unitarian universalists in the media

UUs speak out on health care, protest executions in Virginia, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

UUs continue to rally for universal health care
Hundreds of people lined up outside U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman's house in Connecticut to show support for universal health care. Applause and cheers broke out when the Rev. Joshua Pawelek, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Stamford, shouted, "Health care is a fundamental human right." (The Connecticut Post - 11.15.09)

Here's a video of the protest, showing Pawelek in prayer. (Creedible)

The Rev. Joel Miller, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, N.Y., protests the Stupak amendment in the House health care reform bill, which would restrict access to safe and legal contraception and abortion, because it only takes into account the views of the Roman Catholic Church. (The Buffalo News - NY 11.19.09)

Also in the media:
The Rev. Gary Kowalski, minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vt., is quoted extensively in this article about the role of faith in American history. (Saturday Evening Post - 10.22.09)

About a dozen people gathered in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Terre Haute, Ind., to participate in the third annual Creating a Path Through Loss workshop, which focuses on art as a therapy for grief. (The Tribune-Star - IN 11.14.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, N.J., hosted a concert that raised funds and awareness for victims of sexual assault. The concert was organized by the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. (The Courier-Post - NJ 11.16.09)

The Harrisonburg, Va., Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee organized a vigil to protest the execution of Larry Bill Elliott, the second person executed in Virginia in a week. (WHSV – VA 11.17.09)

A woman who escaped Afghanistan with her family during the Russian invasion spoke to the South Valley Unitarian Fellowship in Gilroy, Calif., as part of an ongoing effort to highlight the diversity among its members. (Gilroy Dispatch – CA 11.19.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento's UUrth Song ComUUnity Garden was among five gardens to win an Energy Oscar from California Interfaith Power and Light. (The Sacramento Bee - CA 11.14.09)

Churches embrace change, Al Gore speaks at UU church, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:01:00 +0000

Churches making changes
To encourage diversity in its congregation, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, Md., called the Rev. John T. Crestwell Jr., an African American UU minister, as associate minister. (The Capital - MD 11.6.09)

The Rev. Tracy Sprowls-Jenks, the new minister at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, N.J., plans to grow her congregation from 180 members to 300 within the next five years. (Courier News - 11.8.09)

First Parish in Concord, Mass., is putting the final touches on a $4.2 million renovation project that added 2,250 square feet of usable space to the church. (The Concord Journal – MA 11.12.09)

Magazine mentions
An article in The Christian Century mentions Bruce Sheiman, a UU and author of An Atheist Defends Religion: Why Humanity Is Better Off with Religion Than Without It. The article also mentions Greg Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard, and contributor to The New Humanism magazine. (The Christian Century - 11.17.09)

See Also: Religion and science can be partners (uuworld.org)

An essay in Dwell Magazine highlights the many UU churches that are housed in buildings designed by major modern architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, Paul Rudolph, and Edward Durell Stone. (Dwell Magazine - 11.09)

Also in the media:
Al Gore gave a speech at the First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist church November 7 to promote his new book, Our Choice. (CNET News - 11.8.09)

The Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalist Fellowship organized a demonstration Tuesday to protest the execution of John Allen Muhammed. (WHSV - VA 11.10.09)

Nick Welsh rants about the power Unitarian politicians have held in Santa Barbara, Calif., for years. (Santa Barbara Independent - CA 11.12.09)

Culpepper Garden, a retirement facility in Arlington, Va., presented the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington with an "Elder Service Award," celebrating the organizations' longtime relationship. (Sun Gazette - DC 11.11.09)

Amended 11.16.09

Interfaith communities, a suicide workshop, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Interfaith communities
Joffre D. Meyer celebrates the 40-year anniversary of the interfaith partnership between the UUA and Rissho Kosei-kai (RKK), a brand of Japanese Buddhism. Former UUA president John Buehrens called Nikkyo Niwano, the founder of the RKK, "the most important interreligious partner the Unitarian Universalist movement has ever had." (OhmyNews International - 11.2.09)

The Universalist Unitarian Community Church in Augusta, Maine, played host to an interfaith candlelight vigil sponsored by the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry in Maine, "to remind people of all faiths to vote No on Question 1." (Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel - ME 11.2.09)

Clubs and ministries bring people together
Three churches in Charleston, W. Va., including the Unitarian Universalist church, joined together to create a wellness ministry focusing on pain relief from arthritis. (The Charleston Gazette - WV 10.31.09)

The Laughter Club at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, Mass., garners more press. (The Sun Chronicle - MA 11.2.09)

See also: A Laughing Matter (Milford Daily News - MA 9.29.09)

Also in the media:

A Unitarian church in Vancouver hosted a controversial suicide workshop Wednesday. "Go to the cupboard, pour the drug into a glass and drink it, and have a peaceful death and not break the law," said Dr. Philip Nitschke, the speaker. "Suicide is not a crime." (CBC News - BC 11.4.09)

A member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus, Ga., created a stained glass window for the church, depicting the seven principles of the UUA. (Ledger-Enquirer - GA 10.31.09)

An article about conservative pastors' reactions to the new federal hate crime legislation mentions the UUA's Standing on the Side of Love campaign about halfway down. (STLToday.com - MO 10.31.09)

The UUA sponsored a say-on-pay resolution for Valero Energy Corp, which will allow shareholders to hold a nonbinding vote on executive compensation. (MySanAntonio.com - TX 11.2.09)

The Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann, the associate minister at the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson, Mass., says the recent “350” movement, which united people across the globe against climate change, brought tears of hope to her eyes. (Marlborough Enterprise – MA 11.6.09)

UU church earns environmental certification, UU minister appears on PBS, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:09:00 +0000

UU church awarded environmental certification
The UUA awarded "Green Sanctuary" certification to the Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church of Maine, for its efforts to save energy and promote conservation resources. (Sanford News - ME 10.29.09)

A group of about 50 people gathered in Lacey, Wash., to take a local stand against climate change. The event was organized by the Rev. Carol McKinley of the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, as part of the International Day of Climate Action. (The Olympian - WA 10.25.09)

