Over this past 12 months, I actually have named that this is no time for an informal faith and no time to move it by myself. in the coming yr, I should be focused on mission, as a result of mission is the place these two things meet. The opposite of an informal religion is a deep experience of purpose that recognizes how a whole lot our religion matters. And when we are called by using a bold mission, we realize we are able to’t do it alone.

may there be a magnificent and simple anchor for Unitarian Universalists, a transparent articulation of our calling in this time? i am reminded of a T-shirt I saw at customary meeting a number of years in the past. It examine quite simply “Love the Hell Out of This World.” The phrase came from the Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford. Bruxo do amor Bruxo do amor

Our Universalist ancestors didn’t consider in hell, other than those we create here during this life. What would it not imply to demonstrate up within the places where hell, where suffering and violence, persecution and inhumanity, be successful and to bring an lively, powerful form of love that affirms dignity, liberation, and peace? it will suggest leaving the confines of privilege to display up in team spirit, engaging and being within the struggle with those most directly impacted via injustice. It ability siding with the countrywide prisoners strike, with refugees and kids criminalized and jailed, it means ending police violence, it potential displaying up towards anti‑Muslim and antisemitic policies and rhetoric, and it capacity displaying up with our sisters in the streets and within the vote casting cubicles to admire the honour and integrity of ladies’s lives, our bodies, and selections.

Answering this deeper name of our theology and mission is the quality that ensures our congregations and communities don’t seem to be mere social clubs but real agents of ethical and non secular trade.

All spiritual communities are unavoidably part of the fame quo. we are ancient associations, with special privilege in the neighborhood and tax-covered reputation. youngsters, if we aren’t also performing fearlessly for human dignity, compassion, justice, and peace, then we are failing to live our mission. “Love the Hell Out of This World”—that says it fairly well about how we are referred to as theologically and faithfully to be on the planet.

think about what can be unleashed or changed if each and every of us in our congregations asked, “How are we loving the hell out of the area?” How does this mission name us to re-think the ways we have been residing, investing, and working for our values on the earth?

at the UUA i am impressed by means of the multiple techniques I see our congregations and association leaning into mission and selecting to aspect with love. only one example is the Promise and the practice of our religion crusade for Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU). we’ve already raised $4 million toward the $5.3 million purpose! thank you to each congregation and person that has given generously to this crusade. You encourage me! There is still time to be a part of this campaign, and matching gifts can be found for people and congregational giving. This campaign is one more stone laid on the route towards liked community and restoration, only one example of what’s possible when mission leads us.

may also we welcome the brand new year more organized to love the hell out of the world each day.

observe UUA President Susan Frederick-grey on facebook for common updates.