conversation and explore how we can honor the legacy of all who have strived for freedom and justice all year around.



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After Year One, Climate Group Says Biden 'Failing Us'

"Biden can't be the climate leader he claims to be when he is actively conducting major lease sales and lobbying oil states to produce more fossil fuels."

https://bit.ly/3s1Qe3z


"Biden can't be the climate leader he claims to be when he is actively conducting major lease sales and lobbying oil states to produce more fossil fuels."

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GA 2022 - Virtual and In Person

31 January 2022 at 12:46
UUA General Assembly 2022 Porland, Oregon
Some of us are ready to be with other people, to mix and mingle and be in community. Our risk is low, we're vaccinated and we're ready. Some of us are high risk or have someone who is high risk in our circles and we need to stay closer to home and out of crowds....

Continue reading "GA 2022 - Virtual and In Person"

30 Days of Love for 2022

17 January 2022 at 10:07
Standing on the Side of Love 30 days of love
Each year from MLK day to Valentines Day, the Side with Love team provides us with resources to celebrate and explore our 30 days of Love. This year, each week of 30 Days of Love will focus on one of Side With Love’s intersectional justice priorities. Although each week will have a primary focus,...

Continue reading "30 Days of Love for 2022"

Honoring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

31 January 2022 at 11:00
Thich Nhat Hanh listening deeply to his students in Hong Kong, 2013.

Marianne Schnall

We humans have lost the wisdom of genuinely resting. In an interview with Marianne Schnall the master explained how meditation can help us.

Opportunities for Connection ~ February 2022

29 January 2022 at 16:00
image: Four hands holding sidewalk chalk draw a lightbulb symbol on a blue concrete background. text reads, "Faithify, crowdfunding Unitarian Universalist projects."

Central East Region of the UUA

Find out what's happening in the Central East Region! This month - Faithify, COVID-19 Strategies, GA 2022, Second Slice of Pi, Widening the Welcome, Jubilee 3 and more!

Continue reading "Opportunities for Connection ~ February 2022"

A Parable of Privilege by DeReau Farrar for The Promise and the Practice

For decades, we have been preaching the message of how inequality and injustice are pervasive in our Unitarian Universalist systems and institutions. We do not talk enough about the fact that every person’s privilege is tied to our corrupted system of capitalism.

It’s important that we keep talking about the ways that capitalism and white supremacy are connected to privilege and how we as UUs can take action to change these systems.

https://bit.ly/3ATFQ1X



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Join me for this great event!

Join Side with Love for their Friday Songs of Joy: Embodied Practice: January 28 at 5pm PT/ 6pm MT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET.

This is a live time of connection, music, and joyful embodiment open to all! This 30-minute session will be offered each Friday of 30 Days of Love and will be hosted by 30 Days of Love Minister in Residence Rev. Ali K.C. Bell and co-facilitated by Rev. E.N. Hill.

Using song as a tool of spiritual engagement and embodied practice, participants will be invited to participate in:

Lectio divina (β€œsacred reading”) using song lyrics;

A short online dance party or embodied practice (keep your cameras on or off as you feel comfortable!); and

A chance to share joys, gratitudes, and blessings with one another

Attend one session, or all four! This is a participatory event.

Register at https://bit.ly/35jSMCh



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Sowing Justice: Why Corporations Love the Filibuster

27 January 2022 at 12:00
photo illustration of one arrow pointing right with "democracy" written on it and a larger arrow pointing left with "corporate political spending" written on it.

Jeff Milchen

While many corporations offer feel-good commercials promoting multiculturalism and equality, their political arms (like the Chamber of Commerce) and political investments perpetuate the dominance of wealth over our elections and the public interest.

Week Two of our 30 Days of Love is On! β€” Side With Love

We have entered the second week of Side with Loves 30 Days of Love lamenting the immoral blocking of the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Acts. It is disheartening to witness our elected leaders sided with vote suppression and against democracy. As a faith community committed to showing up for justice and for our communities, this will not stop us.

Week two focuses on Democracy and Voting Rights. This week’s offerings include multigenerational resources, healing meditations, political education, and collective action to support our community in our democracy and electoral work.

