UUs reached out, connected online during pandemic
Media roundup: A sampling of stories about Unitarian Universalists from other media, March–April 2020.
UU congregations partner with housing, food nonprofits amid pandemic
Kansas and Arizona churches serve as emergency shelters; California and New York churches provide groceries to people in need.
UUA: Congregational ministries are essential, but should remain virtual only
Unitarian Universalist Association urges its congregations to plan on virtual-only gatherings for next twelve months as COVID-19 continues to endanger lives.
UUA General Assembly will be entirely virtual
Annual conference, which had been scheduled for June 24–28 in Providence, Rhode Island, will take place entirely online, UUA announces.
Pandemic response resources help congregations adapt
UUA staff curate a library of resources to help congregations adapt to COVID-19; Pandemic Response Fund provides grants to local groups and religious professionals in need.
Baton Rouge church quickly opens childcare center for healthcare workers
In one weekend, the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, closed its building, shifted to online worship, and welcomed a childcare program for healthcare workers.
Congregations adapt to COVID-19 by going online
Offering worship services and other opportunities to connect online is “a forced exercise in emergence,” says the Rev. Karen Johnston, and “an opportunity to find people who need us.”
UUA closes Boston office, discourages large gatherings
Leaders recommend suspending worship gatherings and other large events; staff are working from home; UUA events in the next month have been moved online or canceled.
Seattle-area congregations cancel in-person worship services
As COVID-19 spreads, Unitarian Universalist congregations begin to adapt. In Washington State, this means shifting to online rather than in-person worship and meetings.
NAACP honors Illinois church for justice work
News briefs: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, church recognized for racial justice work; historic Tarpon Springs, Florida, church reopens after restoration; first Universalist church in America achieves carbon neutrality.
Board nominates Riley, Du Mond for UUA co-moderator position
Uncontested slate of candidates will be installed in leadership roles at General Assembly in June.
UUA, UU groups condemn U.S. escalation with Iran
UUA signs January interfaith statement condemning U.S. assassination of Iranian military leader.