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On November 6, we awoke to the undeniable reality that the religious and political right’s decades-long strategy to sow fear and division and pit our communities against one another prevailed on the electoral landscape. While there were victories on important issues in state measures and local races, we cannot deny that the politicians who now hold control of the presidency, the House, and the Senate have told us clearly their intent to target our communities and further destabilize our democracy.
Dear ones, please know that your Unitarian Universalist Association had been preparing for multiple scenarios, including this one, for a long time. We know well that the current and future aftermath of these election results brings even more threats against beloveds among and beyond our congregations—especially BIPOC folks, migrants, trans/nonbinary/queer people, the disabled community, women and people with uteruses, and more. We have been in close communication with our leaders and our congregations about both spiritual and practical considerations as we provide extra support and solidarity to these groups and strategize our next moves to show up in our power as a religious community.
There is profound rage in the nation. Fear is also rampant across the country, although how we respond to that fear has clearly led us to respond in wildly different ways. Many of us—particularly those who have never found full hope and safety in the protections of the state—are not surprised at this outcome, even as we are shattered by it.
At the same time, Unitarian Universalists know that democracy and justice are central to, but not defined by, electoral cycles. We honor and celebrate the incredible work thousands of UUs have done through UU the Vote, and we remind ourselves that the long-term struggles for democracy, for bodily autonomy, for climate justice and decriminalization are the ongoing imperatives of our faith. We will continue to Side With Love because that is who we are, regardless of the results of any one election. We will center ourselves in Love, and ground our work going forward in our shared values of justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity.
This is a moment for deliberateness, care, thoughtfulness, and coordination. We will discern together the actions needed in the months and years ahead. And it will be imperative for us all, individually and collectively, to reground in the spiritual practices and organizing skills that we have been cultivating for so long.
So, we pause, we breathe, we hold one another close. And we ask:
How will Unitarian Universalism meet this moment? Who are we called to be, and what are our deepest values and commitments compelling us to do as the map of the terrain that lies ahead snaps into focus?
Perhaps the greatest gift of belonging to the rooted, dynamic living tradition of Unitarian Universalism is knowing in our bones that we are both the inheritors of a complex and powerful historical legacy and the stewards of a future yet to be imagined.
Now, as it has always been, the unwavering Love at the center of our faith is our greatest balm, our strongest shield, and our fiercest power. That animating core of Love will both demand our rigorous action and offer us the wellspring of hope and courage that will equip us for that work in the times ahead.
Beloveds, we will hold our fear together.
We will honor our rage and devastation and grief.
We will hold one another ferociously, tenderly, faithfully.
And then:
We will move deliberately.
We will invest in trust.
We will claim joy, rest, and sustenance.
We will resist en masse.
We will fight fascism and continue the struggle for democracy.
We will continue to build our movements for justice.
We will focus our efforts and abandon distractions.
We will create safe harbor for those in danger.
We will leverage our resources.
We will sharpen our skills and our analysis.
We will act as if no person is disposable.
We will refuse the politics of division and despair.
We will seek the wisdom of elders and of history.
We will weave deeper connections with our neighbors.
We will fight for our survival.
And we will create the conditions of possibility for our thriving and liberation.
Adapted from a public message originally shared on November 6, 2024.
Video: Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter’s ‘The Love of Liberty’ Sermon
In a November 10 sermon titled “The Love of Liberty,” Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter called on Unitarian Universalists to uphold freedom and progressive values.