We invite you to take the time to nourish your spirit with this week’s worship offerings. Together we can care for one another and build resiliency to remain committed to showing up. The love that drives our work during and beyond these 30 Days is here to hold you and welcome you to take action as we move into midterm elections and UU the Vote 2022.

https://bit.ly/33XOVdI


We enter week two of 30 Days of Love lamenting the immoral blocking of the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Acts. It is disheartening to witness our elected leaders sided with vote suppression and against democracy. As a faith community committed to showing up for justice and for our communitie

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The Rest That Will Heal Us

26 January 2022 at 06:46
A photo, from above, of a Black mother with daughter lying down on cozy couch in living room, cuddling and napping together at home.

Atena Danner

If I want well-being to be my truth, I must reclaim and protect it.

Continue reading "The Rest That Will Heal Us"

The Rest That Will Heal Us

26 January 2022 at 06:46
A photo, from above, of a Black mother with daughter lying down on cozy couch in living room, cuddling and napping together at home.

Atena Danner

If I want well-being to be my truth, I must reclaim and protect it.

Continue reading "The Rest That Will Heal Us"

Subscribe to UU World Magazine

Many things that are happening around the world right now are out of our immediate control. If you find yourself feeling helpless in the scheme of larger fights and issues, there are always smaller acts of change that you can tackle to make a difference.

Looking for ways to continue to be a part of change? Look to our latest issue of UU World, "Transforming Culture In Spiritual and Public Life" for inspiration to help create change in society.

https://bit.ly/3fXc6Ya


Secure Online Subscription Order Mail-in Print Subscription Form (pdf) Purchase additional copies of an issue Order Congregational Bulk Subscriptions Free for Members UU World is published twice a year in Spring and Fall.

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Sacred Gathering: Faith Communities Reclaiming Reproductive Dignity and Autonomy - Just Texas

Join people of faith around the country to learn and strategize. Sign up to attend the SACReD Gathering: Faith Communities Reclaiming Reproductive Dignity and Autonomy, January 25-26, 2022.

This event will be a first-of-its-kind virtual gathering of justice-oriented people of faith, activists, and leaders from the reproductive health, rights, and justice community. β€œGrounded in our shared values of justice, dignity, human rights, compassion, and expansive love, we will discover how faith and reproductive liberation are interdependent through keynotes, panel discussions, and breakout sessions.

https://bit.ly/3qWP75P


Join the Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity (SACReD) January 25-26, 2022, for a first-of-its-kind virtual gathering of justice-oriented people of faith, activists, and leaders from the reproductive health, rights, and justice community.Β  Grounded in our shared values of just...

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30 Days of Love 2022 β€” Side With Love

A long-haul commitment to the work of collective liberation requires us to engage regularly in spiritual practice to feed our spirits. This year, Rev. Ali K.C. Bell is the 30 Days of Love Minister in Residence. Each week, Rev. Ali is curating several opportunities for all of us to reflect, slow down, and tap into joy.

This Monday and every Monday during 30 Days of Love, we invite you to start your week with reverence and reflection by taking a moment to light your own chalice and listen to these pastoral and prophetic words from an array of UU lay and clergy leaders.

https://bit.ly/3FsMVH6


30 Days of Love is our annual celebration that runs approximately from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January through Valentine’s Day in February. It is an opportunity to collectively nurture our spirits, deepen our understanding, and take action on our values for collective liberation.

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Need Funding for a Project? Check out These Options

24 January 2022 at 11:47
CER Chalice Lighter Logo

Central East Region of the UUA

There have been a lot of questions recently about fundraising options for congregations in different situations, so we thought a blog to help you understand the different types of grant vehicles we have available and when to use which ones would be helpful.

Continue reading "Need Funding for a Project? Check out These Options"

COVID-19 Delta Variant Gathering Guidance

5 January 2022 at 19:00
Masked woman looking intently at the viewer.
Here is guidance from the UUA about around gathering in person as new variant emerge.

