Warm greetings to everyone gathered for the 1998 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalists.

    America was founded on a great tradition of religious liberty. This freedom helps to unite our nation of diverse faiths and creeds and gives us common ground for tolerance and understanding of others. You have made your own lasting contributions to this tradition, and I am particularly grateful for your work on my Initiative on Race and our shared belief in One America.

    It is fitting that you meet in Rochester in the year marking the 150th anniversary of the first national Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls. Unitarians and Universalists were in the forefront of that struggle for women's equality, as you have been and remain in the forefront of the struggle for equality of all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability.

    We live in challenging times. As you meet this year, you can take pride in knowing that your spiritual leadership has uplifted your communities, strengthened our nation, and set an example of faith for peoples around the world.

    Best wishes for an enjoyable and productive meeting.

-- Bill Clinton 

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