Health care discussions continue
About 30 people gathered for a health care reform rally in Lancaster, Pa., which was organized by the Social Justice Advocates of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster. (Sunday News - PA 10.25.09)

Community members gathered at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Auburn, N.Y., for an informal panel discussing the local effects of national health care reform. (AuburnPub.com - NY 10.24.09)

Also in the media:

A segment on abortion and health care reform on PBS's "Religion and Ethics Newsweekly" featured the Rev. Debra Haffner, a UU minister and executive director of the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing. (10.16.09)

A group of Buddhists has been gathering to meditate at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Salisbury, Md., for the past three years. "There is an awareness," said Brian Foret, a Salisbury resident who has been attending the meetings since they began. "You learn to sit in that awareness. We learn it's about being. There is a distinction between being and thinking. It's about training your mind, opening ourselves to a greater awareness." (The Daily Times - MD 10.24.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Augusta, Maine, held a special service in support of marriage equality on Sunday, just a week before voters go to the polls to decide Question 1, a proposal to ban same-sex marriage in Maine. (Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel - ME 10.26.09)

The second annual Pro-Am Charity Chili Cook-off, hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Stamford, Ct., collected 600 pounds of food, to be donated to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County Inc. (The Advocate - CT 10.24.09)

Charles R. Putney, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bennington, Vt., traces the New England roots of Unitarian Universalism. (Bennington Banner - VT 10.23.09)

Churches rally to combat climate change, photo exhibit displays LGBT families, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

'350' movement
Many UU churches will be participating in the "350" movement on Saturday, in advance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, to be held in December in Copenhagen.

The Unitarian Universalist Church in Meridian, Conn., will plant 350 daffodils. (Record-Journal - CT 10.21.09)

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula, Va., have spent the last month studying ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and will have displays showing current energy usage and ways to reduce it. (Daily Press - VA 10.22.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Area Church in Sherborn, Mass., will ring the church bells 350 times, starting at 3:50 p.m. (Dover-Sherborn Press - MA 10.21.09)

Photo exhibit promotes LGBT equality
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Anaheim, Calif., is displaying a photo exhibit that depicts families with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members in a positive light. The exhibit, "Love Makes A Family," is presented by Family Diversity Projects, a nonprofit organization that seeks to dispel prejudices. (The Daily Titan - CA 9.18.09)

A number of religious congregations in Maine, including the First Universalist Church in Castine, participated in a rally Sunday to show support for same-sex marriage and oppose Question 1, which would repeal a law allowing same-sex marriage in the state. (Bangor Daily News - ME 9.18.09)

Also in the media:

First Parish in Bedford, Mass., is putting on its third annual Halloween celebration, including a haunted house that is expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors this month. (The Boston Globe - 10.18.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Church in Burlington, Iowa, hosted a discussion on health care reform on Sunday. It was the third of four such discussions the church is hosting. (The Hawk Eye - IA 10.19.09)

In a project sponsored by the Unitarian Church and the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, both in Iowa City, fifth-graders from a local school planted a tree in order to learn how it grows. (Iowa City Press Citizen - IA 10.22.09)

The Rev. Tess Baumberger, minister of the Unity Church in North Easton, Mass., talks about the good that can come from performing a funeral or memorial service. (Easton Journal – MA 10.23.09)

Two ministers, one a Unitarian from Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C., debunk certain myths about the marriage equality debate. (Washington Post - 10.16.09)

Won't sign for weddings in Va., swine flu at church, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:22:00 +0000

To support gay rights, two ministers at the Unitarian Church of Norfolk, Va., have refused to sign marriage licenses for heterosexual couples. "I realized I was taking part in this discriminatory system, and I don't have to and don't want to," said John P. Manwell, co-pastor of the church. (The Virginian-Pilot - VA 10.12.09)

In a demonstration organized by the First Unitarian Society of Denver, about 200 people gathered in front of the state Capitol in Denver to call for equal rights for same-sex couples. (The Denver Post - CO 10.12.09)

Also in the media:

The Rev. Victoria Weinstein of the First Parish Unitarian Church in Norwell, Mass., discusses how her congregation prepares for the swine flu in the final two paragraphs of a Boston Globe story. (Boston Globe - MA 10.15.09)

The Rev. John Martin of All Souls Unitarian Church in Bellville, Ohio, says people shouldn't get caught up in political, national, or ethnic divisions when it comes to protecting the planet. (Mansfield News Journal - OH 10.10.09)

The Rev. Tess Baumberger, minister at the Unity Church of North Easton, Mass., discusses the prison reforms of Dorothea Dix, a famous Unitarian. (Norwich Bulletin - CT 10.9.09)

The Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst, minister Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, N.J., talks about how her family history brought her into the ministry. (Holmdel Independent - 10.15.09)

Treks to Iowa continue, UU minister runs for a House seat, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Couples drive to Iowa to get married
Following in the tracks of others, fourteen homosexual couples from Missouri drove to Iowa and got married in the church of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City. (KCRG-TV News - IA 9.3.09)

See also: Should clergy cross the border to marry gay congregants? (Chicago Tribune - 8.31.09)

See also: Marriage change draws out-of-staters, Missourians bus to town to get hitched. (The Daily Iowan - 5.4.09)

UU minister challenges incumbent
The Rev. Neal Jones, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, S.C., is challenging a 10-year incumbent for a seat in the House of Representatives. (Free Times - SC 10.7.09)

A UUA staff member and her family are included in a Protect Maine Equality commercial. Look for "Team Rediker."

