In this week’s Sunday read from UU World, Nicole Pressley, Field and Programs director for the UUA’s Organizing Strategy Team, reminds us that we must keep pushing for voting rights and legal reform to keep the fundamental issues of justice and democracy in the national conversation.

Learn more about what’s needed to support access to the vote ahead of the 2024 elections: https://bit.ly/3QRWBUK



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Saturday marks the 20-year anniversary of the Goodridge vs. Massachusetts Department of Public Health decision, which led to Massachusetts becoming the first state in the nation to allow same sex couples to marry. We’re proud to share this reflection from Hillary Goodridge, a member of the UUA staff who was also one of the lead plaintiffs in the case.

In an interview with WBUR 90.9 FM, Hillary Goodridge tells us, “I get so much hope from young people, from all the different movements who have come together to understand how connected our situations are and to fight back. I do not believe that marriage equality will be reversed at all. And I believe that movements for justice will continue to go forward.”

While the UUA recognizes the importance of this twenty-year milestone, we know the struggle for full equality for queer and trans people remains. And we are committed to this larger, liberatory struggle.


Saturday marks 20 years since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to allow same sex couples to marry. Hillary Goodridge, a lead plaintiff in the case decided in 2003 by the Supreme Judicial Court, joins WBUR's Morning Edition to talk about the case and its legacy.

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We’re proud of the way All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa is sharing with Public Radio Tulsa and the wider world how they are doing the work to provide comprehensive sex education as a matter of faith.

All Souls uses the OWL curriculum developed by the UUA and the United Church of Christ. We are a proud advocate for comprehensive sexuality education and we remain proud of all the congregations doing the work to fill in the gaps of sex education in local communities.

Listen to the full story:


Providing comprehensive sex education is a matter of faith for some Oklahoma churches. Some are filling gaps in a state that doesn’t require sex ed in its schools.

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We offer a resource of spiritual preparation ahead of the National Day of Mourning from our friends at UU Mass Action along with these words from Rev. Jo Murphy, Executive Director of UU Mass Action:

“As we enter this Native American Heritage month, let us think about what it means for the future to be Indigenous. When we think about the future as Indigenous maybe we think of the form of decolonization that means giving back the land to those it was stolen from. Maybe it means finding ways in which all people who have come to the U.S. by force, through slavery or through forced migration, can also have rights to land along with Native people. Regardless of which actions we are able to take, let us root ourselves in an Indigenous future, knowing that such a future is sacred for us all.”

Learn more about the National Day of Mourning and the calendar of practices for spiritual preparation at .https://bit.ly/3QBVqXU



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Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth had a full and fulfilling September during Climate Week. The UUMFE team headed to Washington DC to co-lead a three-day conference – Farming for Our Future: Systemic Changes for the Climate Crisis.

The last day of the conference was advocacy on the Hill. Ministers accompanied groups to visit senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle. Including ministers in advocacy meetings made the experience clear that they were showing up as people of faith. Spiritual care is essential for the long-haul work for climate justice.

Read the full report here:https://bit.ly/3sphywK





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UUA President the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt has joined with other religious leaders from a variety of faith traditions to call on President Biden and his Administration to support an immediate ceasefire and return of hostages, de-escalation, and restraint by all involved in the more than month-long violence between Hamas and Israel.

The letter states, in part:

“Peace with justice is the only lasting solution that will protect the long-term security and sustainability of the State of Israel and the self-determination and independence of Palestinians. The United States must demonstrate its commitment to the protection of all human life, advocating for a just and durable resolution to this crisis in which all Israelis and Palestinians might realize a vision of a just peace, illuminating human dignity, advancing security and self-determination for all.”

Read the full letter developed by Churches for Middle East Peace and released by Religion News Service:


Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)

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Indigenous people have served in the armed forces for generations, and their willingness to enlist continues to this day. The Library of Congress tells us that, since 9/11, Native Americans have the highest per-capita rate of military service than any other ethnic group.

During this Native American History Month, consider exploring and celebrating the narratives and experiences of Native American veterans.https://bit.ly/3QU6Mbl



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Sending love and good wishes to everyone celebrating #Diwali! May your days be illuminated with happiness, peace and good health.



