Environment
and
Social Justice
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A Remarkable Woman On June 10, the life of Bethany Veney was celebrated by the dedication of an interpretive marker and memorial garden in Luray. This remarkable woman, who had been enslaved in Page County, documented her life in Aunt Betty’s Story: The Narrative of Bethany Veney, A Slave Woman. The narrative can be found here. Bound…
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(Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice image) Justice is at the core of our faith. Our congregations are called to make a positive difference in our wider communities. We work to serve, to raise awareness, and to support and partner with people who face injustice. We advocate, organize, and act for justice to live out the…
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As we stated last month, the Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge has been accredited as a Green Sanctuary congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). So, now what do we do? Unitarian Universalists are asked to put their faith into action, including addressing the climate crisis. Here are campaigns in the Green Sanctuary 2030…
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Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge has received the UUA’s Green Sanctuary and Welcoming Congregation designations. Now we are asking how we—as a small, rural congregation—can have a greater impact on social and environmental justice through our conscientious acts. Joining with other congregations and groups is a way to amplify our voices and actions. In…
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We are excited to announce that the Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge (UUBRidge) has been designated a Green Sanctuary congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) after several years of efforts by the Environment and Social Justice Committee, now chaired by Lisa McQuail, and many other UUBRidge members and friends. In announcing the designation,…
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Advocacy in support of specific causes takes many forms, from participating in vigils and demonstrations, to contacting elected officials and others by signing petitions, writing letters, or making phone calls. Advocacy may also mean posting online, talking to individuals or groups, or volunteering time and donating money to groups working for causes. “Deeds not Creeds”…
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(NASA Image of Earth) On November 6, Rev. Russ Savage of the Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge spoke to the congregation on “The Structure of Forgiveness.” He described the human need to forgive and be forgiven as a complex psychological and spiritual process that may be healing to both parties. The topic sparked the…
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The 27th Conference of the Parties—COP 27 The United Nations 27th environmental Conference of the Parties is underway in Egypt through November 18. Live sessions can be viewed online at https://unfccc.int/cop27/webcast. The Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (UUMFE)will be hosting almost daily facilitated discussions using Zoom. The full schedule and a link to sign up for…
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Transgender Students The Virginia Department of Education under Governor Glen Youngkin has proposed changes regarding treatment of transgender and other youth in public schools. A new policy would replace the 2021 Model Policy for Treatment of Transgender Students, which allowed them the use of restroom facilities and pronouns and names corresponding to their gender identity,…
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Statue of Liberty (National Park Service) Freedom and the Rule of Law By Frank Dixon Freedom doesn’t work so well without laws to curb its expression. Liberty is what’s left after those laws have been enculturated. Our constitutional government presents a framework for defining liberty, and that process involves restricting freedom. Every constitutional law implies…