I am so enjoying the theological discussions generating from my class “Five Questions: A Theological Process for Discovery and Growth” as well as the Sunday Morning Dialog series that began with a panel presentation on Atheism.  I understand Dialogs on Theism and Agnosticism will follow soon. These deeper explorations about what we believe and how we want to act in the world are personal and revealing.  Those who take the risk to talk about their most cherished experiences are to be honored for that bravery.

Our job as a UU congregation is to create a safe container for our doubts, as well as our convictions.  How else can we learn and grow?  It is so easy, when we are passionate about our own truth, to assume everyone agrees or to subtly show disdain for those who have a different view.  I want to challenge us all to speak up when we feel hurt or unheard and to check our own assumptions often.  Most importantly we have to show up for each other, expecting to be challenged and expecting to celebrate our diversity.  The truth is that even when we choose the same label we have different experiences and understandings of what that label means.  But I love the stories of how we came to be who we each are.  I love finding our common and holy ground in the conversation.

Let’s all listen to each other... seeking to understand and with a wide open-hearted and open-minded kindness for our fellow travelers and ourselves. 

May your holidays be filled with kindness overflowing,

Rev. Virginia