While there are some important limitations on what congregations can do in elections, there’s also a broad range of activities that are totally legal and highly effective ways to educate and engage voters. This skill-up will review the basic dos and don’ts, with a focus on the areas that tend to raise the most questions.

Join UU The Vote this Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 4 pm ET.

https://bit.ly/3ciH0eN


Our Squad Skill Ups are a monthly series of trainings on organizing skills to help build our Squads and help YOU build stronger teams in your congregation and community.

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Like millions of people across the country, many Unitarian Universalists were outraged on the morning of June 24 when the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it was overturning the federal right to abortion that had been enshrined for nearly fifty years.

The announcement in Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women Health Organization came as UUs gathered for the third day of General Assembly 2022. Unitarian Universalist Association President Susan Frederick-Gray took the stage at GA and said, “This anti-choice decision by the Supreme Court infringes on our deeply held religious beliefs. Access to abortion and the right to choose is an issue of gender equality, bodily autonomy, religious liberty, and access to healthcare, all of which are long-held Unitarian Universalist religious teachings.”

Read UU World article on UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray's speech at a rally in defense of reproductive freedom in downtown Portland here: https://bit.ly/3uPVMAr


UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray leads a rally in Portland, Oregon, and vows to keep fighting for abortion rights (VIDEO)

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This Thoughtful Thursday we bring you a quote by bell hooks. "The moment we choose to love, we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love, we begin to move toward freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others."



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The Onondaga Nation is set to regain over 1,000 acres of ancestral land in central New York, one of the largest returns of land to an Indigenous nation by a state. “This historic agreement represents a unique opportunity to return traditional homelands back to Indigenous people to steward for the benefit of their community. "

This land that we call home is Indigenous Peoples’ land. This land is a part of who they are. It’s a mixture of their blood, their past, their current, and their future. Unitarian Universalists remain in committed solidarity with Indigenous people. We send our love to the Onondaga Nation as they regain their acres of ancestral land.

https://cnn.it/3ANEJm6


The Onondaga Nation is set to regain over 1,000 acres of ancestral land in central New York in what the Department of Interior calls "one of the largest returns of land to an Indigenous nation by a state."

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Congratulations to Sister Simone!

Watch her 2014 GA Lecture here:https://bit.ly/3yH4S3D


Watch Sr. Simone receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom 10 Replies Watch Sister Simone receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom Mary J. Novak July 7, 2022 On July 7, 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Sister Simone Campbell, SSS and 16 other extraordinary Americans with our country’s highest ci...

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Last month we concluded with our first fully multiplatform General Assembly as they voted on two business resolutions and a rules clarification, and two newly elected members for the Board of Trustees. Learn more about General Assembly 2022 in this summary from UU World.

https://bit.ly/3Ivfffc


As the organizers of the 2022 UUA General Assembly had promised, the reimagined multiplatform event in Portland was no business as usual.

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The Unitarian Universalist Association has awarded the Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action to First Parish Portland. The Bennett Award, instituted in 1999 by Dr. James R. Bennett to honor a Unitarian Universalist congregation that has done exemplary work in social justice, is accompanied by a $1,000 cash award.

"This congregation’s ministry with the Wabanaki peoples and several of their community organizations is a powerful example of how UU communities can engage in both the internal and external work to support indigenous liberation and sovereignty. The depth of their relationship that is enhanced by the honest self-learning and acknowledgment of historical harms caused by the congregation, has contributed to an ongoing truth-telling and healing process that creates an accountable and shared foundation for mutual liberation. "

We are proud of the ways that Unitarian Universalists are continuing to show up in the fight for social justice.

https://bit.ly/3uI5fJO


The Unitarian Universalist Association has awarded the Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action to First Parish

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The Article II Study Commission invites you into their study. Try using these slides as conversation prompts for coffee hour, an interactive element of your worship service, or as a part of regular small group meetings. Use one slide each week or a set of them together.

Though the conversations will be rich all on their own, for anyone who would like to share their thoughts with the commission, each slide will direct participants to a google form where they can send their answers to us.

https://bit.ly/3RsweD3


These slides can be used as conversation prompts for coffee hour, an interactive element of your worship service, or as a part of regular small group meeti

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The application form for a new Unitarian Universalist Association President
is currently live. The Presidential Search Committee is accepting applications now through this Friday, July 15, 2022. Nominees will be announced on November 15, 2022. Please share this important leadership opportunity widely.

