September 18, 2020
Dear Friends,
Our hearts are broken as we learn and grieve the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg was a tireless and courageous voice for the values we as Unitarian Universalists hold so dear. She stood for the rights of women, the poor and the marginalized with a fierceness not often seen in our country today. She fought on bravely despite her failing health, hoping to hold on long enough to see a new day in America again. Alas, it was not to be. Our world has lost a light in our present darkness.
With the very real prospect that a much more conservative Supreme Court Justice will be appointed in her stead, many of us are truly fearful for the future of our values and our country. This is the time for us to stand for justice. Already more moderate Republican Senators are questioning the rush to appoint her replacement. It will be the voice of people like us that will make the difference. We must join with other progressive religious people in calling for common decency in the appointment process.
Already I am hearing from colleagues in States with more moderate Senators that they are mobilizing their people to make our voices heard. The very act of protest, and our solidarity to that protest, is opening us to the Spirit of Love.
When the Nazis began their blitzkrieg against the English people, they were surprised to learn that the English did not retreat. They did not hide in bunkers never to emerge. Instead, the British did what has been done so many times before; they mourned their losses and set about to rebuild and fight back.
Ours is such a time as this. And our faith in democracy and dignity is made for such a time as this. Ultimately, goodness and kindness will overcome fear and hate. It may take us time, but we are in this dream for the long haul. It’s a marathon towards a new day my friends, and we are running up the hill towards the finish.
Stay strong. Stay loving. Stay together.
Yours Always,
Rev. John