Continue reading "COVID-19 Delta Variant Gathering Guidance"

COVID-19 Delta Variant Gathering Guidance

5 January 2022 at 19:00
Masked woman looking intently at the viewer.
Here is guidance from the UUA about around gathering in person as new variant emerge.

Continue reading "COVID-19 Delta Variant Gathering Guidance"

Getting Involved with the Article II Study

22 January 2022 at 14:03
Reimagining Article 2 Small Group Ministry Guide Square
Get involved in the Article II Study Commission's work, participate in these resources and provide your feedback.

Continue reading "Getting Involved with the Article II Study"

Getting Involved with the Article II Study

22 January 2022 at 14:03
Reimagining Article 2 Small Group Ministry Guide Square
Get involved in the Article II Study Commission's work, participate in these resources and provide your feedback.

Continue reading "Getting Involved with the Article II Study"

Timeline photos

Moving beyond a post-Roe world means centering Black women: to trust them and fund their work, and for white-led reproductive rights groups to step back.

Imani Gandy interviews Laurie Bertram Roberts, executive director of the Yellowhammer Fund and reproductive justice advocate in Mississippi as they discuss the importance of the need for white-led reproductive rights organizations to take a step back. The work belongs to women in the shadows, like Laurie. They explain how the work black women diligently put together to get as many people abortion care as possible and organize against restrictive laws. Learn how helping Black women like Laurie pours into resources needed for grassroots efforts.

https://bit.ly/3FRgv9J



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Timeline photos

Unitarian Universalism has a long legacy of advocating for safe, legal, accessible abortion care for anyone who needs it. Unitarian Universalists were among the plaintiffs suing the state of Texas over SB8 in Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson. Unitarian Universalist ministers and congregations were part of the Clergy Consultation Service, which supported people in accessing abortion care before Roe v. Wade. And from developing the most comprehensive sexuality education program in North America through Our Whole Lives, to regularly affirming our support for abortion access and care in resolutions from our General Assembly, dating back to 1962, we have been steadfast in showing up for reproductive justice.

And on this anniversary of #RoeVWade, we affirm that if we are to truly secure unfettered access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, freedom, and autonomy for all people, we must focus not just on rights, but on analyzing systems of power, addressing intersecting oppressions, centering the most marginalized, and joining together across issues and identities.

#RoeAnniversary



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Responding to shareholder pressure, Chevron to exit Myanmar over human rights abuses

21 January 2022 at 15:08
The Unitarian Universalist Association, along with other investors and members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, recently co-filed a shareholder resolution with Chevron triggered by human rights abuses in Myanmar....

Continue reading "Responding to shareholder pressure, Chevron to exit Myanmar over human rights abuses"

Responding to shareholder pressure, Chevron to exit Myanmar over human rights abuses

21 January 2022 at 15:08
The Unitarian Universalist Association, along with other investors and members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, recently co-filed a shareholder resolution with Chevron triggered by human rights abuses in Myanmar....

Continue reading "Responding to shareholder pressure, Chevron to exit Myanmar over human rights abuses"

Why So Many People Still Don’t Understand Anti-Semitism

Every year Jews are the number one target of anti-religious hate crimes, yet there is general ignorance about anti-Semitism even among people of goodwill. That's part of why, as author Yair Rosenburg argues in this article from The Atlantic, anti-Semitism abides.

We appreciate Rosenburg’s analysis of understanding anti-Semitism. As a faith community, we express our solidarity with the Jewish community, including those within Unitarian Universalism, who are feeling especially vulnerable at this moment. We also join our voices with those of all faiths who are condemning both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

https://bit.ly/3tRFFSW


Unlike many other bigotries, anti-Semitism is not merely a social prejudice; it is a conspiracy theory about how the world operates.

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How do we unlearn this stuff?

As the first month of the new year is coming to an end, it's important that we continue to incorporate the importance of unlearning in 2022. The process of unlearning is something everyone should work to embrace. Unlearning can be the beginningβ€”or continuationβ€”of a period of reclaiming and era to push yourself to continue to grow. As UU's let's work alone and together, to unlearn and reclaim, this year and beyond.

https://bit.ly/3GQRYTq


In order to unlearn systems of oppression we need to be challenged, comforted and have space to process....

