March 2011
It was a powerful moment to walk into the State House on February 17th and be surrounded by hundreds of people wearing red in opposition of the repeal of the marriage equality law. It was a powerful moment to see so many people stand on the side of love and in support of any of us to allow love to guide us in selecting our spouses and the families we want to create. It was a powerful moment because wherever I looked I saw familiar faces, the faces of Unitarian Universalists ready to speak out for what we believe and value.
Yet looking around the crowded room I was also reminded of how much our work in this world depends on building - and crossing - bridges to other faith traditions and secular coalitions. To have the impact we hope for we depend on the relationships we nurture beyond our own church walls.
Of course, being in relationship with others who share our values yet are on a religious path different from our own should come naturally to Unitarian Universalists. Our faith is built on the premise that each one of us is free to pursue our own spiritual path yet will do so in community. We do so in community because we recognize that our own understanding, perspectives, and practices are enriched and deepened if we are in dialog with people who hold different beliefs.
The key here is that we need to be in dialog. Simply sitting next to someone with a different theological perspective does not mean we will grow. Trying to convince someone else of our position does not help us grow. Dialog depends on paying close attention to where we share assumptions and experiences, and how we differ in how we make sense of them. Dialog depends on listening, on asking questions, and on witnessing others put their faith into action. Opportunities for spiritual growth are all around us, at church, at the soup kitchen, at the homeless shelter, and even at the state house.
~ Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger
| 
