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 purpose of inner work, the work of building character, is to accomplish outward work, the work of compassion and social justice. . . . Joy and character. … Continue reading Blog roundup: Doubts are holy spaces, too

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, Poetry, and Other Musings, May 3) A time to smash things The Rev. Madelyn Campbell is disappointed in her white … Continue reading Blog roundup: A time to smash things

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 straightforwardly what is real. As we would be a people of love and compassion, let us open ourselves to take in … Continue reading Blog roundup: Responding to Baltimore

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 compelling to generate the resources to continue itself. . . . We have to look beyond the people who are presently passionate … Continue reading Blog roundup: Casting a compelling vision

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 the question back to the congregants: “How are you going to relate to this social movement? This isn’t about me, and it isn’t about … Continue reading Words and deeds, real stories, creative congregations, and more

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 blanket application to address black oppression because black oppression is unique; just as every other oppression that is experienced is unique. What … Continue reading Until black lives matter, imagine a congregation, and more from UU bloggers

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 black activists across the country—to promote and affirm: You are young and black, and your life matters just the same. You stole … Continue reading UU ‘Black Lives Matter’ theology, alternate congregational strategies, and more

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 at least a few sermons that you gratefully carry—the feelings, the moment of awakening—for years after hearing them. This was … Continue reading More than a cozy haven, grownup conversations, and living lightly on the earth

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 meaning of overcalm: to exercise an inner peacefulness that connects us to a great source not of our making, … Continue reading Peace and calm, truth in hard times, world-saving religion, and more