How are you feeling, church?
I visited four different UU churches in New England these past two weeks. It was fun to be among our people and see what we do similarly and differently. Every church had a ritual of joys and sorrows; some used rocks, and others used candles. Every church had a chalice lighting and closing words. Every church had lovely music, some with an organ and some with a piano. Every church was welcoming and warm. Every church made me feel at home. It was nice to know that we are connected to a larger movement. I also told each church I visited that I was currently serving Pacific Unitarian and extended greetings from all of you. Everyone was delighted to feel connected to UU’s across the country in California.
We also saw another tragedy while I was away. I want to share with you some words from the UUA on the death of Nex Benedict. Many of my friends and colleagues have expressed heartache at yet another trans life lost in America.
Side with Love says:
“Our grief is holy. Our rage is divine. Our love is enduring. Our lives are sacred.
This week we learned that Nex Benedict, a non-binary child in Oklahoma, died after a violent attack by fellow students at their school. While the details are still emerging, one thing is extraordinarily clear – hateful policy and hateful theology are deadly. The ongoing dehumanization of trans and non-binary people by elected officials and hate groups fuels inhumane actions.
Our grief is holy. Our rage is divine. Our love is enduring. Our lives are sacred.
Nex should be alive today. As we look at Nex’s photos, learn about their dreams, read about their love of Minecraft and nature – we bear witness to a beautiful soul who had every right to flourish and thrive. We also bear witness to a collective loss of humanity as a new generation is enlisted to carry forth this legacy of violence.
Our grief is holy. Our rage is divine. Our love is enduring. Our lives are sacred.
When we face the ultimate cruelty that systemic oppression visits upon our communities, any number of responses emerge. Whether you need to remain still or stirring in your grief, wild or weary in your rage, frozen or frenetic in your fear, resilient or resistant in your love – we encourage you to care for your sacred body and life in whatever way your spirit demands.
Let your grief be holy. Let your rage be divine. Let our enduring love move us to build a world where trans and non-binary lives are honored as sacred.”
As you mourn and as we continue to fight, be blessed beloveds by a love greater than all.
Sending peace,
Rev. Chloë