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As we celebrate the major win for abortion rights in Ohio this past Tuesday, may we celebrate this as a win for the democratic process and for our collective power when we show up for democracy and justice!

There are still so many ways to support the democratic process in upcoming elections. Together, our communities can address the current threats to our democracy. Learn how you can continue to stay involved through #UUTheVote.

https://bit.ly/40xDoe2

Abortion was just one factor of many in the complex races that played out Tuesday. Read the full results here:https://wapo.st/3u6qSWU


The results sent a stark signal about enduring demands across the political spectrum to protect access to abortion, even in red states.

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Jeff Milchen

:

Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth had a full and fulfilling September during Climate Week. They joined their partners from New York City to Washington, DC acting on their deepest values.

Ministers and musicians from around the area led jazz vespers worship, the UUMFE team led a three-day conference--Farming for Our Future: Systemic Changes for the Climate Crisis, and ministers accompanied groups to visit senators and representatives,

Read the full report here:https://bit.ly/3sphywK











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In honor of Election Day, we share with you a read from UU World about UU the Vote. Explore the article to learn how to get involved.

We pray on this #ElectionDay that everyone who is eligible to vote, can vote safely and freely.


I was motivated to action by anger, but what I found was love.

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Join Denise Abdul-Rahman from Black Sun Light Sustainability, Shina Robinson from Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), and Miguel Yanez-Barnuevo from Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) on November 9 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET for an informative discussion on ways you can turn your faith into action to create hubs of climate resilience for our communities.

Register: https://bit.ly/CreatingClimateResilience



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We share this excerpt from a statement from Black Lives of UU Organizing Collective Board on the ongoing and escalating violence between Palestine and Israel:

“We must imagine and advocate for a world where Palestine is free of state-sanctioned violence and Palestinians no longer live under occupation. Settler-colonialism is the root of the ongoing violence we’ve witnessed in Gaza. If radical love calls us to radical honesty, we must not turn away from the violence of settler-colonialism and how it has sowed the seeds of suffering and death…

We do not call for a free Palestine without recognizing the global harm of antisemitism. The generational trauma of the Holocaust and continued antisemitic violence impacts Jewish people every day…

Many well-intentioned people, including people in our faith, say this moment is so complicated that they can’t possibly imagine speaking out. We understand and echo the genuine concern about not saying something harmful. However, silence and neutrality in times of violence have too high a cost and have harmful consequences. Radical love means showing up in times of injustice, even imperfectly. This is a time to engage whatever means of power and voice you have to speak out and speak up.”

Read the full statement from BLUU at: https://bit.ly/47fLqKR.



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We are deeply grateful to the Article II Study Commission for their commitment to our faith and their work in finalizing the proposed revision to Article II of UUA bylaws. It is now available for Unitarian Universalists to review:

https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission/final-proposed-revision-article-ii

This revision will be formally presented to our UUA Board of Trustees at their next meeting on November 13. Consider sharing your appreciation with the Article II Study Commission by adding a message to this Kudoboard: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/uxe9viCL

#A2TheConversation #Article2


The final proposed revision to Article II was completed by the Article II Study Commission in October 2023.

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On this #ThrowbackThursday we are taking it back to UUA General Assembly 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA. Are you curious about what fun went down this year? Watch and relive the memories here:


This is "UUA General Assembly 2023 Recap" by Unitarian Universalist Assoc. on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

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As our world bears witness to the tragic and traumatic events unfolding in Palestine and Israel, many of us are yearning for a faithful way to discuss and engage what is occurring.

Religious professionals are invited to join this online gathering on Nov 6 at 8pm ET where multiple expert voices will help us deepen our understanding in truth and possibility.



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Nancy Pierce has been the UUA's photographer at General Assembly for 30 years. With the 2023 General Assembly in Pittsburgh, Nancy's career came to a close. Take a look at highlights from memorable GA moments and her reflections on what comes next in this interview from UU World.

We are grateful for Nancy’s many years of wonderful service to our faith.


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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Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Halloween! May this be a time of fun and frightful gatherings, with moments of mystery and wonder.



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Looking for a new podcast that connects you to your Unitarian Universalist community? Tune in to the UUSC: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee CAPAS podcast. Their episodes focus on the experiences of people seeking asylum and the community groups that work in solidarity with them.