A new Unitarian Universalist Association president will be elected at General Assembly 2023, for a six-year term.

https://bit.ly/3LPLExm


Association’s next chief executive and spiritual leader to be elected at General Assembly 2023

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51 years ago, Beacon Press published the Pentagon Papers, exposing White House secret cables and official lies. The Pentagon Papers remain a warning that every generation must protect its own constitutional liberties. They also established an important precedent for the press—that unless documents represent an immediate danger to national security, reporters can bring them to the public’s attention. The effects of publishing the Pentagon Papers are timely.

The UUA remains proud of our relationship with Beacon Press all these years later. We’re proud that the books Beacon Press publishes continue to change the way readers think about fundamental issues and continue to promote freedom of speech and thought.

Learn more about how Beacon Press brought the Pentagon Papers to the public: https://bit.ly/3dWrlQo


It occurred 50 years ago this month, a story known primarily by people now dead but one that is vital for our times, and for all time.

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Youth and young adults -- have you listened to the UU youth ministry podcast? Tune into JUUst Breathe Live as Eric Bliss and Shannon Harper interview special guests on topics that are central to youth ministry such as climate justice, spiritual direction, and life after bridging/circling.

You can listen to episodes anywhere you get your podcasts or watch them at https://bit.ly/3MOLh6Z.


And now for something completely different! Eric Bliss Yms and I are trying a new tactic for bringing UU youth and emerging adult ministry to the people. JUU...

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Women are not exclusively affected by the Dobbs decision. Not all people with uteruses are women and abortion is not just a women's issue.

Photo credits: Blair Imani



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We could all use some joy. We offer you this message from the UUA's Faith Innovation Specialist Rev. Marisol Caballero.

"To play is to pretend… and honestly, sometimes the world seems too heavy to leave the house, let alone inspire moments of joy. But the more I watch the news these days, the more I'm coming to view playing — intentionally seeking joy — as a means of radical resistance. And I’ll continue to laugh with my friends at songs that deliver terrible emotional advice.”
https://bit.ly/3AtKFRf



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Following the SCOTUS ruling on abortion, as supporters and advocates of reproductive justice, we know that organizing for justice is intersectional.

Join Side with Love for a three-part Reproductive Justice Congregational Organizing series. Learn how to be a part of organizing a team in your congregation and how to organize the congregation's specific actions in support of abortion access and Reproductive Justice in your community. Participation in all 3 sessions is required. Session one starts July 21, 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.

Learn more and sign up here: https://bit.ly/3P2ixbK



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We are holding the victims, their families, and all of Highland Park, Illinois in love and light during this heartbreaking time. We are lifting up those who lost friends, family members, and neighbors, and their community, who will live with the consequences of yesterday’s mass shooting forever in their lives and in their hearts. The horrendous toll of this gun violence during a holiday parade is beyond comprehension. As we pray for the victims and their families – and provide support and comfort to their community – we continue to demand action on reasonable gun safety regulations, even while acknowledging the recent passage of new federal gun safety laws.

There have now been more than 300 mass shootings in this country in less than 200 days. A recent decision by the Supreme Court has made it even more difficult for states to pass reasonable gun regulations. We cannot accept living under these conditions of mass violence, especially actions inspired by harmful ideologies.

Our hearts heavy with grief, we offer words of support: You are not alone. Together, we are strong. Together, we will make change.

https://cnn.it/3P4p31Y


A suspect is in custody, police say, after at least six people were killed in a shooting in downtown Highland Park, Illinois, in the area of a July Fourth parade. Follow here for the latest live news updates.

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We're resharing this video including transcription of General Session III during last week's General Assembly.

Rewatch Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray reflect her remarks about the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

https://bit.ly/3yciweT


On-demand video: Response to SCOTUS ruling overturning Roe v. Wade; Article II Study Commission: Values and Sources of Inspiration; Bylaw Amendments

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Yesterday Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in as the newest Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson – the first Black woman to sit on the Court - is a former public defender and federal appeals court judge with exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.

Former Justice Stephen Breyer, her mentor, shared that the Court gained “a colleague who is empathetic, thoughtful, and collegial. I am glad for America. Ketanji will interpret the law wisely and fairly, helping that law to work better for the American people, whom it serves."