Also in the media:
The First Unitarian Universalist Church in New Orleans has recently restored a stained-glass window depicting two of their most famous congregants, Kate and Jean Gordon, sisters who fought for social welfare reform and women's rights in the early 20th century. (The Times-Picayune - LA 9.5.09)

The First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, Canada, is partnering with the Salvation Army to offer 20 cots in two locations as part of an extreme weather shelter program for the homeless. (Canada.com - 10.7.09)

Linda Jo Scott, a member of the Unitarian Universalist church in East Lansing, Mich., imagines planning a funeral for herself while she's still alive. (Battle Creek Enquirer - MI 9.4.09)

Forrest Church news continues, UU churches home to creative classes, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

News about Forrest Church continues
The Washington Post included an obituary for the Rev. Forrest Church on Tuesday. (The Washington Post - DC 9.29.09)

Another story about Church talks about the way he handled death. "I skipped shock and disbelief and anger and resentment," he said in an interview last year. "I went directly to acceptance." (EthicsDaily.com - 9.29.09)

NPR posted a story about an interview Church gave in October 2008. (NPR - 9.29.09)

UU churches offer creative opportunities
A Unitarian church in Shaker Heights, Ohio, is home to a dance company that works with performers with disabilities. "The Unitarian church embraces everyone," said Sabatino Verlezza, artistic director of Verlezza Dance. "We rent the space, and they open their arms to our work." (kentnewsnet - OH 9.29.09)

First Unitarian Church in Franklin, Mass., is home to the Laughter Club, a group of people that participates in "laughter yoga," as a way to relieve stress. (The Milford Daily News - MA 9.29.09)

Also in the media:

Four Unitarian Universalist congregations in New York are preparing to launch a marketing campaign that includes direct mail, public radio announcements, and Google ads in order to attract new members. (The Saratogian - NY 9.27.09)

UUA President Peter Morales was part of a group of religious leaders who endorsed a statement by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice that urged congress to keep the standard of health services the same in any health care reform legislation. (PR Newswire - 9.30.09)

Forrest Church dies, New York church vandalized, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:58:00 +0000

Forrest Church dies of cancer

A prominent Unitarian Universalist and the author or editor of more than two dozen books, the Rev. Dr. Forrest Church died from esophageal cancer Thursday at the age of 61. (Idaho Press-Tribune - ID 9.25.09)

Here's another version of the story, which includes quotes from a longtime family friend. (Idaho Statesman - ID 9.25.09)

His obituary appeared in the Sunday New York Times. (online 9.25.09)

The UUA published an In Memoriam page for Church. His congregation, All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City, has set up a page for remembrances.

New York church vandalized, robbed

The First Universalist Church in Brooklyn Heights was robbed and vandalized overnight on September 13. Thieves scrawled racist, homophobic, anti-Arab, and anti-Semitic epithets on the walls of the 170-year-old church. (The Brooklyn Paper - NY 9.23.09)

Here's another version of the story, which includes a video. (WABC-TV - Ny 9.22.09)

Eco-faith movement spreads in California

Solar panels were installed on the roof of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Santa Barbara church, the most recent step in a growing eco-faith movement in the city. "It is really exciting how things that just start as reflective conversation at church on Sunday morning can ultimately start a much bigger transformation that goes far beyhond us," said the Rev. Aaron McEmrys, the minister of UU Santa Barbara. (The Daily Sound - CA 9.22.09)

Clothes swap organized for struggling residents

To help struggling residents, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, Utah, hosted the Northern Utah Clothes Swap, in which people could trade old, ragged clothes for slightly used ones. (Standard-Examiner - UT 9.21.09)

Also in the media:

On Sunday, September 27, approximately 200 Iraqi refugees who settled in Iowa will gather at the Unitarian Church in Des Moines to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid. (Des Moines Register - Iowa 9.25.09)

The Lakeshore Unitarian Universalist fellowship of Manitowoc, Wisc., moved into a new four-story building last week. (Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter - WI 9.18.09)

The Rev. Becky Gunn of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor, Maine, argues that marriage is a sacred institution based on love, not on gender, and that God doesn't deny love. (Bangor Daily News - ME 9.19.09)

The Follen Community Church in Lexington, Mass., built in 1839 and home to a Unitarian Universalist congregation, underwent a major renovation for the first time in 170 years this summer. (Lexington Minuteman - MA 9.24.09)

The First Unitarian Church of Cleveland in Shaker Heights, Ohio, recently recommitted to providing more money and time to its adopted school, John W. Raper School. (The Plain Dealer - Ohio 9.23.09)

Civil action for health care, immigration reform, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:40:00 +0000

UU activists campaign for health care reform in N.C., Vt.

Religious leaders in North Carolina, including the Rev. Tom Rhodes, a Unitarian Universalist minister, held a service outside the office of Sen. Kay Hagan to promote healthcare reform. Rhodes said the "religious community must do its part to make sure that Sen. Hagan and other elected officials understand that health care reform is an urgent moral imperative. (Associated Press - 9.15.09)

The group Vermont Interfaith Action, comprising religious leaders from various faiths and communities in Vermont, including Unitarian Universalist minister the Rev. Gary Kowalski, urged a call-in Tuesday to their congressional representatives as part of a national health care reform initiative. (The Burlington Free Press - VT 9.15.09)

Vigils held to protest immigration policies

"Children's vigils" were held Tuesday in New Jersey communities to protest federal immigration policies that advocates say separate immigrants from their U.S.-born children. "What our country had done has imposed the intentional breakup of the family or a dislocation of the children from their homeland," said the Rev. Charlie Ortman at a vigil at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair. (The Star-Ledger - NJ 9.16.09)

UUA president calls Maine UUs to support same-sex marriage law

UUA President Peter Morales issued a joint statement with the group Protect Maine Equality calling on Unitarian Universalists to fight against legislation that would repeal the same-sex marriage law currently in place. "I know that Unitarian Universalists in Maine will continue to be at the forefront of the struggle for equality," Morales said in the statement." (EDGE Boston - MA 9.14.09)

Also in the media:

UUA president Peter Morales will head to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene, Ore., where he first discovered Unitarian Universalism, for its centennial celebration Sunday. (The Register-Guard - OR 9.17.09)

