"This is the year we get LOUD. Hold on, be strong, and start fighting."

[Bouncy Ball]

This was said by the minister at my Unitarian Universalist (UU)church this morning. UU is a liberal religious organization, a creedless congregation, which welcomes all faiths, agnostics, atheists, etc.

Anyway, he was talking about how we are going to become a "welcoming congregation" which means we not only welcome GLBT members, but we acknowledge that the issues they face are difference from what hetero Americans face AND that we will fight alongside them for their rights.

He gave a really moving talk on why he supports GLBT rights, and I didn't see a dry eye in the place. Sniffing and Kleenex out.

He then told us that another UU church in this area burned to the ground last week. So far, they aren't sure if it's arson or not, but it's uncertain. He said to EXPECT some retaliation of some sort, so we're not surprised by it.

We'll have big banners up all over, proclaiming us as a welcoming congregation for the GLBT community and he said "this is the year we get loud. Hold on, and be strong."

I got chills. I'm going to be there, holding on, being strong, and fighting.

[donco6]

1. Where are you?

What part of the country?

[Bouncy Ball]

2. Dallas, Texas.

Send some good vibes, please? ;-)

[donco6]

8. You got it. eom

[Zomby Woof]

3. Hey BB!

Been missing you in the Lounge this afternoon, but at least we know it was all for the better. :hi:

[Bouncy Ball]

4. Aw, thanks!

I'll jump on over there, then. This minister also called the war "that damn abominable war" and talked about women's rights and the fact that a billion people in the world have no access to clean water.

How much do I love that place? After years of not fitting in to any church we went to, all we had to do was find this one.

Oops, there I go all serious again. I'll get over to the Lounge and see what no good you guys are up to.

[TrustingDog]

5. that's the only church I'd ever consider going to.

Made a visit to one a couple years ago and was impressed. (brought up catholic and sick of the fire and brimstone guilt stay in your place crap)

[Bouncy Ball]

7. Oh yeah. It's the ONLY one we'll go to

after trying out a lot of different denominations.

We "question things too much" or so we were told. Also, when I heard a minister say in the last mainline church we went to that "peace is overrated" I knew I was in the WRONG place. Cold chills went up and down my spine and I literally got up and LEFT. Right then.

[TrustingDog]

10. OMG! Peace is overrated? LOL. that must be what is....

written on Jesus' cross in them funny latin letters.

[Zomby Woof]

9. In the Seattle P-I newspaper...

There was a monthly column by a local minister - I forget the congregation/church - who has a fantastic liberal mind, and skillfully excoriates Bush from time to time. Often he writes about social justice, the false assumptions and dichotomies of conservative ideology,and other pressing matters with great clarity and insight.

His name is Anthony Robinson (often goes by Tony Robinson), and it may be possible to find his columns at http://www.seattlepi.com

I am not a church person or believer, incidentally - but neither am I so narrow-minded as to reject sound arguments no matter the source. He is one minister I can support, and yours sounds that way too.

Glad you all found your spiritual niche. :-)

[mongo]

6. Thanks for posting

It's good to hear people fighting for justice.

[merh]

11. Will you see if you can get a copy of his sermon?

I would love to read the words of courageous religious leader that truly spread the words of Christ from the pulpit and not the evil hate of the misguided.

All postive energies and prayers going out to you and your congregation.
Thank you for sharing this with us and for your courage.

[Bouncy Ball]

12. I'll ask.

But it's not strictly a Christian congregation (UU is a creedless church, even atheists belong), so he doesn't necessarily talk about Christ, but UU churches are very big on social justice, working for peace and equal rights, etc.

Even he choked up a couple of times, giving it. I'll ask him. Thanks! :hi:

[Swamp Rat]

13. Right on! n/t

:thumbsup:

[cry baby]

14. I'm from Arlington originally. I know Dallas well. You are so lucky

that you have that church and minister. My best wishes for you and the church!

Recommended for inspiration value!