This week the United States celebrates Independence Day…243 years of independence from the rule of England. It is a tricky holiday. The word “independence” doesn’t acknowledge the history of genocide, enslavement, internment, and mass incarceration. It doesn’t acknowledge the current inhumane treatment of those seeking asylum at our southern border.

It also doesn’t acknowledge the truth that we are not independent… we are actually interdependent. As global citizens, we share finite resources. As part of a congregation, a family, or a community, our choices impact one another. As we sometimes say at the close of worship, “we depend upon one another more than we know.” (This comes from the previous co-ministers at the UU Church of Berkeley, the Revs. Barbara and Bill Hamilton-Holloway.)

So, for this 4th of July, how might we behave as though we know we are interdependent? It might be a good day to send a thank you note to someone who has helped make your life better. Maybe you might ask for help, remembering that none of us can go it alone. Maybe you could pick up trash in your neighborhood, or somewhere near you. Maybe if you have a celebration you might use compostable or washable tableware and place settings, making dish washing a spiritual practice after the celebration or an opportunity to teach a younger person how to do this task as part of their interdependence in the family. Or write to your elected officials about an issue that is important to you, and to the lives of others. Maybe you’ll devote some of your Interdependence Day to volunteering in a community garden, or go for a hike or a paddle and give thanks for this beautiful Earth.

Our liberation is intertwined. Freedom is an interdependent enterprise. Whatever you choose to do, know that you matter. Know that you matter to us.

In solidarity with the whole Earth,
~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy