The Promise, the Practice, the People

A white wooden sign with “polling station” written on it in capital letters is attached with a zip tie to a fence surrounding a park, near a yellow turnstile gate in the fence. In the background, blurred, we see several people on a grassy lawn in the park, with trees behind them.

In this fall season of 2024, we are at a crossroads in history. A moment in time when democracy is not just a word or a system of government but a living, breathing promise—a covenant we make with one another.

This promise of democracy is one of collective power and shared responsibility. Many understand that this covenantal promise is not without its challenges. Democracy asks us to engage in issues, to participate in bringing about change, and to care deeply about one another. It is cultivated in the small, consistent actions—in the conversations we have, the ways we listen to and learn from one another, as well as the votes we cast. It demands that we see beyond ourselves, recognizing the dignity of every person, and honoring the rich diversity of our lives.

In the words of Vice President Kamala Harris, “Democracy, our democracy, is not guaranteed. It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it, to guard it, and to never take it for granted… We the people have the power. You have the power. And when we vote, we expand the power, the possibility, and the promise of democracy.”

It is clear that at the heart of this democracy is the promise of the people—our hopes and our dreams. We are the democracy and the stewards of this promise: the practitioners of this sacred work.

As Unitarian Universalists, we believe democracy is more than a political system; it is a shared journey, a collective responsibility, and a profound act of faith in one another. May we walk this path with grace, with purpose, and with phenomenal commitment to the common good.

Amen.