Every week at the meeting house of the Unitarian Universalists of Cumberland Valley, Pa., spare change is collected for their Change for the World program, with all the money going to a different charitable organization each month. (The Sentinel Online - PA 9.17.09)

Surprise wedding at boy's funeral, ethical eating, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Parents marry in honor of son
A funeral service was held the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo Monday for Asa Hill, a seven-year-old who died in the hospital after a six-car crash Thursday. Hill's parents, Amilcar Hill and Rahwa Ghirmatzion, were married at the end of the service. (The Buffalo News - NY 9.8.09)

And here's another version of the story, along with a link to a video of the service and marriage ceremony. (CNN - NY 9.8.09)

New York church focuses on 'ethical eating'
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester, N.Y. hosted a lunchtime picnic of locally grown food as part of its Labor Day weekend series, "Time for Lunch." The church is particpating in a four-year study of "ethical eating," according to its minister, the Rev. Michael Tino. (LoHud.com - NY 9.6.09)

Also in the media:

The first couple was married at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rutland, Vt. Saturday after the new law legalizing same-sex marriages went into effect. (Rutland Herald - VT 9.6.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Harrisburg of Swatara Twp., Penn. purchased the church of Shared Ministry of Allison Hill. (The Patriot-News - PA 9.7.09)

Three chaplains at the College of William and Mary, including Unitarian Universalist Director of Lifespan Faith Development Margaret Sequeira, are offering a modified version of the "Our Whole Lives" course specifically for 18- to 22-year-olds. (The DoG Street Journal - VA 9.9.09)

On Labor Day, the Rev. Rhett D. Baird of High Street Unitarian Universalist Church in Macon, Ga. reminds us that the inherent worth and dignity of a person cannot be diminished by unemployment. (Macon.com - GA 9.5.09)

Andy Phillips explains why he became a Unitarian Universalist for the Tulsa Spirituality Examiner. (Examiner.com - 9.10.09)

The love bus, same-sex marriage celebrations in Vermont, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Fershtman) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Same-sex marriage in Iowa, Vermont
Nine lesbian couples, members of Unity Church-Unitarian of St. Paul, Minn., got married in Iowa as part of the UUA's Standing on the Side of Love campaign, and to spark Minnesota legislators to action on the issue. "This is what love looks like," said the Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs. "This is what the world needs to see. ...We want to recognize what Iowa has done." (Chicago Tribune - 8.31.09)

And here's a reaction about the story, insisting that it's asking the wrong question. (The NLGJA RE:ACT blog - 9.1.09)

See also: Marriage change draws out-of-staters, Missourians bus to town to get hitched. (The Daily Iowan - 5.4.09)

UU churches in Vermont hosted all-day celebrations and ceremonies Tuesday to commemorate the new law allowing same-sex marriage. (Rutland Herald Online - VT 8.30.09)

Also in the media:

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on the West Side in Charleston, W. Va. met Wednesday night to lend their opinions to the national healthcare debate. (Charleston Gazette - WV 9.2.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Church in south Palo Alto, Calif. played host to a "passion raiser" informational session for the California Fair Elections Act, a bill in campaign-finance reform designed to even the playing field of interests between the general public and big-money lobbyists. (Palo Alto Online - CA 9.3.09)

Colin Bossen, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland, discusses his views on God, poetry, and mushrooms. (Cleveland Sun Press - OH 8.30.09)

More than 30 children, teen, and adult members of Prairie Unitarian Universalist Church in Parker, Colo., gathered to clean up their hometown park. (YourHub.com - CO 9.1.09)

UUA presidents remember Ted Kennedy

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:37:00 +0000

UUA presidents remember Ted Kennedy
UUA President Peter Morales, quoted in a Chicago Tribune story about Sen. Edward Kennedy's Catholic legacy, called Kennedy "not only an inspirational Catholic, but person of faith in general." (Chicago Tribune - 8.26.09)

Morales also issued a statement on UUA.org mourning the senator's death. "Our country has lost a great leader who tirelessly defended the basic rights of all Americans and stood on the side of those people who were most vulnerable." (UUA.org - 8.26.09)

Also on UUA.org, former UUA President the Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz remembers Senator Kennedy's softer side. "Most importantly ... Ted Kennedy was just plain sweet. Deeply, wrenchingly, authentically sweet." (UUA.org - 8.27.09)

Also in the media:

Rich Madaleno, a Maryland state senator and member of the Cedar Lane UU Church in Bethesda, Md., writes about the importance of legalizing same-sex marriage. (Washington Post - 8.27.09)

UUs feature heavily in this article about increased religious support for same-sex marriage. (Buffalo News - NY 8.25.09)

Thirty Nantucket artists are submitting works inspired by the local Unitarian Meeting House as part of a benefit exhibit to help fund restoration of the 1809 church. (Nantucket Independent - MA 8.26.09)

The Rev. Judy Welles, co-minister of UUs of the Cumberland Valley in Boiling Springs, Pa., connects the story of the Good Samaritan with the current healthcare debate. (Carlisle Sentinel - PA 8.27.09)

All Souls UU Church of Braintree, Mass., celebrates the beginning of the new church year and welcomes their new minister the Rev. Steve Wilson. (Braintree Forum - MA 8.24.09)

This article doesn't have much text but includes a couple of nice photos of the newly completed labyrinth at the UU Congregation of York, Pa. (York Daily Record - PA 8.26.09)

Air Force vet talks about his UU faith, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:59:00 +0000

UU veteran talks about his faith
Doug Traversa, a recently retired Air Force veteran and lay leader of the UU Church of Tullahoma, Tenn., was interviewed for NotAlone.com about adjusting after a deployment, but the discussion soon turned to the topic of his Unitarian Universalist beliefs. Listen to the interview online. (Not Alone.com)

Also in the media:

Jacqui Gerenz, a member of the Black Hills UU Fellowship in Rapid City, S.D., was interviewed for a story on religious denominations supporting health care reform. (Rapid City Journal - SD 8.18.09)

An outdoor Cretan labyrinth at the UU Church of Hagerstown, Md., helps memorialize a dedicated church member. (Washington Examiner - 8.16.09)

