Here we go again. Some "Christian" extremists are burning the Harry Potter books. This makes my skin crawl for several reasons: first, the Harry Potter series, although emotionally dark and complicated, is wonderful, imaginative fiction that has made avid readers of millions of children and adults. Yes, the books are about witchcraft and magic; delightfully so! They are not, however, about satanism, nor do they have demonic intent. Even a quick skim through the series reveals a clear affirmation of the power of love, the solace of friendship, and a condemnation of the destructive and hateful Lord Voldemort ("He who must not be named!") as evil. I'm sorry that the author, the talented, clever and visionary Ms. Rowling, has had to contend with such absurd accusations.

To burn the Harry Potter books is also a futile gesture. There are millions and millions of copies in print – obviously the destroyed texts are not irreplaceable. But I have been reading lately about a Unitarian martyr of the Reformation era, Michael Servetus, who was burnt at the stake along with his works about the errors of the theological concept of the Trinity. Back then, burning books had a permanent effect as there were often no other copies in existence. If there were, they had to be carefully protected and often smuggled into safer, more tolerant countries (this is, in fact, exactly how Servetus's writing survived for us to read today). To see footage of the triumphant fanatics throwing Harry Potter onto the flames brings a chill of recognition and fear: we are not through fighting for religious freedom and tolerance. How much hysteria does it take before pitching books onto the fire becomes a cry to throw human beings into the flames? For some, this is still considered "the work of the Lord."

Religious toleration is the hallmark of our tradition and should not be taken for granted by any one of us. Remember that the vast majority of this country still does not know that Unitarian Universalism exists. They have no idea that there is a religious community that affirms their freedom of conscience, requires no allegiance to creeds and doctrine, but which instead invites them to a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning." This is how we save souls.

Over the next month or two, let us invite our friends, neighbors and co-workers to our church. Not because we "need to grow," not because it's nice to be popular, and not because we'd like a greater variety of dishes at our potluck lunches. Invite them in order to share this living tradition, to save their souls from possible atrophy and spiritual loneliness, to share the blessings of Unitarian Universalism. Let's each invite at least three new people to our worship service this month and see what happens.

In faith, hope and love,
Vicki