Dear Editor:
We are clergy in the Unitarian and Universalist tradition, and we affirm nurturing democracy and the rule of law is good, holy and sacred work.
In our tradition, we support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations and denomination. Our faith calls us to act in solidarity with those defending democratic norms, institutions, and rights in society at large.
At different periods in history, our religious ancestors suffered harassment and violence because of our beliefs in religious pluralism and equal justice under the law- whether in Reformation Europe or the Jim Crow United States.
Across the region, just in the last few months, three of our congregations (the Fourth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westchester, The First Unitarian Society of Westchester, and Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains) have affirmatively voted to be actively engaged in protecting democracy as a religious practice. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley will vote in January. The congregational vote at The First Unitarian Society of Westchester was unanimous. We all are inspired and discerning our response to the moment.
Our public recommitment to civil and religious liberty is inspired by the ongoing transgressions of the rule of law and harassment of individuals and families we are witnessing across the nation by federal authorities, including here in New York.
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to democracy as a moral and spiritual imperative and as essential to the realization of justice, equity and compassion in human society.
As people of faith and good will, we condemn efforts to subvert democratic institutions, suppress voting rights, intimidate public servants, manipulate the judiciary, and spread authoritarian ideologies.
As people of faith and good will, we support local, state, and national efforts to protect and expand voting rights, protect individuals from cruel and unusual punishment, ensure the safety of election workers and the freedom of voters, and hold leaders accountable to the rule of law.
These are upsetting, stressful times. Yet, so many people still work for decency and dignity. We express our gratitude for volunteers and organizers in civic groups, congregations, and neighborhood forums – organizing education and civic engagement, supporting nonpartisan voter registration efforts, and engaging in public witness for democracy, including non-violent protests, strikes, and disruptive events (non-cooperation) as needed.
The freedom of religion, assembly, expression, the press and to peacefully petition the government to address grievances is only as vibrant as it is practiced. Especially during this sacred season, we are inspired by all people of good will working to nurture and sustain human rights, dignity and beloved community.
With appreciation,
Rev. Lane Cobb, Fourth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westchester
Rev. Mark Cutolo, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland County
Rev. Emily De Tar Birt, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester
Rev. Daniel Lawlor, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hudson Valley
Rev. Danielle Lindstrom, Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains
Rev. Arlin Roy, First Unitarian Society of Westchester
Rev. Michael Tino, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Hudson Valley