An article on climate change notes that a group of faith activists, including Washington State UU Voices for Justice and the Olympia, Wash., UU Congregation are planning a Bike and Walk for Climate Change Awareness event. (The Olympian - WA 8.15.09)

UU aid worker gets one-year probation for 'knowingly littering'

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:37:00 +0000

UU aid worker sentenced for 'knowingly littering'
Walt Staton, a 27-year-old UU who was convicted of “knowingly littering” for leaving water jugs in the southern Arizona desert, was sentenced to serve one year of unsupervised probation and complete 300 hours of trash removal on public lands. Staton is part of No More Deaths, a humanitarian aid group that gives aid to migrants walking across the desert. (Arizona Daily Star - 8.11.09)

See also: UU convicted of littering while supplying humanitarian aid (uuworld.org - 6.15.09)

Also in the media:

The Rev. Mike Young, the new interim minister at the UU Church of Waterville, Maine, describes an encounter with Barack Obama at his previous church in Hawaii, and explains why he and his family are looking forward to "a whole new adventure." (Central Maine Morning Sentinel - 8.14.09)

Wendy Starr, lay chaplain with the Unitarian Fellowship of Sarnia and Port Huron in Ontario, Canada, recently retired after a career that included 218 weddings and 28 funeral services in the past nine years. (Sarnia Observer - 8.14.09)

The UU Church of Hagerstown, Md., hosted a Faith in Action fair to encourage volunteerism in the community. (The Herald-Mail - MD 8.9.09)

Former students of the Jordan School in Suffolk, Va.—originally founded by Universalists in 1894 for black children who couldn't attend public school—are planning a reunion this Labor's Day. (Suffolk News-Herald - 8.11.09)

Best-selling author interviewed, youth travel to Europe, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Best-selling UU author Braestrup on Maine TV
"Conversations With Maine" host Frank Ferrel interviews the Rev. Kate Braestrup, a chaplain for the Maine Warden Service and author of the best-selling memoir Here If You Need Me. (interview length is 26:46) (MPBN News - 8.6.09)

Youth visit Europe for Unitarian exchange program
A reporter with the Lower Hudson Journal interviews a group of UU youth from New York preparing to participate in a Unitarian exchange program in Europe. (Lower Hudson Journal - NY 8.1.09)

A letter to the editor from one of the youth's mothers praises the article overall, but takes issue with the use of the phrase "religion-lite." (Lower Hudson Journal - NY 8.4.09)

The UUA's Advocacy and Witness blog "Inspired Faith, Effective Action" also wrote about the group in July. (7.20.09)

Harvard Divinity's Emerson chair inauguration
The Summer 2009 issue of Harvard Divinity Today (not available online as far as I can tell) had a story about the inauguration of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Chair and featured a photo of Ralph Waldo Emerson Unitarian Universalist Association Senior Lecturer in Divinity Dan McKanan, who delivered the inaugural lecture, and former UUA President William G. Sinkford. You can watch McKanan's lecture, "Unless a Seed Falls: Cultivating Liberal Institutions," online. (5.7.09)

Also in the media:

Jason Tippitt, a UU and editor with the Jackson Sun, writes about the anniversary of the shootings at the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, and how there is "no more constructive way to stand up to a hate-filled terrorist than with love and support across religious, political, and cultural barriers." (Jackson Sun - 8.2.09)

The First UU Church of Wausau, Wisc., celebrated the state’s adoption of a domestic partnership registry that will ensure many legal protections for same-sex couples. (Wausau Daily Herald - Wausau, WI 8.4.09)

Members of the First UU Church of Wausau, Wisc., traveled to Utah to attend this year's General Assembly in Salt Lake City. (Wausau Daily Herald - Wasau, WI 7.31.09)

Christopher L. Walton contributed to this week's blog.

Knoxville shootings remembered, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:03:00 +0000

One year later, Knoxville shootings remembered
Monday, July 27 marked the one-year anniversary of the shooting at the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, Tenn., in which two people were killed—Greg McKendry, a member of TVUUC, and Linda Kraeger, a member of Knoxville's Westside UU Church—and six others were wounded. The Knoxville News Sentinel covered the anniversary in several stories, including an interview with seven people who were affected by the shootings, one about how the congregations and the UU faith have grown in responce to the tragedy, one on the congregations coming together for a concert on the anniversary, and a profile of Tammy Sommers, who survived a gunshot wound to the head. (Knoxville News Sentinel - 7.26.09, 7.27.09, 7.28.09, 7.25.09)

In related news, a man was arrested outside the Tennessee Valley UU Church during the concert marking the shooting's anniversary. Daniel Robinson showed up outside the church to protest the concert, was yelling about issues he had with the church, and refused to leave when asked to by church members and officers. He was later released on bond. (WBIR-TV / Knoxville News Sentinel - 7.28.09)

UU poet interviewed on NPR
NPR's "Fresh Air" program this week featured poet Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno, who discussed her Unitarian Universalist congregation in a program about the murder of her daughter in 2003 and the book of poems she has written about it. (NPR - 7.29.09)

Also in the media:

The Rev. Tess Baumberger, minister of the Unity Church of North Easton, Mass., writes about finding your courage. (Enterprise News - 7.30.09)

With signs that fighting will soon end in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of the First Unitarian Church, who have held a peace vigil every Saturday morning for more than two years, held their last vigil. (Worcester Telegram - Worcester, MA 7.26.09)

An article in the Kansas City Star praises the Rev. Jim Eller, who led his last service as minister of the All Souls UU Church in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas City Star - 7.28.09)

Chris Walton contributed to this week's blog.