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Reproductive Justice Worship Resource Hub β€” Side With Love

In commemoration of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the ongoing fight for reproductive health, rights, and justice, join UU congregations across the country for a Sunday of solidarity, support, and reflection. Side with Love will be providing worship resources (readings, videos, liturgical frameworks) and suggestions for planning your own service in the coming weeks at their Worship Resource Hub.

https://bit.ly/3AifyG1


In commemoration of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the ongoing fight for reproductive health, rights, and justice, join UU congregations across the country for a Sunday of solidarity, support, and reflection. We will be providing worship resources (readings, videos, liturgical frameworks) and su...

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Copyright and Worship

20 January 2022 at 09:28
dictionary page with entry for "copyright" highlighted in yellow
In early 2022, various UUA pages addressing different aspects of copyrightβ€”particularly copyright issues in worshipβ€”were removed to shift focus to our new Copyright Primer for Congregations. Please visit that page to learn more.

Continue reading "Copyright and Worship"

Copyright and Worship

20 January 2022 at 09:28
dictionary page with entry for "copyright" highlighted in yellow
In early 2022, various UUA pages addressing different aspects of copyrightβ€”particularly copyright issues in worshipβ€”were removed to shift focus to our new Copyright Primer for Congregations. Please visit that page to learn more.

Continue reading "Copyright and Worship"

UUA Responds to Events at Congregation Beth Israel

19 January 2022 at 15:17
Gold-colored Star of David hangs from a tree branch with blue sky in the backgroud
A statement in response to the horrific and profoundly disturbing hostage situation that took place earlier this week at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas.

Continue reading "UUA Responds to Events at Congregation Beth Israel"

Here. Beautiful. Sacred.

19 January 2022 at 06:26
In a yoga studio, called Fat Yoga, seven people move into a powerful pose on their yoga mats.

Andrew Tripp

To understand that my humanity and my abundant flesh both demand dignity is to embrace fat liberation.

Continue reading "Here. Beautiful. Sacred."

Sowing Justice: A Wake-up Call for Reproductive Justice Advocates

21 January 2022 at 12:00
L to R: Maggie Clayton, The Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles, Elizabeth Fogarty at a Reproductive Justice Rally.

Jeff Milchen

Because opposition to reproductive rights is so often presented as religious, UUs have a special opportunity to present faith-based arguments for reproductive justice.

UUA Responds to Events at Congregation Beth Israel

19 January 2022 at 15:17
Gold-colored Star of David hangs from a tree branch with blue sky in the backgroud
A statement in response to the horrific and profoundly disturbing hostage situation that took place earlier this week at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas.

Continue reading "UUA Responds to Events at Congregation Beth Israel"

Here. Beautiful. Sacred.

19 January 2022 at 06:26
In a yoga studio, called Fat Yoga, seven people move into a powerful pose on their yoga mats.

Andrew Tripp

To understand that my humanity and my abundant flesh both demand dignity is to embrace fat liberation.

Continue reading "Here. Beautiful. Sacred."

30 Days of Love for 2022

17 January 2022 at 10:07
Standing on the Side of Love 30 days of love
Each year from MLK day to Valentines Day, the Side with Love team provides us with resources to celebrate and explore our 30 days of Love. This year, each week of 30 Days of Love will focus on one of Side With Love’s intersectional justice priorities. Although each week will have a primary focus,...

Continue reading "30 Days of Love for 2022"

Sowing Justice: The Finishing Sprint in a Race to Protect Our Votes

UU World magazine's new columnist, Jeff Milchen, reminds us that we are in the final stretch of a long fight to pass #votingrights legislation for this country and there's reason to be hopeful. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has promised a vote on key voting rights legislation by the #MLKDay2022 holiday and President Biden is on record showing support for ending that Jim Crow-era tool of minority rule, the filibuster.

Read Jeff's column for more analysis and perspective: https://bit.ly/3Gujdmp


Voting rights bills being brought to a vote in the Senate.

