In honor of Labor Day we chose to share this piece on 5 black leaders. Racial justice and economic justice are intrinsically intertwined. However, far too often in our nation’s history, those who benefit from the existing order have used race and class to divide us. These Black leaders strengthened both the labor and civil rights movements by fighting discrimination in unions and building strong coalitions for the welfare of all.


These Black leaders had strong visions for the future of the labor movement, uniting broad coalitions for racial justice, worker rights, and the welfare of all.

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Labor Day gives us another opportunity as a faith community to unequivocally side with the inspiring labor resurgence happening in workplaces across the country. As Unitarian Universalists, we have long believed that challenging inequity locally and globally for workers is a moral imperative.



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Earlier this summer we joined Instagram, have you followed us on Instagram yet?



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The Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD, offers a welcome message at the start of a new congregational year for Unitarian Universalists. Rev. Dr. Betancourt also invites all UUs into a shared ministry together to reimagine the workings and expressions of Unitarian Universalist faith, while holding onto the traditions, theology, and commitments that have made us who we are.



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We echo Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD's message.


I am holding UUs and all of our extended communities close in my heart as we work to find our way amid the immense struggles and suffering of recent weeks.

I am sitting with photos of intense flooding in FL and reflecting on how each day brings new challenges and a profound need to be in community. We are living into the impacts of climate disruption in all of its forms – heat, floods, fires, tornadoes, and more. The moral call for a faithful and committed response could not be clearer. This is work we will continue to live into together as a movement.

I also find myself both grieving and determined in response to the renewed wake of violence in this nation – in the threats to our congregations and the devastation in our streets. Racialized violence, resistance to gun control, legislative violence, and the use of fear to promote controlling ideologies are just some of the ways people are being targeted in these heartbreaking times.

I know that I need to remain connected to all of you when the days are difficult. I know that the impact of our response is greater when we ground ourselves in our values and show up together to proclaim that another way is possible. Beloveds, I believe in us. I believe that we can renew the moral witness and prophetic action of the progressive religious left as we join together for all that is to come. The time for us to live the values of our faith every day is right now.

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The new 2023-2024 worship calendar has become available! With monthly worship themes used in four popular theme-based ministry programs, the calendar helps congregations create multigenerational connections as people of all ages explore common themes and extend faith development beyond Sunday morning.


Faith-based and secular holidays that UU congregations often celebrate, including monthly worship themes.

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New from Beacon Press No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating by Alicia Kennedy—A culinary and cultural history of plant-based eating in the United States. https://bit.ly/3OS57ks



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The Rev. Sofía Betancourt, Ph.D, elected UUA President at General Assembly in June 2023, offers a message of welcome at the start of a new congregational year for Unitarian Universalists. Rev. Dr. Betancourt also invites all UUs into a shared ministry together to reimagine the workings and expressions of Unitarian Universalist faith, while holding onto the traditions, theology, and commitments that have made us who we are.

https://bit.ly/3swdiLG


The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, elected UUA President at General Assembly in June 2023, offers a message of welcome at the start of a new congregational year...

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As the 60th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington approaches, we honor this foundational moment. Yet, we know that the fight for full equity and civil rights is far from over. While we recognize the dedication and courage of those who came before, we also recognize that this history, especially for UUs, is complex. In his well-known speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shared a vision of Beloved Community. As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to continue working in solidarity with Black-led movements for justice.

We recommit to this essential work in the face of rising authoritarianism and attacks on civil liberties, including voting rights. UU the Vote has focused UU organizing not only on voter mobilization, but on democracy as a whole beyond election cycles. We continue to deepen our work in collaboration with congregations, UU State Action Networks, and Movements led by frontline communities.

Learn more about UU the Vote and how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3tp1HeU



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Elaine McArdle

,

Horizon S.

The divine in us, sees the divine in you. You are loved, no matter your identity. Stay true to yourself.

pc: @‌UUYARN



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“UUs are speaking out, paying out and praying out more and more each day. Our message of inclusivity is not just a set of words. For Us, inclusivity is at the foundational core of this Church.”

-Rev. Garrison Hammondtree

pc: uucamphill First Universalist Church of Camp Hill, AL



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From Alaska to Louisiana, Native communities stand at the forefront of the climate crisis, battling rising seas and human rights violations. Discover their stories in part 1 of 3 in UUSC: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee photo essay series, "Indigenous Lives and The Climate Crisis."

https://bit.ly/44lNTRW









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Read Side With Love Field & Programs Director Nicole Pressley shares this powerful reflection about the grassroots organizing happening to #StopCopCity!


