“The resistance of centuries makes us strong.” –Juan Jose Hurtado
That is the statement on a magnet that Crystal very generously gifted me. The magnet was designed by the UU Service Committee. I’ve placed it on my fridge to remind me that we are not alone in this fight against dictatorship, fascism, Christian Nationalism and the dehumanization of so many of us. We have the words, the momentum, and the Love of our ancestors to cradle us, grow us, and push us into the future. And, we are the ancestors, doing the same for Mother Earth’s future generations. We all belong to this Earth and to one another. That is a theological statement that is central to the work we do in this UU faith.
If you were able to watch the UUA General Assembly’s Sunday Worship Service this year, then you heard UU professor and historian (and my thesis advisor) Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk, speak powerfully about our Unitarian ancestors, specifically William Ellery Channing, and our charge for this moment in history.
Here is a link to that service (Dr. Kirk begins her sermon at about an hour and 4 minutes in): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIzcKbW0GT4
If you are unfamiliar with Channing and why he is so important to our UU identity and the ways in which we resist, here is his famous 1819 sermon:
Don’t expect to read it all in one sitting! And the next time you think one of my sermons is too long, well, just remember Channing ; )
Additionally, I’d like to offer you these practical ways to resist polarization and the disconnection we face in today’s America:
See you soon! Let’s spend more time together this year!
Heather