Slowing down, eating ethically, and 'Army Wives' part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:25:00 +0000

UU ministers on slowing down, eating ethically
The Boston Globe interviews the Rev. John Gibb Millspaugh, co-minister of the Winchester, Mass., Unitarian Society, about the benefits of slowing down in life, specifically slowing down to examine the spiritual implications of our food choices. (Boston Globe - 7.21.09)

The Rev. Robert F. Murphy, minister of the UU Fellowship of Falmouth, Mass., writes about ethical eating for the Cape Cod Times. (Cape Cod Times - Hyannis, MA 7.18.09)

See also:
Eating dilemmas (UU World - Winter 2008)
Eating ethically (UU World - Spring 2007)
Let's Take Back our Time (UU World - Sept/Oct 2004)

'Army Wives' TV show features UU church
The second of two episodes of the Lifetime series Army Wives to feature the Unitarian Church in Charleston, S.C. has aired. Previously, in episode 5 (at about 35:39), a soldier about to deploy to Iraq comes to the church to find out about getting her baby baptized. The following episode (at about 35:37) features the child's dedication service. The scenes were filmed in the church's sanctuary and members of the congregation were invited to be part of the filming. You can watch the episodes online. (mylifetime.com - 7.5.09)

Also in the media:

Last week I included several media links to stories about Katherine Tyson, a 21-year-old UU was killed in a car crash returning from General Assembly where she had served as a delegate. Boston University's Daily Free Press has an in-depth article about the recent graduate's life and interests. (Daily Free Press - Boston, MA 7.19.09)

Schenectady's Daily Gazette interviews Hal Webster, a former research engineer who is about to retire from his role as volunteer archivist at the Schenectady Unitarian Society, a post he has held for almost 20 years. (Schenectady Gazette - Schenectady, NY 7.19.09)

A group at the First Congregational Society-Unitarian of Hampton Falls, N.H., is working to preserve their historic building. (Seacoastonline.com - Portsmouth, NH 7.17.09)

There are several large photos in this story about the blessing of the animals service at the UU Church of Long Beach, Calif. (LBPOST.com - Long Beach, CA 7.21.09)

The Rev. Mary Wellemeyer is becoming the new interim minister at the UU Church of Belfast, Maine, after eight years at the UU Church of Manchester, N.H. (VillageSoup Belfast - ME 7.22.09)

Young GA delegate remembered, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:03:00 +0000

GA delegate dies in car accident
Katherine Tyson, a 21-year-old UU was killed in a car crash returning from General Assembly where she had served as a delegate. Tyson grew up in the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Va., and was active at Arlington Street Church, Boston. (Mount Vernon Gazette - VA 7.16.09)

Among the groups that posted web pages and stories remembering Tyson were: Boston University (her alma mater), Arlington Street Church, and Mount Vernon Unitarian Church. Two Facebook pages have also been set up in her memory. Search for "We Love You, Katie Tyson" and "Katie Tyson."

Tyson's friends and family, in conjunction with her churches and the UUA
Mass Bay District, have created the Katie Tyson Fund to train and develop leaders among UU youth and young adults.

UUA, UUSC select minority leaders
The Christian Century reports that both the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ chose minority presidents at their national meetings in June. The UUA's first Latino president, the Rev. Peter Morales, was elected at the General Assembly in Salt Lake City. (The Christian Century - 7.09)

Also in the media:

A front page story in the Sierra Vista Herald describes how the UU Church of Southeastern Arizona stepped in to help support a meal-delivery program for elderly and homebound people after the state cut its funding. (Sierra Vista Herald - 7.9.09)

Brandon David, a UU, is one of two recent graduates from Dorman High School in Spartanburg, S.C., who have started a petition requesting that the school district put a stop to religious messages at graduation ceremonies. (Spartanburg Herald Journal - Spartanburg, SC 7.16.09)

An article in the Irish Times explores the Unitarian roots of Dubliner Major General Richard Montgomery, a U.S. military hero who died during the American Revolutionary War. (Irish Times - Dublin 7.14.09)

The congregation of All Souls UU Church in Oakland, Maine, has voted to close its historic 1832 building due to lack of funds and a dwindling membership. (Morning Sentinel - Portland, ME 7.11.09)

About 60 people gathered the UU Church of Bangor, Maine, for the 25th annual service in memory of Charlie Howard, the victim of a 1984 hate crime. (Bangor Daily News - Bangor, ME 7.13.09)

Members of the Unitarian Church in Summit, N.J., traveled to Utah to attend this year's General Assembly in Salt Lake City. (NJ.com - 7.16.09)

A history piece in the Philadelphia Inquirer takes a brief look at Unitarian Joseph Priestley and the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. (Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia, PA 7.12.09)

This post marks the fourth anniversary of the "UUs in the Media" blog. Thanks for reading!

S.C. church featured on Lifetime series, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:06:00 +0000

UU church featured on Lifetime show
Episode 5 of this season's Lifetime series Army Wives features the Unitarian Church in Charleston, S.C. In the scene, which starts at about 35:39, a soldier about to deploy to Iraq comes to the church to find out about getting her baby baptized. Episode 6 will also feature the church. The scenes were filmed in the church's sanctuary and members of the congregation were invited to be part of the filming. You can watch the episodes online. (mylifetime.com - 7.5.09)

Adult sex-ed in the media spotlight
Salon, inspired by the recent feature article in O magazine, writes about the UUA's OWL (Our Whole Lives) sexuality education curriculum for adults. (Salon - 7.9.09)

Website The Frisky also picked up the story, writing that "I knew Unitarians were cool beans, but I didn’t realize they were this cool." (The Frisky - Atlanta 7.8.09)

See also: Adventures in Adult Sex Education (O magazine - July 2009)

Hate-crime victim remembered
The UU Society of Bangor, Maine, marked the 25th anniversary of the local hate-crime murder of 23-year-old Charles O. Howard, a gay Unitarian. (Bangor Daily News - 7.7.09)

GA-related followup
Journalist Bill Maxwell writes about former UUA President William G. Sinkford's decision to keep the 2009 GA in Salt Lake City rather than boycotting the area after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints's role in persuading California voters to reject same-sex marriage. (Scripps News - Washington, DC 7.6.09)

