From the Rev. Audrey Vincent, UU Church of Savannah,
GA
Both in the community and the congregation: I see within myself and
others more attentiveness to the world beyond our borders; more receptivity
toward learning about other parts of the world we have tuned out before;
more willingness to risk asking what may be perceived as stupid questions
to learn about cultures, politics, religious values and perspectives
beyond mainstream America. I base this on two very successful events
our church hosted, a 3-part series on Islam and one evening on Afghanistan
led by two college profs, one church member, one friend, both of whom
had studied extensively and/or who had first hand experience in that
part of the world. Our Fellowship Hall was packed with people--half
of whom were from the community and they didn't want to leave!
This has caused me to be intentional about planning community events
this coming church year that directly relate to what's going on in the
world. In the congregation: There's tension around our differing points
of view re terrorism, the exportation of American capitalism, patroitism,
etc.
Initially, last September, we were stunned to silence; later, more
vocal and now, from the reports I'm getting from the president, (I'm
on summer leave), attendees on Sunday morning speak too quickly without
giving an opposing point of view adequate opportunity to voice their
perspective.