As UUs, we are so proud and joyful about this historic moment. And we are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone.

https://nbcnews.to/3I4WGhL


Jackson, a former public defender and federal appeals court judge, replaces Justice Stephen Breyer, who has officially retired from the high court.

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So far we've collectively raised just over $135,000 in support of four special collections for Side with Love, Living Tradition Fund, the Katie Tyson Fund for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and our community beneficiary, East County Rising Community Projects.

If you haven't completed all of your intended collection contributions, please make any final gifts by today, today is the last day to donate.

You can still opt to donate to all four collections with a single contribution using Express Donate.https://bit.ly/3Oy4uLp



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We're resharing this video including transcription of our President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray speaking at June 24th’s rally in Portland, OR, in support of abortion access.

“Abortion is healthcare. We will not be silent. We will break the law. We will win.” Read the full transcription and watch the speech about the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

And as Unitarian Universalists, we will not stop fighting. We must use this moment as an opportunity for profound reflection and awakening, not just in a momentary outcry, but as a basis for lasting change.

https://bit.ly/3yvWtko



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The narratives and stories that Black people, journalists, and media-makers create and share in community-led newspapers, visual art spaces, libraries, and other physical and digital Black gathering spaces can be useful in helping to make the world around us more loving, more easeful, more liberated, more Black. Media reparations are about saying: no more.

“No” to journalism and media written with the blood of Black lives. Instead, cultural organizer Diamond K. Hardiman shares with us the practice of an invitation to collectively dream of reparative policies, interventions, and futures that will radically transform who has the capital to tell their own stories.

Learn more about how media reparations are an invitation to reclaim black stories from ideation to distribution: https://bit.ly/3ytYu0z


In order to achieve full reparations, we need to reconstruct media systems built on violence, specifically anti-Black violence.

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Trans, non-binary, and gender-queer people have long been absent from the mainstream stories of history despite always being present. Fortunately, historians are now beginning to look more carefully to find and amplify their important stories. We are committed to widening our own circle of history as we use our platforms to lift up the trans and non-binary folks in Unitarian Universalist communities today. #Pride

https://bit.ly/3I1wHru


Often erased from history, scholars are now realizing that transgender and nonbinary people have existed in most human societies across time.

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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.





















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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 53rd 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/3NoCisV

Image credit: The second annual Stonewall anniversary march in New York City, June 21, 1971. 1971 Fred W. McDarrah/Getty Images



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Sharing some of UUA LGBTQ and Multicultural Programs Director, Rev. Michael J. Crumpler's recent message via UPLIFT:

"I know the days are heavy and the nights are long, but now more than ever we must find the strength to celebrate Pride.
I know the attacks seem relentless and the tide of death seems to be drowning us all, but now more that ever we must find the strength to celebrate Pride...

And by Pride I don’t just mean a parade, a Tea dance, or even a march. What I mean is now more than ever we must find the strength to live our truth unapologetically. We must find the force of will to fight like hell."
May we give strength to each other during this season of #Pride to find joy and continue the work of justice.

Read the full message here: https://bit.ly/39UwDgH



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A new Unitarian Universalist Association president—the public, spiritual, and executive leader of the UU movement and the UUA organization and staff—will be elected at General Assembly 2023, for a six-year term.

The Presidential Search Committee (PSC), which the General Assembly created in 2010, is tasked with evaluating applications for president and selecting at least two nominees.

The application form is now live online and the PSC will accept applications through July 15, 2022. Nominees will be announced on November 15, 2022. Please share this important leadership opportunity widely.

https://bit.ly/3LPLExm


Association’s next chief executive and spiritual leader to be elected at General Assembly 2023

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General Session 4 at General Assembly 2022 starts now, including discussion of actions of immediate witness, responsive resolutions
, theological reflection, and more.

Watch it live-streamed here: https://bit.ly/3u1alkf


Live-streaming video: June 25, 12:30pm EDT / 11:30am CDT / 10:30am MDT / 9:30am PDT.

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"How do we move forward? Is together… And seeing all of our issues are interconnected," said Drew Frantz, a reverend with the Unitarian Universalist Church. "This is about the rights of trans people, the rights of Black and brown people. The rights of poor people. So we move forward together with coalitions … and political action … grounded in morality and values — that’s how we move forward."

