Break the ropes, Selma is now, contrary voices, and more
Break the ropes A question quoted in Mary Oliver’s Blue Horses hits Tina Porter between the eyes: “If you don’t break the ropes while you’re alive, do you think ghosts will do it after?” What are your...
View ArticlePeace and calm, truth in hard times, world-saving religion, and more
Peace and calm Karen Johnston tells a story of kids being asked what “We Shall Overcome” means. They said it means, “We shall overcalm.” Out of the mouth of babes comes such necessary wisdom, the deep...
View ArticleMore than a cozy haven, grownup conversations, and living lightly on the earth
More than a cozy haven Jordinn Nelson Long and her family find “slow church” in a consumer culture that expects immediate gratification. I hope that in the course of your own religious life there are...
View ArticleUU ‘Black Lives Matter’ theology, alternate congregational strategies, and more
A UU ‘Black Lives Matter’ Theology Kenny Wiley builds a UU Black Lives Matter theology to support his work as an activist. Right now we are being called—by our ancestors, by our principles, by young...
View ArticleUntil black lives matter, imagine a congregation, and more from UU bloggers
Until black lives matter Adam Dyer writes that “Even in addressing racism, black lives have not specifically mattered.” We cannot continue to speak or act in broad terms. There is no shortcut, no...
View ArticleWords and deeds, real stories, creative congregations, and more
Words and deeds The Rev. Tom Schade writes that, when social movements become more powerful, congregations are likely to push back against ministerial activism. The minister needs to be keep turning...
View ArticleBlog roundup: Casting a compelling vision
Casting a compelling vision The Rev. Tom Schade has a theory about why pledge giving is declining in UU congregations. The cause of Unitarian Universalism, as we now understand it, is not sufficiently...
View ArticleBlog roundup: Responding to Baltimore
This week’s prayer The Rev. Meredith Garman offers a prayer for the suffering in the world this week. We pause to collectively acknowledge the world’s sadness, which is our own — and to face...
View ArticleBlog roundup: A time to smash things
Dirty laundry The Rev. Theresa Novak’s poem suggests different options for dealing with dirty laundry. If you hang it on the line For the whole world to see The sunlight will bake it clean. (Sermons,...
View ArticleBlog roundup: Doubts are holy spaces, too
Building character The Rev. Dr. David Breeden draws connections between the neglected work of building character and the decline of religious affiliation. [We] too often forget nowadays—that the...
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