Dear Editor:
We are clergy in the Unitarian and Universalist traditions – deeply respectful of freedom of conscience and equal protection under the law.
We are profoundly disappointed and angry at the new Department of Defense guidelines removing active duty service members who are transgender and non-binary, and preventing future Americans who are transgender from national service as chaplains, enlisted personnel and officers.
Our tradition has a long history of members serving in military chaplaincy, as enlisted personnel, officers, even Secretaries of Defense, at our best guided by values supporting peace keeping, peace making and peace building.
Transgender American soldiers and sailors protect our coasts, transport troops, serve in combat, translate for communities, prepare meals and care for the wounded.
Our vigilance for freedom is diminished when individuals are denied the ability to participate as equal citizens in the Department of Defense because of their identities.
Our Republic is at its best when our civic institutions reflect the diversity and dynamism of the American people.
Thank you,
Rev. Arlin Roy, First Unitarian Society of Westchester
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. Lane Cobb, Fourth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westchester
Rev. Mark Cutolo, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland County
