Social Justice and Denomination

One of my favorite hymns is “We Are Building A New Way.” I love its forward-looking, optimistic, yet realistic message and tone.

It has a bouncy rhythm; it is not a “dirge” or downer.  The lyrics capture my approach to Social Justice as a minister – We Are Building a New Way, Feeling Stronger every day.” In my future ministries, I will build on my previously demonstrated commitment to building a new way through social justice, interfaith relations, and denominational affairs.
 
As a minister, I pro-actively support the work of a Social Justice committee (or I will help launch such a Committee, if necessary). With
grounded optimism, rather than guilt, I’ll ask the congregation to join me in "tieing our sensibilities to our neighbor's nerve endings" by engaging our heads, hearts, and hands (as well as whatever power and privilege we possess) to the task of fulfilling compassion's agenda in the world.
My current passion in this area is “intersectionality,”  fusion coalitions, and direct legislative lobbying,  and encourage the growth of this model in our congregations.
I preach about Social Justice issues regularly, especially to respond to world events and to  support specific congregational initiatives. As before, I will enthusiastically promote and participate in hands-on direct action projects (UU and non-UU) and will work for productive interfaith (and intersectional) relations in the vicinity I serve (and beyond) by joining the clergy group, as possible. I'll also take an active role in maintaining a healthy relationship with the UUA by attending denominational events and General Assembly, by participating in my minister’s collegial group, by supporting UUA programs with the congregation's approval, and by reading and reflecting upon denominational materials. We are the change we seek in the world. 
​Read  Rev. Robin’s sermons about “un-silencing” our voices and siding with love.