Throughout time, our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition has held a thread of clarity: how we relate to each other creates the conditions of hell or heaven here on earth.

We may not know or agree about what lies beyond this life, but it's our conviction that that our actions– and our inactions – have consequences for the web of all existence. While fascinating and mysterious, we do not place our hopes for salvation in what happens after death. We find our salvation here on earth: showing up for each other with mercy, respect, and compassion. How are we relating to our neighbors, friends?

As a people of faith, we are called to a love that is bold, to love beyond our skill and through our fear with courage and compassion.

As a faithful collective, we are called to offer sanctuary, refugee, and comfort to everyone afflicted by the systems of oppression in this world.

As faithful individuals, we are called to relationships of care and accountability.

It makes a difference in the quality of this world when people with access to privilege and power give voice to a vision of collective liberation and name the obstacles, within and without, that limit us.

Can we choose to live courageously, a people of faith, a people so bold? Can we faithfully challenge evil in the world and the sins of society that have become internalized within our beings?

Our faith does not require that we be unafraid – only that we do not lead with fear, or make our decisions from a place of fear.

Our presence matters. How we relate to each other creates the conditions of hell or heaven here on earth. May we remember and affirm that we are all in this together, friends: we are all in this together.

Amen.