Letter from President William G. Sinkford to Tennessee Valley UU Church
August 3, 2008
My dear friends:
You are gathered today on what is truly sacred ground.
No one should ever be in harm’s way inside a place of worship. What happened in this room a week ago was a profound violation of everything a house of worship is supposed to represent. There could have been a number of responses to this tragedy – you could have responded with fear, with anger, or with despair. You could have returned the hatred that was directed at your community. But instead you greeted hatred with love, and you created meaning from an unthinkably destructive act. You have chosen to reclaim this space, a choice that reflects your deep commitment to your religious mission and an abiding belief in the power of community.
The unbreakable spirit of the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist community has inspired the awe and respect of the entire world, and deservedly so. Because last week this sanctuary witnessed acts that were courageous, generous, and deeply compassionate. It is true that the crime was shockingly profane, but your responses were, and continue to be, deeply reverent. No murderer can take away what is sacred about this place, because your love has overpowered fear, just as your faith is helping you heal and move forward, together.
It is the presence of gathered community that makes a place holy, and today the world is moved by your example. Your gift of courage is a blessing to us all.
In faith,
Bill Sinkford
Last updated on Sunday, August 3, 2008.