Grateful for the witness of UUs and so many others in Portland and across the country yesterday in prophetic response and resistance to the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

#UUAGA #AbortionIsHealthcare

https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/thousands-gather-portland-protest-overturning-roe/283-bcbacf83-f104-45c0-a190-61cea875b8b1

Image credit Alma McCarty



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UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray and Unitarian Universalists onsite at General Assembly are joining local organizers and activists in Portland, OR for a rally for reproductive justice. Watch the livestream now via @SideWithLove.
#AbortionIsHealthcare #UUAGA



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This year’s Synergy Bridging Worship service looks at transformative multigenerational worship. Be inspired and illuminated at a celebration of treasured worship elements, rites of passage, and brilliant contemporary music.

This service is open to the public watch it live-streamed now: https://bit.ly/3HTCYFx


Live-streaming video: June 24, 7:00pm EDT / 6:00pm CDT / 5:00pm MDT / 4:00pm PDT. This is a transformative multigenerational worship.

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We are heartbroken and outraged by today's anti-choice Supreme Court decision, but we remain committed to reproductive justice. Whether you are in a state where abortion will be criminalized, or a state in which people will come seeking abortion care, there is a role for all of us–and all our congregations–to play, starting right now. The fight is far from over, but we’re grateful to be in it for the long haul.

Here are three things you can do right now to support both today:

1. Donate to your local abortion fund, and/or the National Network of Abortion Funds.

2.Make a plan to host a(nother) Reproductive Justice Sunday in your congregation.

3.Join Side With Love’s UPLIFT Action campaign for our upcoming three-part Reproductive Justice Congregational Organizing series

Read more from our friends at Side with Love: https://bit.ly/3ndKOQL "


Earlier today, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson case. The final opinion effectively overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated federal protections for abortion. Each state will now be able to independently regulate abortion, with at least 26 states p

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General Session III at GA 2022 starts now, including theological framing, business resolution 1 and 2, article II study commission, and more.

Watch it live-streamed here: https://bit.ly/3yciweT


Live-streaming video: June 24, 12:30pm EDT / 11:30am CDT / 10:30am MDT / 9:30am PDT.

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Starting now, watch the Service of the Living Tradition live-streaming from General Assembly 2022!

The sermon will be delivered by Pastor Jacqueline Duhart. This year's music director is Francisco Ruiz. This service honors fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders; remembering those who have died, recognizing those who have completed active service, and welcoming those who have received fellowship or credentialed status in the past year.

Livestream here: https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2022/slt

This service includes a collection to benefit the Living Tradition Fund. These proceeds are used for grants to reduce the burden of seminary student loans, grants to seminary students, and general aid to religious professionals and other congregational staff in need.

#UUAGA

https://bit.ly/3biHKAh


Live-streaming video: June 23, 7:00pm EDT / 6:00pm CDT / 5:00pm MDT / 4:00pm PDT. This service honors fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders.

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Join UU the Vote's General Assembly multi-platform rally during General Assembly 2022 today at 7:30 pm PST. Whether you join in-person in Portland or online with our UU the Vote community across the country, this will be a time of shared inspiration, motivation, strategy, and grounding.

Join UU The Vote today and register here: https://bit.ly/3ydKIPE



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We love this article from Them offering a more inclusive holistic perspective on mainstream medicine.

Herbalism is a practice that reconnects people to the land, to their bodies, and to each other — truths that can be especially meaningful for trans people, who too often face a slate of indignities when seeking care within mainstream medicine.

While herbalism does not replace access to emergency medical treatment, surgery, and pharmaceuticals, it offers a vital supplement to conventional healthcare for trans and queer communities. Herbal medicine helps trans people to claim agency of their own bodies and to bypass institutional gatekeeping over who has access to comprehensive healthcare.

As gender-affirming care grows increasingly hard to access, learn how fifth-generation herbalist Yaya Vallis is using natural remedies to help heal their community.

https://bit.ly/3HNDOUv


Yaya Vallis, a fifth generation Black, trans herbalist, knows how plants can be allies in transition.

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General Session II at General Assembly 2022 starts now! Today's agenda includes UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray's president's report, Rules Review, and Voting Process Video, Article II Study Commission, and more.

Watch it live-streamed here:https://bit.ly/3HK0ZPt


Live-streaming video: June 23, 12:30pm EDT / 11:30am CDT / 10:30am MDT / 9:30am PDT.

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General Assembly 2022 in Portland, OR starts now! We welcome you to join us from around the world.