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Sowing Justice: The Finishing Sprint in a Race to Protect Our Votes

UU World's new columnist, Jeff Milchen, reminds us we are in the final stretch of a long fight to pass voting rights legislation for this country and there's reason to be hopeful. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has promised a vote on key voting rights legislation by the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and President Biden is on record showing support for ending the filibuster.

Read Jeff's column for more analysis and highlights.
https://bit.ly/3Gujdmp


Voting rights bills being brought to a vote in the Senate.

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The radical Martin Luther King we don't know

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this coming weekend, we share this article by Cornel West from the UU World archives, reprinted with permission from West’s introduction to the Beacon Press book β€œThe Radical King.”

"Does America have the capacity to heed the radical Martin Luther King Jr., or must America sanitize King in order to evade and avoid his challenge?” Read more in UU World.

https://bit.ly/33Fb4xe


Does America have the capacity to heed the radical Martin Luther King Jr., or must America sanitize King in order to evade and avoid his challenge?

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UUA Appoints Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change

The Unitarian Universalist Association is very pleased to announce the appointment of Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change, effective February 7, 2022.

Located in the Office of the President, the Director works closely with all senior UUA leaders to align efforts within the Association to create an anti-oppressive, fully inclusive faith community. The Director will be particularly focused on leading the UUA’s internal workplace Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) team.

Shige Sakurai (they/them) has over two decades of experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion work, and is a leader for intersectional social justice. They are Unitarian Universalists with atheist, Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian heritages, and involvement in Druidry. Welcome, Shige!

https://bit.ly/3K8I2Xo


"I view my role as a caretaker of an ecosystem."

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30 Days of Love 2022 β€” Side With Love

Side with Love invites you to join their annual celebration of love, faith, and justice! This year, they will offer weekly opportunities for all ages to ground, grow, and act for justice together. Each week will focus on one of Side With Love's intersectional justice priorities.

Learn more and check out our resources and events calendar at https://bit.ly/3FsMVH6


30 Days of Love is our annual celebration that runs approximately from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January through Valentine’s Day in February. It is an opportunity to collectively nurture our spirits, deepen our understanding, and take action on our values for collective liberation.

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UUA Appoints Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change

13 January 2022 at 12:09
'headshot' image of Shiga Sakurai including their head, neck and shoulders
The UUA is very pleased to announce the appointment of Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change. Shige succeeds Taquiena Boston in the role, who retired in December 2021 after over two decades of service on UUA staff.

Continue reading "UUA Appoints Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change"

Sowing Justice: The Finishing Sprint in a Race to Protect Our Votes

14 January 2022 at 12:10
Voting rights march, August 28, 2021, Washington, D.C.

Jeff Milchen

Voting rights bills being brought to a vote in the Senate.

Sowing Justice

14 January 2022 at 12:00
Jeff Milchen kayaking on the Middle Fork Salmon River in Idaho

Roger Santodomingo, Jeff Milchen

This week, we introduce Jeff Milchen: kayaker, democracy activist, and new UU World columnist.

Don’t come to Atlanta without a plan to pass voting laws, groups tell Biden, Harris

A coalition of Georgia voting rights groups says President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris should have skipped traveling to Atlanta this past Tuesday unless they came with a concrete plan to pass federal voting laws immediately. The statement was signed by the Black Voters Matter Fund, the Asian American Advocacy Fund, the New Georgia Project Action Fund, James Woodall, former Georgia NAACP President, and the GALEO Impact Action Fund.

A visit without concrete action is an empty gesture. What we need the president, vice-president, and legislators to focus on is getting the Senate to take immediate action to pass federal legislation to protect the freedom to vote. It’s time for this administration to match its words with actions and respond to this current attack on democracy.

As Unitarian Universalists, our values hold that all people should have a voice and a vote in choosing their leaders and determining what is best for ourselves and our communities. Like we did with UU the Vote during the 2020 election, let’s leverage our collective power and urge our Senators to deliver on the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Learn how you can continue to help at https://bit.ly/3Gto1IL.

https://bit.ly/3Gjk0a1


Georgia voting rights groups say President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris should not travel to Atlanta next week unless they have a concrete plan in place to pass federal election laws.

