Dear Friends,

At times of national chaos and local heartbreak in Minneapolis, Louisville, New York and so many other parts of this country, it makes it even more painful to be separated physically from one another.  Lucy and I miss you, but we feel your deep-hearted love, and we hear your longing for justice and safety for all.  

The culture and patterns of racial domination have brought new images to the fore--the horrific and cruel act of a police officer choking George Floyd until he died. He had been handcuffed for suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill. This was days after Louisville police burst into the apartment of Breonna Taylor and shot her 8 times.  

Breonna was 26, an EMT and aspiring nurse.  "Big George" was 46.  He had moved from Houston to Minneapolis in 2018 for a job and took with him his outreach ministry as a devout Christian and African American mentor and leader for peace.  Each of their killings is a loss to their family, community and the nation. The violent crime against them is another example of how black and brown people are not safe in this country.  

In Sacramento and across the country, rallies of mostly masked citizens of color and white allies have raised the demand for justice, for equity and for humanity for black lives.   Some in the news have focused on the property damage in Minnesota, which is regrettable.  Yet the angry and anguished protesters for racial justice there and elsewhere were overwhelmingly non-violent--i.e., unarmed.  Yet in recent weeks angry opponents of shelter-in-place rules have protested at state capitols around the country not only without masks and in close contact with others, but with many of the protesting white men brandishing semi-automatic rifle.  I wouldn't call this a protest but domestic terrorism.  

These are dangerous and scary times for those who seek peace, love democracy, and long for justice, freedom and safety.  Unfortunately, for most black and brown people in the country, the time have always been dangerous. Lucy and I appreciate the calls and messages we have received from many of you and the Facebook posts we've read.  We appreciate the continuing sense of fear and betrayal among our members and neighbors of color--and your courage.  We appreciate those among you who have children, grandchildren, or students of color and who fear for their safety now and in the future.  We appreciate the anguish of everyone and the willingness of our white members and neighbors to not seek easy answers, but to remain in the discomfort of this moment and to insist on justice in this land.  We appreciate the prayers of lamentation and those for consolation for all who are grieving.  For additional reading and additional action:   

• Today, May 30, Sacramento ACT (Area Congregations Together) is holding a Sacramento Prayer Rally in response to the killing:  12:00 noon, Genesis Church, 2801 Meadowview.  All welcome, and please wear a mask and practice safe distancing.
• Action steps recommended today by the UUA Organizing Strategy Team, including a pledge to sign, opportunities to learn and lift our voices, and recommendations for monetary donations.
• Facebook Message from the UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray (she will be preaching virtually at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis this Sunday at 8:00 AM Pacific Time).  
• A letter to black and white UUs on systemic racism by Dr. Elias Ortega, President of Meadville Lombard Theological School.  
• A personal essay, "Ahmaud Arbery and the Trauma of Being a Black Runner," by Dante Stewart, a young Christian preacher and father to a black son.  

Please know that Rev. Lucy and I are both available for one-on-one meetings to talk about what's on your mind, or just to say hello.  

In these times, we miss you and hold you in our hearts, as we know you hold so much in yours.  

Yours in faith,

Rev. Roger

PS--As always, one of the ways we find strength in times of crisis is by coming together.  So we invite you to participate in the many programs of the congregation, featured below.

Need an extra UU boost during the week? Most UU congregations are meeting online, and many have recorded services available on their web sites.  You can also check out the Church of the Larger Fellowship. This is  a UU church online for those around the world who do not have a local congregation. (It started in the 1940s as a Unitarian church by mail!) CLF has been offering online worship services for 10 years, so they  must be doing something right.   Live stream Sunday at 5 PM.       Access here.