"It feels good to be working on such a deeply meaningful campaign. Here in Southwest Atlanta, the Cop City Vote referendum campaign operates from the American Friends Service Committee office. The walls are covered with posters from past campaigns emblazoned with powerful messages that proclaim the dignity of workers, the right to housing, and the end to war. Also on this wall is a wood turtle with a painting of Tortuguita, the climate activist killed by police on January 18th of this year in the Weelaunee forest. Tortuguita was protesting the harm and environmental degradation caused by the planned development of this vast, militarized law enforcement training compound.

In this room, each poster, each weathered clipboard, and boxes of t-shirts are quiet reminders of the life, love, and legacy that make this space powerful."

Side With Love Field & Programs Director Nicole Pressley shares this powerful reflection about the grassroots organizing happening to #StopCopCity
https://sidewithlove.org/ourstories/2023/8/11/stopcopycity-is-part-of-the-legacy-of-justice-won-and-lost-on-southern-soil

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https://bit.ly/2rLDAqh



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“Feel the love of the universe flowing through this community, into you, and out into the universe again. Let the love of all the universe—your love—flow outward, to its height, its depth, its broad extent. You are more than you know, and more beloved than you know. Take up what power is yours to create safe haven, to make of earth a heaven.”
By John Gibb Millspaugh, Sarah Gibb Millspaugh



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How can we center justice in all of the clean energy funding opportunities? How can people of faith take these opportunities into our communities to ensure that those most impacted by climate change benefit the most from clean energy funding?

Join Sylvia Chi from Just Solutions, Sonia Kikeri from Emerald Cities Collaborative, Jamal Lewis from Rewiring America, and Miguel Yanez from Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) on Tuesday, August 29 at 1pm ET / 10am PT to learn how your congregation can put your faith into action to advance visionary approaches to clean energy funding with justice at the center.

This event is co-sponsored by Side With Love, Interfaith Power & Light, Blessed Tomorrow, Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth, and the Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice.



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We are heartbroken by the wildfires that have devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui and we hold all of those who are impacted in our hearts and our prayers. Given these impacts, we want to share that the InterNātional Indigenous Initiative for Transformative Collaboration (INITC) has postponed the Stories and Songs of the People event that had been scheduled for August. The new date for in-person and virtual attendance will be September 23.



https://bit.ly/45pOdQH



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Working with UUs since Standing Rock Camp 2016/17, the InterNātional Indigenous Initiative for Transformative Collaboration (INITC) has been creating spaces to hear the voices of Original Nations and Peoples every year. We invite friends, allies and relatives to work together in a shared endeavor for bringing ONP voices to the conversation of our relationships with each other and Grandmother Earth.

Learn how you and your congregation can participate in the annual Stories and Songs of the People event that will be hosted this year by Kanaka Maoli relatives in the Kingdom of Hawaii. https://bit.ly/478c6Oa



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"Kindness isn’t always easy. But kindness matters."

Valuing being kind and prophetic over ‘being nice’ would help Unitarian Universalists speak more powerfully to the present times.



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"May you choose your people, and be chosen by them, again and again and again." ~Rev. Abbey Tennis



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As we prepare for our children to head back to school, make time for one more summer read.

The new UU Common Read, On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg. This Common Read offers a glimpse into one of our faith’s foundational sources, Judaism. On Repentance and Repair invites readers of any faith to explore practices for accountability that can bring us into wholeness and really make a difference in our personal, community, and national relationships.

Purchase On Repentance and Repair from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop.https://bit.ly/3s76x2H



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Did you know...The new Barbie movie was co-written and directed by a Unitarian Universalist? Greta Gerwig is a talented filmmaker and also a proud UU!

Back in 2013 she told UU World “Unitarianism is the most complete expression of my multiple and, at times, contradictory thoughts about the spiritual life. I think the openness of the community allows for a greater variety of personal faith and ideas. It isn’t oppressively open, but generously so.I think I keep returning to a UU church again and again because it resonates with something deep inside of me that feels that all I really know is that I don’t know. Unitarian Universalism is the best place for me to experience the fullness of that sentiment of not knowing.”