Watch the Opening Celebration and General Session I live-streamed here: https://bit.ly/3NidMcW


Live-streaming video: June 22 at approximately 7:45pm EDT / 6:45pm CDT / 5:45pm MDT / 4:45pm PDT.

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The inSpirt Book Shop will be offering free shipping for online orders of $50 or more shipped within the U.S. during this year's General Assembly, from June 20th to June 26th. Take advantage to do all your summer book shopping now, you don't have to be at GA to take advantage of this free shipping! Browse great books and more at https://bit.ly/3znlpso

#UUAGA



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Today marks the first day of our annual General Assembly! We are so grateful for our democratic tradition.

This time of year is a reminder that Unitarian Universalists and UU congregations determine the path forward in this faith. Your belief in justice, equity, and compassion and your work building beloved community has brought us to where we are today.

Here are some tips for navigating this year's multiplatform #UUAGA experience.



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Rev. Mykal Slack, Black Lives of UU Community Minister for Worship and Spiritual Care, will be giving the Berry Street Lecture today. We are excited to cheer Rev. Mykal on as he gives the Berry Street Lecture today during the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association’s annual Ministry Days gathering.

You can tune in to the Berry Street Lecture by going to the UUMA’s Facebook today at 4:30 p.m. EST. https://bit.ly/3ndFX1W



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Last week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, our President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray was joined by Rabbi Jack Moline to discuss her recent column on religious freedom in Religion Dispatches.

Tune in to hear Rev. Frederick-Gray connect religious freedom to reproductive freedom and trans inclusion. We are proud of all that UU’s do individually and collectively to create inclusive religious communities.

https://bit.ly/3tU07lp


SegmentsA direct threat to religious freedomPiety, Power, & Pence#saynotoreligioushomophobiaThere is a common misconception that all Christians are on one side in the culture wars being waged in this country. Of course, this obscures the fact that a majority of Americans – including those of faith...

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Join UU the Vote for this special multi-platform event during General Assembly 2022 on Thursday, June 23 at 7:30 pm. Featuring a live performance by Emma’s Revolution and special guests, the UU the Vote team is excited to share this time of inspiration, strategy, and grounding.

Register to join in person or virtually!

https://bit.ly/3HUUPMB



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So grateful for the witness of Rev. Amanda Weatherspoon and River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation RRUUC at the Poor Peoples' Campaign rally in DC over the weekend. What an amazing turnout of a wide array of progressive religious voices in support of living wages, universal health care, sustainable energy and so much more.

Together, we are powerful! https://bit.ly/39CkQU7


(RNS) — The Rev. William Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, called legislation that hurts the poor 'forms of policy murder.'

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Juneteenth is a collective opportunity for all of us to honor this historic celebration of the end of slavery in America - an institution that laid the basis for anti-Black racism and oppression that persists today.

And while we celebrate, may we also reflect of slavery's long legacy and reaffirm our commitments to disrupting and dismantling the capitalist, racist and, malicious systems of oppression still woven tightly into so many institutions we depend on.

Our work continues, as people of faith and conscience, to repair the harms caused by racism, restore the dignity and power of Black people, and reimagine our world in a way where racism, bigotry, and hatred are obliterated.



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"On Father’s Day we honor those people who have been teachers, confidants, and friends.
We acknowledge that it is not biology that makes a parent,
But love and attention…
May all of us, no matter what our place in the cycle of life, experience nurture and love,
And may we pass on that love to those we encounter on our own paths.”

Read the full prayer by Carol Allman-Morton.
https://bit.ly/3zPlR60



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Unlike most other holidays in this country, there has never been a cookbook dedicated solely to its foods and customs. With “Watermelon & Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations,” author Nicole A. Taylor has done just that.

Spread throughout the book are history lessons of Black creators, inventors, and writers who have contributed to the culture Juneteenth celebrates.

Learn about the trove of invaluable resources and wonderful recipes here: https://lat.ms/3xZlbtn


Cookbook author Nicole A. Taylor charts a joyful journey through the history of foods inspired by Juneteenth.

