3109 Bridging Ceremony
UUA Bridging Ceremony
Remarks at the beginning of the bridging ceremony
The Rev. William G. Sinkford, President
Fort Worth, Texas – General Assembly
June 26, 2005
Welcome to the Bridging Ceremony. We began this tradition in 1995 and it has become one of the most popular events at General Assembly. The Bridging Ceremony is an opportunity to witness a transition, a passage from youth to young adulthood. Witnessing life transitions has been central to the lives of religious communities...well, since there have been religious communities. And there are roles for all of us to play in this ceremony.
The lead, of course, is played by the bridgers. Some of their hearts are filled with excitement as they look forward to what lies ahead. For some, there is a bit of anxiety as they move into an unknown future. All know that they are leaving their years as youth behind. For some this is a glad time, for others there may be some sorrow. Probably more than a few are feeling all of these things at the same time.
As a sign of blessing and of thanks, each bridging youth receives a gift from the youth community. Blessing and giving thanks have also always been religious acts.
Across the stage, the young adult community waits. That community has two symbolic roles. First, to show the youth that they need not continue their journey alone. But their presence is also a sign that there is a welcoming community of young adults waiting to receive the bridging youth. There is a destination.
And what of the rest of us? The young people and young adults and adults who will not walk, but will only witness. Our role is to solemnize this ritual with our presence, and to bear witness, to testify, that our Unitarian Universalist community wants to be church for these young people. We, we adults, have not done that well enough in the past. But we are learning and our commitment to the youth and young adult communities is an article of faith with us.
And why do we do this here...at General Assembly? The passage from youth to young adulthood most often includes a move away from home, and home church. To college, or the military. To a year of service or an internship or a job. Doing this at General Assembly, where all of the congregations gather, communicates, we hope, to the bridgers that they can always find a welcoming religious home, wherever their path leads.
Both of my children bridged in this ceremony. To the parents here, be prepared for some misting of the eyes. This was a two Kleenex event for me...both times.
All of us gathered here bring our hope and our commitment to this ceremony. May this ceremony be a blessing to us all.
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