Tune in to hear about the process of seeking asylum; the challenges asylum-seekers face; and stories of loss, joy, struggle, and rebuilding.


The UUSC's CAPAS Podcast, launching September 5th, unveils the powerful stories of asylum-seekers and the communities supporting them on their journey to hope and new beginnings.

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This Sunday afternoon, we share this UU read about a beloved hymn among UU’s, now a children’s book, that is getting updated to minimize the binary language.

Explore how Rev. Fred Small is giving people solace, a sense of solidarity, a sense of power, and a sense of possibility through rewriting his work.

https://bit.ly/3MehqqA


A beloved folk song is now a children’s book, updated to remove binary language.

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For many, Samhain is a time to honor the dead and reflect on the changing of seasons. During this time we ask our ancestors for their wisdom, guidance, and encouragement as we move again into the gentle darkness of the coming season.

To all who celebrate, we wish you strength, peace, and bright blessings.

We uplift this All Souls Chalice Lighting written by Florence Caplow from the UUA’s online WorshipWeb collection.

https://bit.ly/2XY2lU9



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The UUA is holding close the people of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, who today are mourning the loss of community members due to a mass shooting last evening. We grieve with the family, friends, and loved ones of those lost, and we pray for the healing of those who were injured and these communities as a whole. As an Association of local faith communities, we have reached out to Unitarian Universalists who are nearby this tragic event. We are here to offer support and love to yet another part of our country dealing with the epidemic of gun violence in this nation, and pray that all remain safe.

We have all unfortunately lived through this time and time again, so we know that our prayers – while necessary – are not sufficient to effectively end the crisis of gun violence in the United States. As a society, we must act. Gun violence impacts community after community, neighborhood after neighborhood, and in both private and community spaces. Enough is enough.

The continued inaction from our leaders on gun safety reform is unacceptable. We speak this truth today and will continue to do so until we have change. We must continue to push for reasonable gun safety regulations so that we can build a society that is free from fear, harm, and violence. By working together, we can create a Beloved Community built on equity and justice.

Please join us in holding close and praying for Auburn and Lewiston – and continuing to call for justice and gun safety on behalf of all our communities.



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The Distinguished Service Award is one of the most prestigious awards given by the UUA. Recipients of this award have strengthened the institutions of our UU denomination, clarified our message in extraordinary ways, and exemplified what Unitarian Universalism represents.

The Award Committee is seeking nominations from throughout the Association so they can select a broad range of the most exemplary leaders in our movement. The deadline for receipt of nominations is January 1, 2024.

Visit this link for more information on how to submit a nomination: https://bit.ly/3T6T6rX



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Nancy Pierce has been the UUA's photographer at General Assembly for 30 years. With the 2023 General Assembly in Pittsburgh, Nancy's career came to a close. Take a look at highlights from memorable GA moments and her reflections on what comes next in this interview from UU World.

We are grateful for Nancy’s many years of wonderful service to our faith.


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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How can you put your faith into action to ensure that those who are most impacted by climate disruption can benefit the most from sustainable solutions? 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) to learn how your congregation can put your faith into action to advance visionary approaches to clean energy funding with justice at the center.

Join this event October 25th at 4pm PT/ 7 pm ET: https://bit.ly/47fqO5B

PC: UUMFE



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Many kinds of interfaith families have found a home in Unitarian Universalism. Huerta from the Great Grove chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) reminds us that UUs hold similar values to many Pagan paths.

Unitarian Universalists are known to be diverse in our beliefs and practices, but aligned in our desire to make a difference for the good. We’re proud to see the work of Pagans of Peoria and CUUPs.

Learn more about their work:


Local pagans take all comers while retiring myths about their beliefs and looking to create a sense of community Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines “pagan ...

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Jeff Milchen

:

Sharing this read from UU World with you this Sunday afternoon.

Explore the reflections of lay people and religious professionals and their experience with the magic of co-creating worship.


Lay people and religious professionals reflect on the magic of co-creating worship.

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In these painful times, we uplift this message from the Rev. Lauren Smith, adapted from a Seasons of Giving Stewardship and Development message.



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The UUA is offering a daylong online conference on Saturday, October 21st called Threats from Without, Care from Within. The keynote panelists include Natalie Briscoe, Liz Kearny, and Rev. Aaron Payson with moderation by Rev. Ashley Horan.

All congregations are invited to attend and learn how to develop practical strategies for community safety. If you are unable to attend on Saturday, consider registering anyway to get access to the asynchronous pre-work and the webinar recording after the event is over.

Registration is open until October 20th.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3PHStVq

PC: UUA Safer Congregations



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In honor of International Pronouns Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the worth and dignity of every person by using the pronouns that people indicate they want to use. Using someone’s preferred pronoun is an important way to acknowledge their humanity, on this special day and every day.



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The UUA joins the chorus of voices urging a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, the admittance of humanitarian aid, and the restoration of power and water to Gaza to prevent the further loss of life. Read our full statement with context and background online at: https://bit.ly/3Fn14Ir


We call on Unitarian Universalists to continue to witness against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and to side with love in this moment.

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The UUA has joined with other faith groups in signing on to a letter from Churches for Middle East Peace that calls on Congress to take immediate, proactive steps to de-escalate the ongoing violence in Israel/Palestine. We continue to hold all those impacted in love and care in this painful time.

Read the full letter: https://cmep.salsalabs.org/231012hillletter.


Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Public Statement

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We uplift Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries's healing prayers for Jacob Johns, a father, Unitarian Universalist, and Indigenous climate activist. DRUUMM reminds us of the painful truth that our Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color face disproportionate trauma and harm, and if pastoral care would be helpful for any DRUUMM member, please reach out at https://bit.ly/3RV0aKI.


Jacob Johns, a father, Unitarian Universalist, and Indigenous climate activist from Spokane, was tragically shot last week morning during a peaceful protest against the erection of a conquistador monument in Tewa territory, also known as Española, New Mexico. He is presently battling for his life in the ICU.

DRUUMM shares our healing prayers with Jacob and his family and uplifts the struggle for self-determination and environmental justice Jacob is a part of. We are painfully reminded that our Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color face disproportionate trauma and harm, and if pastoral care would be helpful for any DRUUMM member, please reach out to us at druumm.org/chaplains

Ways to support:

1️⃣ Consider donating through the GoFundMe set up to assist with his immediate medical expenses: https://gofund.me/0a63153a
2️⃣ Support Jacob’s ongoing community activism via tax-deductible donations at the Backbone Campaign: https://www.backbonecampaign.org/jacob

We cannot overstate the urgency of combating the intensifying violence against Indigenous peoples that has persisted since colonialism's inception, especially amidst the climate crisis. Together, we must recommit to our collective care and protection of each other and our planet.

In the news:
- https://www.abqjournal.com/news/man-shot-during-juan-de-o-ate-statue-rally-in-espa-ola/article_946dcd3c-5e2d-11ee-9363-97e4e793df8a.html
- https://sourcenm.com/2023/09/28/trump-supporter-shoots-someone-attending-peaceful-rally/
- https://news.yahoo.com/sheriffs-official-ids-suspected-shooter-233400729.html

#JusticeForJacob 🌍❤️🕊️

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On this Sunday afternoon, we offer you one last read before the weekend ends, brought to you by UU World.

Four Unitarian Universalists reflect on what brought them to the faith—and what keeps them coming back. Read their reflections as they share their journey into and within the faith.


Four Unitarian Universalists reflect on what brought them to the faith—and what keeps them coming back.

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We are so grateful for all that religious educators do to guide and serve this faith we love. May you feel the love and support from your Unitarian Universalist community! We truly thank you for your work.

To the UU religious education colleagues and all who are attending the LREDA Fall Conference, we wish you a fun fulfilling time of learning, connection, play, and rest.



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In continued support of Deaf Awareness Month, we celebrate all the blessings and gifts that our deaf and hard-of-hearing siblings bring to our communities. The UUA remains committed to using our platforms to learn and share more about disability access, rights, and justice in our congregations and beyond. As UU’s, we continue to side with love and raise awareness about inclusion and accessibility.

Learn how your congregation or community can help raise awareness and empower change from our friends at EqUUal Access.