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NBA legend Dwyane Wade unconditionally loves and supports his daughter Zaya. Unfortunately, he knows that the rest of the world won’t be so kind to her. Zaya, who is 15-years-old, came out as transgender in 2019. As anti-trans sports bans sweep through Republican controlled states, Wade speaks out about the real-world consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

We welcome and love our trans siblings. We recognize the strength and resiliency of the trans community. As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to fight for the dignity of all lives. We know it is not just our call, but our call to action.

https://bit.ly/3O2Ec3u


‘As sad as it is, as blessed as my daughter is to have parents who can support her, I’m still afraid every moment she leaves the house,’ Wade said.

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Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth is excited to collaborate with the Synergy Worship Service, Public Witness event, UU Animal Ministry, and other UU groups and local partners to continue the tradition of Procession of Species at GA this year on Friday June 24th following the Synergy Bridging worship service. If you are attending GA, you are invited in body or spirit!

UU the Vote staff and volunteers will be hosting events throughout General Assembly at the Side With Love ‘Hub’ onsite in Portland, OR. Stop by to say ‘Hi’, grab your Side With Love Bingo card, make a sign for the public witness, enjoy a moment of reflection at our altar, and more!

Note: General Assembly registration is required for entry to the room.

Register for GA to be part of the movement! https://bit.ly/2CQ6l8M


In-person registration for GA 2022 in Portland, Oregon is open. Registration for Virtual participation will open March 1.

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During this #Pride season we offer you this prayer by Li Kynvi:

"God of All the Names and No Name At All, help me live in gratitude for the LGBTQ+ ancestors who paved this road we walk and roll on. Stay with me when I’m feeling scared and doing brave, nudging us forward."

https://bit.ly/3zF4aG8


Help me live in gratitude for the LGBTQ+ ancestors who paved this road we walk and roll on.

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The pandemic required the Living Legacy Project to put their Civil Rights pilgrimage journeys on hold, but they are now back - COVID permitting in October. In this video, LLP leader Reggie Harris shares details on this powerful opportunity to travel to historic landmarks of the American Civil Rights movement in the south.

https://bit.ly/3tyuoWQ

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3xQUneC


A special announcement from Reggie Harris about our upcoming October 19-23, 2022, Living Legacy Pilgrimage.

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"Every story begins with a word: a daunting word, a word that mars the blank white page or inks the air."

Read the excerpt from "Swinging on the Garden Gate: A Memoir of Bisexuality and Spirit," 2nd edition (Skinner House, 2022). This book is the Justice and Spirit: Unitarian Universalist Book Club selection for June.

https://bit.ly/3QmlDZD


Words come alive when we claim what is sacred.

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This past Sunday the Nature Coast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship gathered at dawn for a prayer service for racial unity at the gazebo in Liberty Park in Citrus County Florida.

Donald Wright, president of the Nature Coast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, reminds us, “The first of Unitarian Universalists’ seven principles is that we ‘Affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.’ Unitarian Universalists celebrate diversity and believe it to be a defining strength of our nation.”

Learn how the Nature Coast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is striving for racial unity through prayer: https://bit.ly/3xuaTjf


Come greet the sun and your spiritually oriented brothers and sisters Sunday, June 12, at 7 a.m. for a dawn prayer service for racial unity at the gazebo in Liberty

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Title 42 has been used nearly 2 million times to expel people to danger in violation of international law. Some states and politicians are working to extend it. Hear from people of faith and conscience around the country about why our communities are #thruwith42.
https://bit.ly/3xrj8N5


A district court order forcing the government to retain Title 42 must not be the last word.

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The leadership at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis is the future of the Beloved Community in the Unitarian Universalist movement.

With a multigenerational, multiracial, multicultural leadership team, they are breaking new ground in the Upper Midwest.

Read the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis reflection in this @UU World article: https://bit.ly/3Hmgf4Y


We can build on our traditions to keep pushing our boundaries.

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Great to see the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bennington uplifting a new vision of policing, inspired in part by our most recent UU Common Read "Defund Fear"

https://bit.ly/3MFy27Z



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The Jan 6th Committee hearings last night were historic for this country and traumatic for many of us watching. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones and know that love is great enough to hold us all. And when there is energy, we must pick up the tools we have and continue our work to build Beloved Community. Everyone has a role to play - join us.

#UUTheVote

https://bit.ly/3tp1HeU



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Explore what's new at Skinner House!