When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.

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In July we marked ten years of the Black Lives Matter movement, we know there is still much work ahead. Enjoy looking back on Black Lives Matter through pictures.

Unitarian Universalist values are grounded in the eradications of violence, systemic racism, and white supremacy culture. Since the inception of Black Lives Matter, UU World has reflected those values through numerous articles and essays about the movement and broader cultural shifts.

Take a look at the entire selection of UU World work from a decade of Black Lives Matter reflecting Unitarian Universalists’ connection to the movement.

https://bit.ly/3OvhiDo

Photo credits:
© BARBARA GADON

COURTESY SECOND UNITARIAN CHURCH OF CHICAGO

© JERRY HOLT / STAR TRIBUNE / MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL 2015

© CHRISTOPHER L. WALTON/UU WORLD









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Congrats to the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson!


I am profoundly moved to congratulate my colleague the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson who today takes on the mantle as the first woman - and the first Black woman - to lead the United Church of Christ. There is a significant calling in being first. Imagine my delight as a sister colleague with whom I share Jamaican ancestry begins her time as General Minister and President. I look forward to the ways we can mutually support one another as our Presidencies unfold.

The Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ have a rich and important history of collaboration. May our continued connections to one another serve as a blessing to all. Congratulations, Rev. Dr. Thompson, and to all of my friends and loved ones in the UCC.

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While you can’t always control what comes through your social media feeds, you can curate your feed so that your primary exposure to content is supportive. We can all do something to protect our well-being on social media.

This is a time to act with compassion toward one another, and also toward ourselves.

info credit: https://bit.ly/47e33v9



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Working with UUs since Standing Rock Camp 2016/17, the InterNātional Indigenous Initiative for Transformative Collaboration (INITC) has been creating spaces to hear the voices of Original Nations and Peoples every year. We invite friends, allies and relatives to work together in a shared endeavor for bringing ONP voices to the conversation of our relationships with each other and Grandmother Earth.

Learn how you and your congregation can participate in the annual Stories and Songs of the People event that will be hosted this year by Kanaka Maoli relatives in the Kingdom of Hawaii. https://bit.ly/478c6Oa



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Rev. Cecilia Kingman's Berry Street Essay challenges Unitarian Universalists examine our own lives and our faith to recognize tactics and unthinking attachment to antiquated power structures.

“Follow the leadership of those who have been struggling under historic oppression—those most under attack,” advised Rev. Kingman. “No one knows better how to see through the lies, how to resist, how to protect one another.”

https://bit.ly/451YemY


The 2023 Berry Street Essay urges UUs to recognize and confront an imminent threat.

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Today and every day, we recommit ourselves to deepening our understanding of the intersectionality of disability and race, class, gender, and sexuality. And as a community that centers love and care for all, we seek new opportunities to express our gratitude for those who risk so much to move us closer to equity.

#DisabilityIndependenceDay #ADA33


On this #NationalDisabilityIndependenceDay I am appreciative that the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law over 30 years ago, even as I know that so many people with disabilities still experience painful exclusion and the everyday violation of their basic human rights.

Today also brings to my mind and heart the courage and dedication of so many disability rights activists, including the amazing #JudyHeumann who passed away earlier this year, who every day move us toward greater equity. May we all rededicate ourselves to disability justice within our communities and beyond.

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Working with UUs since Standing Rock Camp 2016/17, the InterNātional Indigenous Initiative for Transformative Collaboration (INITC) has been creating spaces to hear the voices of Original Nations and Peoples every year. We invite friends, allies and relatives to work together in a shared endeavor for bringing ONP voices to the conversation of our relationships with each other and Grandmother Earth.

Learn how you and your congregation can participate in the annual Stories and Songs of the People event that will be hosted this year by Kanaka Maoli relatives in the Kingdom of Hawaii. https://bit.ly/478c6Oa



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The city of Atlanta will contribute nearly $70 million to the deletion of at least 13,070,000 square feet of the Weelaunee Forest—developing it into a training ground that militarizes and equips police forces—if we don't collect enough signatures.

You can contribute to this referendum from wherever you reside, when—and how—you feel called. This is what UUs do.

Join #LetAtlantaBreathe: A UU contribution to the #StopCopCity & #DefendTheForest movement. https://bit.ly/3Drfqqc



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Sharing a pastoral message from UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt as we process the news that one of our member congregations in Texas was victim of an arson attack yesterday.

