During the interim prior to our being called as your co-ministers, members of UUSS created a time-line about the history of this congregation. If that timeline was extended up to the present day, one of the significant events marked by a little dot on a line would be this past weekend’s ordination of Rev. Viola Abbitt. What a joyful and meaningful ritual and celebration!
It is significant, because members of this congregation chose to use their combined power to affirm that Viola is a Unitarian Universalist minister, and only a congregation has that authority. It is significant, because Unitarian Universalism will be changed by the ministry that she is called to bring into the world. It is significant, because wherever the Rev. Viola serves, that congregation or community will have a connection with UUSS. It is significant because it was only 39 years ago that the first Black woman was ordained in this faith and there were several women of color who are ordained who were part of this historic event. As we work for racial equity in our cities and in this country, we also need to create changes in our denomination and within the congregation. This work is related.
We also want to celebrate the surprising and amazing Supreme Court decision yesterday, declaring Civil Rights protections in Title VII for people who are LGBTQ+. We shared some tears of joy and gratitude. This is a HUGE deal and it is an even bigger deal given that the Administration has been doing what it can to gut the advances made for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as marriage equality, health care, adoption, etc. during the last Administration. It’s personal-nearly every single day of our lives folks who are lgbtqia+ are faced with cluelessness, microagressions, and the more dangerous bigotry, threat, and legislation that seeks to undermine our humanity. It is exhausting to experience the onslaught and fear that every day might bring one more wave of fear, discrimination, or worse. Every.Single.Day.
And this is why we rise in solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives. We know that People of Color, Black, and Indigenous folks face a relentless onslaught of similar and often worse experiences. We are committed to continue to work to make sure that rights are protected for all people. You might check out the 13 demands that the All of Us organizing collective (on Facebook) are making of local officials that will support Schenectady County’s Black community. They are also providing actions for each of them. This is week one for demand number one and will continue through the summer. See their page to get more involved. There is lots to do that can be done from your home.
We are in this for the long haul. The UUSS shared mission of compassion, justice, and joy means that we take time to celebrate… that we care for ourselves and one another, and that we work together to create real lasting justice!
In faith~
Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy