"I do not want us to leave tonight without acknowledging our fear..."
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix
July 30, 2008
I do not want us to leave tonight without acknowledging our fear. It is so sad to say, but there was a part of us that always knew this was possible. We are far too aware of the hate speech and moral condemnation that gets thrown at liberals, at gays and lesbians, bisexual and transgender people, at progressives, at women’s rights activists, at immigrants. The fierceness of the rhetoric, the damage and violence that hate speech can propel is one reason we as Unitarian Universalists are compelled to take public stands on issues of equality. We believe in the liberating message of our faith, we believe in freedom in religion and the right of conscience—and both are rooted in our belief in the potential for goodness in humanity.
But we know that the stands we take are not always popular. And we know the rhetoric against liberalism has been vicious. We are shocked by the events, but this is not the first time we have been under attack for practicing our faith or promoting justice and equality for all people.
Ours is a strong faith, with a long history of standing up for what is right, for being led by love, and for understanding ourselves as a part of the oneness of life and humanity. And these values are as important today, than they were before this tragedy—and even more important for tomorrow. But we must also remember the power of words and rhetoric to sew seeds of understanding and unity, or to sew seeds of division and hate. And we must use caution, and avoid heated blame—and above all remain true to our commitment to justice, respect, diversity, and love. For these are the values that will continue to offer us strength and solace and a powerful voice for good in this hurting and wounded world.
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Last updated on Thursday, June 3, 2010.
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