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Michaela JaΓ© Rodriguez from 'Pose' is the 1st trans actress to win a Golden Globe

On Sunday, January 9th Michaela JaΓ© β€œMj” Rodriguez, took home a Golden Globe for best actress in a TV drama for her role as housemother and nurse Blanca on the FX show β€œPose.” It marks the first time in history a transgender actor has won a Golden Globe. Rodriguez made history for the first time last summer after becoming the first transgender performer to be nominated for a lead acting Emmy. Rodriguez did not end up winning that award.

Mj Rodriguez reminds us with a win like this,"This is the door that is going to open the door for many more young talented individuals. They will see that it is more than possible. They will see that a young Black Latina girl from Newark, New Jersey who had a dream, to change the minds others would With love. Love Wins."

As UU's we are proud to lean into trans resilience and support its blossoming. We're excited to celebrate this moment in history for trans people!

https://n.pr/3neoZB8


While Sunday night's Golden Globes were not televised, Rodriguez gave an acceptance speech on Instagram Live in which she thanked those who worked on the show and spoke of paving the way for others.

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UUA Appoints Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change

13 January 2022 at 12:09
'headshot' image of Shiga Sakurai including their head, neck and shoulders
The UUA is very pleased to announce the appointment of Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change. Shige succeeds Taquiena Boston in the role, who retired in December 2021 after over two decades of service on UUA staff.

Continue reading "UUA Appoints Shige Sakurai as Director of Equity, Belonging and Change"

Timeline photos

In remembrance of Sidney Poitier, we recognize how the world of acting would have been markedly different without Poitier. He was the first Black actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor. Sidney Poitier who has passed at the age of 94., helped reshape the world to such a degree that his impact isn't even measurable.

Poitier's political risk-taking on behalf of freedom's cause represents a generational legacy that continues today. Black actors, celebrities, and entertainers who support the Black Lives Matter Movement, voting rights and racial justice β€” whether behind the scenes or in more vocal ways β€” owe a debt to Poitier and the work he did in front of the camera and when the Hollywood klieg lights were turned off.

https://cnn.it/3GlxZfl



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Blossoming into the New Year

UU Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration for the First Unitarian Church in Oklahoma City and former UUA Trustee Tim Atkins, has found it helpful to choose a word to guide him at the beginning of each year. When you think about your 2022, what word do you want your theme of the year to be? What word might you use as your centering lodestar for 2022?

https://bit.ly/3fjFY0p


What word might you use as your centering lodestar for 2022?

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A Theology of Darkness

We need a new theology of darknessβ€”a new way to relate to the darkness, blackness, and brownness that surrounds us. To begin the dismantling of our racist language, we first need a new theology of darkness. Poetry can help us cultivate a different relationship with and to blackness and darkness. Darkness has almost always been considered negative. Relearning to appreciate the darkness takes intention and practice.

Read and learn more from Kristen Harper's article and the poem The Darkness Divine! Be sure to follow her exercises and questions for discussion when reading.

https://bit.ly/3FawdNm


We need a new theology of darknessβ€”a new way to relate to the darkness, blackness, and brownness that surrounds us.

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Love Is Showing Up

12 January 2022 at 07:10
Two Black women pack toys into a box, as though preparing a donation

Melissa Jeter

Every time someone showed up for me, I learned that love is greater than skin deep.

Continue reading "Love Is Showing Up"

Love Is Showing Up

12 January 2022 at 07:10
Two Black women pack toys into a box, as though preparing a donation

Melissa Jeter

Every time someone showed up for me, I learned that love is greater than skin deep.

Continue reading "Love Is Showing Up"

Exhaling in Community

In this UU World article, we are reminded of the pre-pandemic innocence of how we existed in each other’s presence. Author Christine Slocum shares with us the importance of embracing new understandings of how to be in right relationship to each other, even if we don’t like what we learn.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3zP3cVV


The safety I once perceived was because I did not have the complete perspective.

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