We are holding the members, staff, and community of Community Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano in our hearts and prayers in this difficult time and we are so grateful that no individuals were hurt.


Beloveds, over the weekend one of our member congregations experienced a targeted attack on their building. It happened late at night, and blessedly no one was injured. We hold the members, staff, and community of the Community Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano, TX in our hearts and prayers today, as authorities investigate arson and a possible hate crime.

Acts of terror like this are meant to make us fear for our safety and question the lifesaving ministry and witness our faith inspires. I am proud of who we are and all that we do to promote love and justice in the world. In these days when the most vulnerable among us are subject to everyday acts of physical and legislative violence, let us turn to one another when despair for humanity might otherwise silence us. To our beloveds in Texas and everywhere that simply living as our full selves gets harder every day, we will not give up. We are with you. You always have a home among us.

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In light of Non-Binary Awareness last week it is important to remember to shift the focus from just empowering the trans and non-binary community to disempowering cis supremacy + gender normativity.

We are committed to using our platforms to lift up the trans and non-binary folks in Unitarian Universalist communities today.

Art work by: @‌astratesh



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We are grateful to share these words from CB Beal, to our beloved trans and nonbinary siblings.🤍



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In times of change, loss and uncertainty, there is a risk that fear will hold us back. But let us remember: We are UU’s – a people of hope willing to make radical change!



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In the midst of it all, we wrap ourselves in the warm light of a familiar flame, a reminder of the strength that emerges when we come together in community.
-Alice Anacheka-Nasemann



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Join this five-part workshop series that aims to deepen individual and collective understanding of how white women and white gender-expansive people, are complicit with white supremacy, how we can make changes to live more deeply and consistently into our racial justice commitments, and how we can move ourselves and other people in our networks to join the fight for racial, economic and gender justice right now.

This series to UU community members who identify as white and female/nonbinary/genderqueer. Space is limited to 40 participants.

https://bit.ly/3XUjGrK



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Someone should tell Bernie that there’s too much to do right now to support disability rights and justice instead of just sitting around and waiting! 😊 We all can do something!

#DisabilityPrideMonth



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Equal rights advocacy does not always have to happen on a grand scale. As Unitarian Universalists, we are committed to welcoming, celebrating, and supporting all people - including people with disabilities and their families in our communities.

How will you show up during #DisabilityPrideMonth?

pc:liberaljane



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“How do we Unitarian Universalists remain open and willing, willing to shine the light of our love, of our faith, in the midst of ongoing experiences of change, loss, and uncertainty?” - Rev Manish Mishra-Marzetti, shared at GA 2023 Sunday Worship



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We echo Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt's messaging.


I am supporting the UUA to provide more resources to congregations, prepare UU leaders and advance our UU values. Join me by donating at giving.uua.org/friends

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I am supporting the UUA to provide more resources to congregations, prepare UU leaders and advance our UU values. Join me by donating at giving.uua.org/friends

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There are so many ways each of us can live out our values and take care of our community. As UU’s we find courage in one another to work for the liberation of all people.

pc:zeaink



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Our commitment to love and justice, to inclusive ministry and prophetic action, is deep and life-affirming. We know that we cannot do this work alone. As UUs, we understand that we are part of the interdependent web of all creation. We belong to each other and this knowledge fuels our faithful commitment to unwaveringly fight for justice; to unwaveringly fight for each other.

“Knowledge is not a weapon it’s a tool of liberation.”-Blair Imani



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May we move forward with great care, love, and respect, and may we truly create a land where true freedom may ring for all.

pc:brennadoodles



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We are so excited to welcome the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt as the tenth president of the UUA! Today is officially the first day of her tenure as President.

Rev. Dr. Betancourt's presidency comes with a number of historic firsts – she is the first openly queer person and first woman of color to be elected UUA president. She brings to the role theological depth, a commitment to communal care, and a pledge to continue to organize for justice. She has also expressed an appreciation for the diverse voices and leaders in our community.

We are entering an exciting time for Unitarian Universalism – with Rev. Sofía Betancourt, Ph.D's leadership, we are positioned to move forward in faithful community, in recognition of our shared values and the important work ahead.


Rev. Dr. Betancourt brings to the role theological depth, a commitment to communal care, and a pledge to continue to organize for justice.

