Media roundup: Missouri congregation joins growing sanctuary movement

Media roundup: Missouri congregation joins growing sanctuary movement

A weekly guide to stories about Unitarian Universalists from other media sources.

Rachel Walden

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The Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, Missouri, recently voted to be a sanctuary congregation, committing to host an individual or family while they pursue legal recourse to remain in the country legally. "We're happy to lead the way," the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon said of the growing sanctuary movement. "We know that other congregations are making the decision, and we invite them to follow our decision." ( Columbia Missourian– 4.10.17)

More coverage:

Church in Missouri to become sanctuary for immigrants” ( KTTN– 4.12.17)

“Local church congregation votes for sanctuary status” ( Columbia Daily Tribune– 4.11.17)

Tulsa church to move downtown

All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, made the news when it voted to launch a capital campaign that reaffirms its 2011 commitment to move the congregation downtown. In addition to growth restrictions inherent in their current facilities, the congregation’s senior minister the Rev. Marlin Lavanhar said of the move, “There’s a new energy in the downtown, a renaissance is happening…and we want to be part of that.” (Tulsa World – 4.11.17)

UU World recently reported on racial justice activists in Tulsa working to overcome the painful legacy of a 1921 riot that killed up to 300 black people.

Banner theft under investigation

Police in Annapolis, Maryland, are actively investigating the theft of a Black Lives Matter banner at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis earlier this week. Three area churches have put up signs supporting the Black Lives movement, and all have seen their signs either stolen or defaced over the past year and a half. ( Capital Gazette– 4.12.17)

More coverage:

“'Black Lives Matter' sign stolen from Annapolis church” ( WMAR– 4.13.17)

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