Social Justice
I understand Unitarian Universalism as an eschatological religion, meaning I think we are fundamentally concerned with bringing about another world, or another way of living. And, we are committed to living in a way that brings about those changes. We dream of a world made whole, where all identities are affirmed and respected. We dream of a world made fair, where everyone has what they need to live peaceful, meaningful lives.
For me, Unitarian Universalism is most valuable when it is spoken in the public square, and not sequestered to our congregations. What we believe matters, and it has the power to bring healing that this world desperately needs. James Luther Adams once wrote: “A faith that is not the sister of justice is bound to bring men to grief” (James Luther Adams. “Guiding Principles for a Free Faith.” Essay. In On Being Human Religiously, 3–21. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1976). I couldn’t agree more. Our congregations may function as laboratories for the world we dream about, but that dream has to be shared beyond the walls of the parish in order to be made real.