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Congratulations to the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson for being the first woman elected to lead the United Church of Christ.

The UUA remains proud of our partnership with UUC on the Our Whole Lives sexuality education curricula and the many congregations who have successfully implemented OWL in their faith communities.

Story credit: Religion News Service


(RNS) — That Thompson is the first woman to lead the denomination may be surprising given the denomination’s progressive stances on women’s rights and many other issues.

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At General Assembly 2023, UUA staff and Board leaders shared this brief video to recognize the joy, care, and courage that Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray brought to her presidency of the UUA, as well as the many accomplishments that she led during her tenure.


At General Assembly 2023, UUA staff and Board leaders shared this brief video to recognize the joy, care, and courage that Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray brought ...

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We send love and care to those whose lives are touched by sadness, by illness, by worry, or by loneliness. May they find comfort, hope, and healing strength in this community and in the larger community.



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Last week we concluded another multiplatform General Assembly. With inspiring speakers and impassioned voices, the election of Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt as UUA President and numerous workshops, there were many opportunities for UUs to build community and connection.

Get details on the votes and the events, as well as a slideshow of wonderful images, in this story from UU World.


From inspiring speakers to impassioned voices, here are the highlights of this year’s multiplatform UUA General Assembly.

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We are deeply disappointed to learn the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to undermine historic efforts to advance equity through affirmative action in college admissions. As Unitarian Universalists, we know we must be explicit about race and inequity and center the voices of BIPOC people to fully understand and dismantle bias and oppression in our institutions.

We echo the fiery dissent of Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson as they affirm that this opinion “rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress.”


The Supreme Court says colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission, a landmark decision overturning long-standing precedent that has benefited Black and Latino students in higher education.

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We unequivocally uplift and support all the trans and non-binary people in our lives, our congregations, and communities.

There are many ways that each of us can take action to end transphobia.



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We are proud that Unitarian Universalists are connected to so many historic moments of courage and liberation. As we mark the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, read reflections from LGBTQ elders who came of age during this transformative time.

Get your copy of this award-winning book from UUA publisher Skinner House in our Inspirit book store and your money supports this faith tradition we all love.

https://bit.ly/3NSwZp2



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We appreciate Religion News Service coverage of our discussions at this year’s General Assembly on how our Association navigates and plans to continue implementing its commitment to anti-racism.

Read their coverage of this year’s General Assembly:


(RNS) — Intense discussions at this year’s General Assembly took place as the UUA navigates how to continue implementing its commitment to anti-racism.

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It's on us to stop the rollback of civil, reproductive, voting, LGBTQ and environmental rights - not only for us, but for the next generation. So many people are under attack in this country. As UU’s we are always so proud of our faith traditions that embrace multiple paths through life.

pc: liberaljane



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When Unitarian Universalists come together - whether in person or online - we make a powerful impact. Each year, our annual General Assembly gives us an opportunity to amplify our experience in worship, grow our personal and professional networks, and share our love for one another and for this faith in deeply meaningful ways.

Another GA has come and gone. Last week we concluded our multi-platform General Assembly. Enjoy these photos from various events during GA.

#UUAGA

















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Appreciative of this Religion News Service coverage of our historic election at General Assembly:

"A womanist theologian, ethicist and minister was installed as the tenth president of the Unitarian Universalist Association Sunday afternoon (June 25), following an uncontested election in which she secured 95.5% of the vote. She is both the first openly queer person and first woman of color to lead the faith tradition, and will serve a six-year term. As her tenure begins, Betancourt has named her top three priorities as communal care, collaborative leadership and facing the unknown together. She has also been clear that she views Unitarian Universalism as a living tradition that must creatively respond to the needs of today." https://bit.ly/46ogOr2

Follow President-elect Rev. Sofía Betancourt, Ph.D. on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3r0TYW2.


(RNS) — A womanist theologian, ethicist and minister, the Rev. Sofía Betancourt previously served as interim co-president of the UUA in 2017.

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Starting now! Watch GA 2023 General Session V live online.

Tune in to watch the marking of the end of the Presidency of the Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, installation of the new UUA President, and more.

Live stream it here:https://bit.ly/3CLsWos

#UUAGA


Live-streaming video, Sunday, June 25, 2023, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. EDT / 1:30 p.m. CDT / 12:30 p.m. MDT / 11:30 a.m. PDT. No registration required.

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