Sherri Durgin-Campbell
President, Rutland Vermont Unitarian Universalist Church

President's letter for January 2005

John Buehrens wrote in his book Understanding the Bible, An introduction for skeptics, seekers and Religious Liberals, that "Progressive people simply cede their power to opponents when they leave interpretation of our religious heritage, or the meaning of our nation, or authentic ‘family values,’ to the reactionaries, the chauvinists, and the bigots."

I was reminded of that passage last month while visiting the UUA website. I learned that NBC and CBS networks refused to run an ad from the United Church of Christ on the grounds that it was an advocacy ad on a controversial issue. There was a link to view the ad which I did. I encourage you to do the same. The only controversy in the ad seems to be the opinion that Jesus's message was one of inclusive love.

It is a chilling thought that a mainstream network would actually believe it appropriate to ban opposing views on the subject of same sex marriage and the constitutional amendment being proposed by some leading members of our government. It seems to me that part of the problem is a lack of clear message by those whose religious attitudes are more progressive. At the very least, it has prompted me to consider ways in which I might encourage dialogue with people outside of our religious community.

I think one way might be to wear a piece of chalice jewelry in the hopes that someone might ask me what it represents. Another is to challenge opposing views by writing a letter to the editor of my local newspaper when I see articles espousing opinions that I oppose.

I have also come to believe that as a Unitarian Universalist, I have a responsibility to myself to study religious dogma that I oppose as well as that which I support. The quote "Know Thine Enemy" is attributed to a passage in Ecclesiastics 12:10-11. I found this out by doing a search on the internet. Frankly it bothers me that I didn't know this without doing research. It also bothers me that when I did a search on Unitarian Universalists I found several websites by Fundamentalist groups discussing how to convert us. One site www.contenderministries.org refers to Unitarian Universalists as a "cult".

So for my New Years resolution, I am going to make more of an effort to explore and share my beliefs more clearly, to listen to opposing views more patiently and to speak out more often when I see opportunities to educate and illuminate views that need a hearing at the level of local and national news. I am going to try to "Walk the Walk".

Now let's hope these resolutions don't go the way of most New Years resolutions. Do me a favor. Ask me how I'm doing through out the year. I know I'll need lots of support to follow through on all of this. May all of you find success with your resolutions. May we all grow in peace on our spiritual and life journeys in this new year.