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The UUA is offering a daylong online conference on Saturday, October 21st called Threats from Without, Care from Within. This conference will begin with worship and inspiration, followed by workshops and panel discussions. All congregations are invited to attend and learn how to develop practical strategies for community safety. Unitarian Universalism requires courage to remain committed to building Beloved Community in the face of opposition or intimidation and we can support one another along this path.

Register by Friday, October 20th at: https://bit.ly/3PHStVq

PC: UUA Safer Congregations



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The UUA is pleased to announce that Adrienne K. Walker has been appointed by UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt to become the Association’s new general counsel. Adrienne will take over for Thomas Bean of Verrill Dana, who has been the UUA’s general counsel since 2011.

Welcome, Adrienne!


Adrienne Walker has been named a Top Woman of Law, and recognized for her longtime commitment to pro bono representation and the LGBTQ+ community.

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With heavy hearts, we reshare this message from UUA President the Rev. Sofía Betancourt, PhD. We lift up her prayer for the people of Israel and Palestine in the face of the most recent and ongoing, devastating conflict:

Beloveds, I invite you to stop what you are doing if you can and sit with me in the depth of this tragedy of continued violence between Israel and Hamas. How to reconcile the cost of occupation and of war? How to nuance two very real histories of oppression and violence? I am holding close the words of U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland who said: "This is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink."

We as a people of faith can condemn violence against civilians while at the same time engaging the full legacies and histories of oppression that shape such devastating conflict. As a faith tradition, Unitarian Universalists have long worked for peace, and our principles and values call for the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. At the same time, we have not engaged the tangled issues surrounding Israel/Palestine in community since 2018, and our last engagement resulted in severed relationships, and deep pain.

I pray for the people of Israel and Palestine. I pray for leaders around the globe who must respond to this latest flare of violence and the untenable ethical considerations that abound. I pray for Muslim and Jewish UUs who experience the impact of this long strife acutely. I pray that those of us less likely to know the trauma of unending brutality and harm will not turn away from generational loss, from the devastating realities and their root causes, or from the relentless tragedy of war and occupation. Be gentle with yourselves when you need to be, but do not turn away unless you must. We are one global family living tenuously on the same human-impacted Earth. Let us center ourselves in justice as we call for peace.

This statement is also available on our website: https://bit.ly/48GZQoR.



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Today, we honor Indigenous Peoples' Day. This day is for truth telling and listening. We acknowledge the magnitude of injustices perpetrated against Indigenous people and their nations.

For Unitarian Universalists who do not identify as Indigenous, we must take humble action in solidarity toward healing, reparation, and greater equity. Let us take this day to celebrate Indigenous peoples everywhere and find ways to contribute to building a more just and equitable future for all.

Adapted from a UUA resource: “An Invitation to Move Toward Land Acknowledgments & Beyond” https://bit.ly/3jWVRe4



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Unitarian Universalism requires courage to remain committed to building Beloved Community in the face of opposition or intimidation. The UUA is offering a daylong online conference on Saturday, October 21st to offer guidance and resources for our congregations and communities in support of community safety.

This conference will begin with worship and inspiration, followed by workshops and panel discussions. All congregations are invited to attend and learn how to develop practical strategies.

Learn more and register at: https://bit.ly/3PHStVq

PC: UUA Safer Congregations



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Staff Writer

:

Sarita Gonzales

,

Candice Bautista-Biddle

,

Martha Bautista-Biddle

,

Chris Long

Continue reading "Finding Faith"

Sarita Gonzales

,

Candice Bautista-Biddle

,

Martha Bautista-Biddle

,

Chris Long

Continue reading "Finding Faith"

Sammy Castro-McCauley

,

Isa Castro-McCauley

The UUSC: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is supporting feminist Sudanese activists by amplifying the ways we can all support their courageous work. To support women and youth organizing on the ground in Sudan, the UUSC recommends donations go to the African Women's Development Fund, Darfur Women Action Group, or the Urgent Action Fund-Africa. We send our love and solidarity to the women and youth organizing on the ground in Sudan.



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Sarita Gonzales

,

Candice Bautista-Biddle

,

Martha Bautista-Biddle

,

Chris Long