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Ahead of the presidential inauguration, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn in Swampscott, Massachusetts, held an event to educate the community about the Sanctuary Movement and encourage people to join in the effort. The church’s minister, the Rev. Victoria Weinstein, opened the event by affirming the church’s commitment to protect the most vulnerable in their community. ( ItemLive.com– 1.19.17)
On Inauguration Day, more than 100 people marched in downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, to mark Hijab Solidarity Day, which began as an effort to bring attention to attacks against Muslim women who wear hijabs. Members of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethlehem joined the march to show their solidarity with local Muslims and the broader immigrant community. ( WFMZ.com– 1.20.17)
Religious leaders across the spectrum of faith traditions denounced President Trump’s planned executive order barring the entry of refugees and immigrants from certain Muslim-majority countries. Unitarian Universalist Association President Peter Morales added his voice, saying in part, “We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.” ( ThinkProgress.org– 1.26.17)
More coverage:
“Religious Leaders, Groups Are Appalled By Trump’s Immigration Orders” ( Huffington Post– 1.25.17)
UUs planned and participated in marches across the country
The Rev. Ben Meyers, minister of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, California, reached out to other local clergy to organize a peaceful demonstration on Inauguration Day. Not intended as a direct protest of the incoming administration, the event was an opportunity for community members to show their support for values that they fear may erode under the new administration. ( Daily Journal– 1.20.17)
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Washington, D.C., remained full throughout last weekend, welcoming visitors who came to join the national Women’s March and recruiting people for ongoing involvement. The Sunday service following the march was standing-room only as Melissa Harris-Perry preached. The Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, president of Starr King School for the Ministry, was also in attendance. ( American Prospect– 1.25.17)
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango, Colorado, helped organize a sister Standing on the Side of Love March in downtown Durango to coincide with the national Women’s March. Hundreds of people turned out to march in a foot of snow. Fellowship minister the Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris said during the march, “We commit to resist fear, hate, and bigotry.” ( Durango Herald– 1.21.17)
More than fifty members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, New York, participated enthusiastically in the marches for women in Washington D.C. and New York City. Interim Senior Minister the Rev. Ned Wight said of the marches, “Unitarian Universalism is a lived faith; marching this weekend was an act of proclaiming our faith in partnership with others who share our commitment to universal human worth and dignity.” ( Manhasset Press– 1.23.17)
More coverage:
“The voice of women must be heard” ( Democrat & Chronicle– 1.20.17)
“Love March” ( Durango Herald– 1.21.17)
“Women’s March on Montana in Photos (UPDATED)” ( Patheos.com– 1.23.17)
Check out the UUA on Facebook to see more stories and photos from last weekend.