UUs at General Assembly gave nearly $30,000 to the Utah Pride Center, which supports the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through a variety of programs. (Salt Lake Tribune - 7.2.09)

Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, welcomed the installation of the Rev. Peter Morales as the new UUA president. Morales was elected at this year's GA. (World Sentinel - Los Angeles, CA 7.6.09)

See also: Morales decisively wins UUA presidency (uuworld.org - 6.29.09)

StandardNet describes the UU faith and recaps the General Assembly and the "Standing on the Side of Love" campaign. (StandardNet - Ogden, Utah 7.4.09)

The Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, minister of the UU Church of Clearwater, Fla., and his wife, Lalitha, returned home from General Assembly to find that they had been robbed of $30,000 worth of jewelry. (Tampabay.com - St. Petersburg, FL 7.8.09)

Media wraps up General Assembly, elections coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Media wraps up GA, elections coverage
Most of the General Assembly coverage was listed in the last blog post, but here are a few stragglers:

USA Today picked up the story that the UUA has elected its first Latino president, the Rev. Peter Morales. The Examiner also wrote about the elections. (USA Today - 7.2.09, 6.29.09)

See also: Morales decisively wins UUA presidency (uuworld.org - 6.29.09)

The Deseret News wrote about the General Assembly, focusing on the interfaith appeal of the annual meeting and on a peace and justice panel discussion. (Deseret News - Salt Lake City, UT 6.27.09)

The Salt Lake Tribune offers a list of “fast facts" about the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. (Salt Lake Tribune - UT 6.18.09)

KUTV mentioned a well-attended Friday evening event organized by the UUA in which GA attendees and the community gathered to support immigrants and protest a new Utah law that is supposed to crack down on illegal immigration. (KUTV - UT 6.26.09)

For more GA coverage visit the UUA's General Assembly page.

Also in the media:

Members of the UU Church of Akron, Ohio, participated in an interfaith ''Mitzvah Day'' of volunteer work and "good deeds." (Akron Beacon Journal - Akron, OH 6.28.09)

In honor of Pride Month, Adrian Hilliard, a UU writer for the Examiner, presents a Q&A with the Rev. Keith Kron, director of the UUA's Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns. (Examiner.com - 6.29.09)

Local and national coverage of General Assembly

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Sutton) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Salt Lake Tribune

Salt Lake Tribune's coverage began before General Assembly and continued throughout GA, with reports not only about the meeting, but about both the UUA and local churches.

"Relationships define outgoing Unitarian Universalist president's tenure" (6.18.09)

Though he knew the pain felt by many Unitarian Universalists over the LDS Church's role in persuading California voters to reject gay marriage last fall, Sinkford saw a different way forward:

Through relationship.

"Changing the climate that's feeding hate crime" (6.19.09)
Laurel Hallman and Peter Morales, the two candidates for UUA president, wrote a joint op/ed essay:

We must learn to air our disagreements with respect, humility and reason. The alternative is more pain and heartbreak, and the sorrowful recognition that we have left our children a world even more intolerant than the one we inherited. We cannot allow that to be our legacy.

"Diversity is an article of faith for Utah gay-friendly church" (6.19.09)
Profile of the Rev. Sean Parker Dennison and the South Valley UU Society:

The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison knows how it feels to struggle to fit, to blend, to belong.

Now, Dennison greets a variety of people -- young and old, gay and straight, Anglo and non-Anglo -- to Sunday services at the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, a religious community that bills itself as "intentionally diverse."

"Protesters call for investigation of U.S. torture allegations" (6.25.09)
A locally-organized event drew GA attendees: "Human rights groups, attendees of a Unitarian Universalist conference, veterans, and curious citizens stopped by to support the cause."

"Interfaith rally points to spiritual side of immigration debate" (6.26.09)
The UUA organized a rally on immigration concerns: "'For us religious people, this is not merely a political or economic question,' said the Rev. Bill Sinkford, president of the UUA. 'For us it is profoundly a spiritual question.'"

"UUA elects Colorado pastor as president" (6.27.09)
The presidental election was reported promptly: "Unitarian Universalists from throughout the United States, meeting in Salt Lake City for their annual general assembly, elected a Colorado pastor to be their eighth president."

USA Today

The Standing on the Side of Love campaign was reported in USA Today "Unitarians say they're 'Standing on the Side of Love'" (6.22.09)

"Rather than hunkering down in the face of violence, (the Unitarians) have proclaimed a gospel of love and hope," said the Rev. William Sinkford, the outgoing UUA president, in an interview.

Standard-Examiner (Ogden, Utah)

"Public invited to Unitarian Universalist Association events / 'Witness for family values that value all families'" (6.25.09)

The Rev. Theresa Novak, pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, . . . said she's excited about the event coming to Utah.

"It is a chance to let people who are looking for a liberal faith to know more about us," she said.

"Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in SLC" (6.27.09)

The public is invited to offer their financial as well as their emotional support to Utah's bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender community during worship services Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly, which has been taking place at the Salt Palace this week.

Deseret News (Salt Lake City, Utah)

The Deseret News also reported on the immigrants-rights rally. (6.26.09)

Denver Post

The Denver Post picked up the Salt Lake Tribune's coverage of Peter Morales's election. (6.27.09)

Red Sox church appearance, Oprah redux, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Forrest Church on learning to thrive under pressure
The Rev. Forrest Church takes lessons learned during his fight with cancer about thriving in hard times and applies them to the current economic crisis. "Perhaps it's high time to lift our eyes up from the stock ticker and grim headlines and remember how fragile life is and how precious each chance we have to learn and grow must therefore be." (Business Week - 6.12.09)

See also: Love and death (UU World - Summer 2008)

Universalist spaceman visits Bedford church
Former Red Sox pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee, a Universalist, delivered a "Sermon on the Mound" to a standing-room-only crowd at the UU First Parish Church in Bedford, Mass. The appearance also earned a mention in the Boston Globe's celebrity news section. (Lowell Sun - Lowell, MA 6.15.09 / Boston Globe – 6.17.09)

