Unitarians turn tragedy into lesson in tolerance

[Zephie]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When an out-of-work truck driver opened fire in a Tennessee church because it welcomed gay and multiracial families, the congregation met that hatred with love. In the process, it inspired a national campaign centered around Valentine's Day to promote tolerance.

Unitarian Universalist churches across the country will be holding events on Sunday and Monday promoting civil political discourse, gay rights, humane immigration reform and ending what it calls the demonization of American Muslims as part of "National Standing on the Side of Love Day."

The idea is to take a day that is already about love, albeit the romantic variety, and expand it into a day when people seriously consider the implications of loving your neighbor as yourself.

It's the sort of thinking that made the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville a target for Jim Adkisson, whose ex-wife had once belonged to the congregation. The denomination promotes progressive social work, including advocacy of women and gay rights,

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/11/AR2011021104261.html

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knoxville_Unitarian_Universalist_church_shooting#Motivations Take a look at Jim Adkissons further reasoning, not covered by the main article if you truly want to be sickened.

http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/ participate in this years event!

[Zephie]

1. Shameless pre-valentines bump for exposure

[antigone382]

2. The lethal terrorist attack America forgot...

...or never really mentioned, as such.

I'm glad to see the church taking some inspiration from this event to spread the message of love for humanity.

[gratuitous]

3. Damn Unitarians

Took down Adkisson and nobody was even armed! What kind of message does that send to America? Prolly better to forget all about this incident. Pretend it never happened. And quit bringing it up, dammit!

[dsc]

4. I am glad the Unitarians are doing this

but I admit, I would have quit going to that church had I been a member. I couldn't bear to see my fellow parishaners targeted due to my presence.

[Odin2005]

5. K&R

[Maat]

6. Proud UU here!

I'm proudly standing on the side of love today.

[polichick]

7. Bless the UUs! I don't usually admire religious organizations, but...

I've had the pleasure of visiting many UU congregations across the country and this is one religious org that walks the walk.