Most Unitarian Universalists are strong believers in science, medicine, and epidemiology. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. However, some Unitarian Universalists, and staff of UU congregations, have personal values or fears that lead away from choosing vaccination. How can we as congregations who want to minimize the spread of this potentially deadly disease encourage, or even require, vaccination against COVID-19?

https://bit.ly/3l92NXd


Widespread vaccination against COVID-19 makes our communities safer. How do we encourage vaccination with sensitivity and kindness?

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Writing for Braver/Wiser, Diane Dassow reminds us to give up needing to know the answers to every question that might arise, and instead live with the questions. She reflects "I allowed my being to live at low tide, to love, and to look for inspiration in nature. Rather than jump into “wrapping up my affairs,” I relaxed my soul, practiced tai chi, and let the questions float by." Read the entire passage and sign up for Braver/Wiser here:https://bit.ly/3o1Mflt


I am learning to give up needing to know the answers, and instead live with the questions.

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Today starts the observance of Diwali. Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, and India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (or deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. In addition to Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs also celebrate Diwali in such countries as Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Singapore.

Unitarian Universalists have many kinds of connections with Hinduism.
Ideas and practices from Hinduism are welcome in Unitarian Universalism. Our worships have drawn from Hindu sources: poetry, scripture, philosophy, and kirtan. We share many values with Hinduism—most centrally, that there is unity at the core of religious diversity.



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We have new job openings here at the UUA, including:

Junior Developer
Executive Editor, UU World Magazine

And there will be more to come! Learn more about these exciting opportunities and join us in this transformational work.

https://bit.ly/2rLDAqh



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The UUA continues to turn to the public health professionals who have been advising us throughout the pandemic. As we gather more data about what works and what no longer works to lower the risk of transmission, we update our recommendations.

It is important for congregations to regularly assess the transmission risk for their local and surrounding areas as determined by trusted health authorities and the particular risk factors for staff and members of the community.

We all know the importance of continuing to minister to and provide for the spiritual needs of our communities, maintaining inclusion for all, and mitigating risks for our people, and larger communities.

The UUA is here to support you in that work and we should all make space to support those tasked with making these decisions and plans in our congregations and communities.

https://bit.ly/3EEO1Qb


Here is the UUA's updated guidance around gathering, updated for Fall 2021.

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U.S. Supreme Court justices on Monday signaled they are reconsidering their positions. Monday's argument saw several justices treating the two cases on SB8 as being about the rule of law rather than the right to abortion, and that was bad news for Texas.

Even some of the court's conservatives seemed concerned about the attempt by Texas to structure a law that deprives residents of a constitutional right but is intended to make it impossible to challenge the law in federal court.

Unitarian Universalists proclaim that all individuals and communities have the right to self-determination, safety, and the resources that are necessary for health and sustainability. Our faith tradition has a long legacy of advocating for safe, legal, accessible abortion care for anyone who needs it. We must continue to fight together for permanent federal legislation that enshrines the national right to abortion care.
https://cnn.it/3BC5g2v


Law professor Mary Ziegler writes after Monday's Supreme Court oral argument on SB8, Texas's restrictive abortion measure, that while the justices' questions implied that the Texas law is in trouble, they also showed that Roe v. Wade is in trouble too.

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With the 2020 election day a year behind us, we recognize and remember the Unitarian Universalists who gathered to put our shared values into powerful action. We are grateful for the Unitarian Universalist volunteers who supported fair and safe voting across the country.

The fight for voting rights and true equity for all continues. 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. This is a continuation of our collective power. Learn how you can continue to help at https://bit.ly/2Y7y5pV.


Together. By adding your email, you will receive updates from the UUA and local state action networks. UU the Vote was imagined as an “all hands on deck” project to articulate UU values in the public…

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Today starts the observance of Día de los Muertos. For many, Día de los Muertos is a celebration in memory of those who have died. This holy day is a distinctly Mexican holiday, though some in other Latin American countries have adopted it. In the words of Rev. Marisol Caballero, "When white people 'celebrate' el Día de Los Muertos not as the personal, invited guest of Mexicans, it feels to me like someone has crashed a family funeral or a wake." To learn more about the ways that cultural appropriation serves to re-center whiteness and support structures of oppression, watch this expansive discussion of applying anti-racism work to Unitarian Universalist worship.

https://bit.ly/3mxpqGB


The third of three webinars about Decentering Whiteness in Worship.

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