Oprah magazine's OWL story now online
Last week I told you that the July issue of Oprah's O magazine has a great featured article all about OWL (Our Whole Lives) Sexuality Education for Adults. The story is now available to read online. (Oprah.com - July 2009)

UUs respond to Obama's executive order, mark marriage equality anniversary
The Rev. Louise Green, minister of social justice at All Souls Church in Washington, D.C., is quoted in a story about responses to President Obama's executive order, which gives some benefits to domestic partners in the civilian federal workforce. (USA Today - 6.17.09)

Nearly 50 people gathered at the First UU Society of San Francisco for a bittersweet one-year anniversary celebration of California's first legal same-sex marriages. (Bay Area Reporter - San Francisco, CA 6.18.09)

See also: Mixed emotions on Calif. gay marriage anniversary (KMPH Fox 26 - Fresno, CA 6.17.09)

Also in the media:

Five years after the mysterious murder of Sharon Snow, a member of the UU Church of Greensboro, N.C., her partner has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. (Winston-Salem Journal - Winston-Salem, NC 6.14.09)

The Rev. Steve Aschmann, minister of the UU Congregation of Erie. Pa., explains why the UU belief in "justice, equity, and compassion in all human relations" led his congregation to call for a moratorium on capital punishment. (GoErie.com - Erie, PA 6.13.09)

The UU Church of Columbia, Mo., honored congregants's animal companions at its 10th annual pet blessing service. (Columbia Missourian - Columbia, MO 6.15.09)

'O' magazine highlights UU sex-ed program, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:32:00 +0000

OWL in Oprah magazine
Pick up the July issue of Oprah's O magazine (on shelves Monday) and you'll find that one of the articles featured on the cover is a great story all about OWL (Our Whole Lives) Sexuality Education for Adults. For those not familiar with it, OWL is a popular comprehensive sexuality-education program that the Unitarian Universalist Association published in collaboration with the United Church of Christ. (O - July 2009)

Humanitarian aid worker convicted on littering charge
On June 4, 27-year-old UU Walt Staton was convicted of littering by a federal court for leaving water jugs in Arizona's Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge—a crime that could result in up to a year in prison. Staton is part of the humanitarian aid group "No More Deaths," which offers supplies and aid to migrants trying to cross the desert. (Arizona Daily star - 6.4.09)

A fond farewell to Starr King statue
Not everyone was happy to see a statue of Ronald Reagan replace one of UU historical figure Thomas Starr King, which has stood in Washington's National Statuary Hall for 78 years. (OC Weekly - Santa Ana, CA 6.9.09)

A New York Times writer offered a farewell toast to the "worthy but obscure" Thomas Starr King in an opinion piece that recalls the accomplishments that first earned the Unitarian minister a place in the Statuary Hall. (New York Times - 6.5.09)

See also: Unitarian statue loses spot in U.S. Capitol (uuworld.org - 9.15.06 )

Also in the media:

Claire Barker writes about traveling as a volunteer with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she is helping to ascertain what impact the city's private water and sanitation business is having on the Guayas River estuary. (Boston Globe - 6.3.09)

The Rev. Chris Buice, minister of the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, reflects on how his congregation has changed and healed since the deadly shootings there one year ago. (The Wichita Eagle - Wichita, KS 6.7.09)

Read more about the Knoxville shootings. (uuworld.org)

The Deseret News reports that two major religious conventions are coming to Salt Lake City this month: the 48th annual UUA General Assembly and the 22nd International Conference of the Center for Studies on New Religions. (Deseret News - Salt Lake City, UT 6.5.09)

After seven years, the Rev. Meg Barnhouse (a uuworld.org columnist) is leaving the UU Church of Spartanburg, S.C., to serve as interim minister at the UU Congregation of Princeton, N.J. (Spartanburg Herald Journal - Spartanburg, SC 6.5.09)

The Rev. Erica Baron, consulting minister for the UU Fellowship of Bennington, Vt., writes about the blurry line between the sacred and secular aspects of our lives. (Bennington Banner - Bennington, VT 6.6.09)

UUSC president recalls historic El Salvador involvement, and more

noreply@blogger.com (Sonja L. Cohen) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:03:00 +0000

UUSC president reflects on El Salvador involvement
On the inauguration day of Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes, Charlie Clements, president and CEO of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, reflects on the UUSC's involvement with El Salvador since 1977, when security forces "opened fire there on hundreds of unarmed civilians protesting a fraudulent presidential election." (Boston Globe - 6.1.09)

Also in the media:

The UU Church of East Liberty, Mich., was mentioned on NPR's "Here and Now" in a piece about "The Grapes of Wrath Revisited." (Here and Now - 5.29.09)

A statue of Ronald Reagan has replaced one of UU historical figure Thomas Starr King which has stood in Washington's National Statuary Hall for 78 years. (Sacramento Bee - CA 5.30.09)
See also:
Congress honors Ronald Reagan with figure in Statuary Hall (Politico - Washington, DC 6.3.09)
Unitarian statue loses spot in U.S. Capitol (uuworld.org - 9.15.06 )

The Rev. Tess Baumberger, minister of the Unity Church of North Easton, Mass., writes about the importance of theology. (Norton Mirror - Raynham, MA 6.3.09)

The UU Fellowship of Beaufort, S.C., is combining community service and recreation with a day of cleaning up the local river via kayak. (Hilton Head Island Packet - Hilton Head Island, SC 5.30.09)

Jim Tolbert writes about his first visit to a UU church—the UU Community of El Paso, Tex.—and why he plans to go back. (Newspaper Tree - El Paso, TX 5.30.09)

The United First Parish Unitarian Church in Quincy, Mass., filed a complaint with the city human rights commission after its gay pride flag was vandalized for the fourth time in nine months. Includes a short video segment. (My Fox Boston - 5.28.09)

The Unitarian Universalist Association formally chartered New Hope, a congregation in New Hudson, Mich. (Mirror - Royal Oak, MI 6.4.09)