Browse these reads and other titles:
Shelter in This Place: Meditations on 2020, edited by
Rev. Meg Riley
Breaking and Blessing by Rev. Sean Parker Dennison
Spilling the Light: Meditations on Hope and Resilience by Rev. Theresa I. Soto
Love Like Thunder by Jess Reynolds

For these books and more they are available at inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop at https://bit.ly/3xD8BzC



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The recent news of more than a dozen people being killed and more than 70 injured in at least 13 mass shootings this past weekend, today and every day we grieve the loss of life.

We offer words of support as our nation, our communities, and the most vulnerable among us face an uncertain future. You are not alone. Together we are strong. Together we can make a change.

Our hearts heavy with grief, we continue onward with you all.

https://cnn.it/3HcU4hw


They were at places that seem safe -- but nowhere in America is guaranteed safe anymore. Some of the shooting victims were at a graduation party, a nightclub, a popular entertainment district or a mall -- where a 14-year-old girl was killed.

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The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism have stood as a statement of fundamental faith values unaltered for nearly forty years, not meant to tell UUs what they have to believe, but as a guide for people who choose to participate in UU communities. They explain the heart of the UU faith.

They could be changing, though, as a six-member commission and the General Assembly consider possible revisions to the portion of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s bylaws that includes the Principles and Purposes, and the Six Sources of the faith.

Will there be eight Principles? Or three? Or some other statement defining Unitarian Universalism and its purpose in the twenty-first century?

The next three years will tell. Learn more in this UU World article:https://bit.ly/3tqq4Jl


Article II Study Commission undertaking a ‘deep examination’ of the UUA’s Principles and Purposes.

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Members of the Article II Study Commission introduce themselves and share why they feel called to do the work of reviewing and implementing changes to the language of the UUA's Principles and Purposes.
https://bit.ly/3mMKLeR

This is part of an important conversation going on across our faith community right now - Learn more about how you can connect with this historic work at: https://bit.ly/39ECzqV


Members of the Article II Study Commission introduce themselves and share why they feel called to do the work of reviewing and implementing changes to the la...

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The NFL season doesn't start until September, but Justine Lindsay is making history in the off-season as the league's first openly transgender cheerleader. This is a pivotal moment in history! A moment like this extends what's possible for LGBTQIA inclusion.

As Unitarian Universalists, there is more work for us to do to be the community that trans UUs deserve and need. Let us lean into trans resilience and support its blossoming. And let us celebrate the success of trans people!

https://n.pr/3Q9so0N


The 29-year-old announced joining the Carolina Panthers TopCats earlier this year. Lindsay says she will continue to "inspire and help my African American beautiful trans sisters."

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A new Unitarian Universalist Association president—the public, spiritual, and executive leader of the UU movement and the UUA organization and staff—will be elected at General Assembly 2023, for a six-year term.

The Presidential Search Committee (PSC), which the General Assembly created in 2010, is tasked with evaluating applications for president and selecting at least two nominees.

The application form is now live online and the PSC will accept applications through July 15, 2022. Nominees will be announced on November 15, 2022. Please share this important leadership opportunity widely.

https://bit.ly/3LPLExm


Association’s next chief executive and spiritual leader to be elected at General Assembly 2023

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Join us Sunday, June 26th at 9:30 PT for the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship at the Sunday Worship Service for GA 2022. The Rev. Gretchen Haley, Senior Minister of the Foothills Unitarian Universalist Church in Fort Collins, CO will lead the service. Additional worship team members include Rev. Sean Neil-Barron and Shari Halliday-Quan. We are excited to share in worship together again at GA and we hope you'll join us!
https://bit.ly/2pdH1W1



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UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray calls out the false narratives of religious liberty in recent conservative policy measures and we couldn't be more proud:

“Religious freedom” as originally articulated by the Edict of Torda, an historic declaration of religious freedom and pluralism from which UUs draw our religious lineage, more than 450 years ago served as a protection for minority religious views. And those safeguards are certainly why the Founding Fathers included freedom of religion in the First Amendment.

But currently, the concept of religious freedom is being misused, especially by those on the Right, as an excuse for already powerful and privileged religious movements to exclude, oppress, and circumvent the civil and human rights of people with marginalized identities.

Read her full editorial in Religion Dispatches: https://bit.ly/3NuVKVI


The Public Religion Research Institute recently highlighted an important statistic: nearly all Unitarian Universalists (97 percent) support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQIA+ people. It’s a similar story for reproductive rights—according to the Pew Research Center, 90 percent of Unitaria...

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