UUs across the US Rally Against Pre-Emptive War

(Boston, Jan. 21) In what are reported to be the largest demonstrations against war since the Vietnam War demonstrations held over 30 years ago, a reported 150,000 people, gathered to witness against pre-emptive war with Iraq on Saturday and Sunday in the nation's capital. The gathered crowd, who congregated on the Mall stretching back to the reflecting pool in Washington, included at least 1,000 Unitarian Universalists traveling from as far as Florida, Kansas City, and northern Vermont.

Click to view Photo Album of UUs in demonstrations around the country!

First Unitarian Church Brooklyn, NY

Demonstrator

Vermonters for Peace

Early that day, busloads of UUs gathered at All Souls Church, Unitarian, in downtown Washington, DC to make signs for the protest. Later they joined hundreds more UUs for the rally on the Mall to march underneath the Unitarian Universalist banner.

After the march, between 300 and 400 people returned to All Souls Church to warm up, share a meal, and discuss the experiences of the weekend. A short program followed, featuring a slide show from UUA Washington Office for Advocacy Intern Robin Hoecker's recent visit to Iraq. Other speakers included Rev. Graylan Hagler (a prominent local black activist who ministers to Plymouth Congregational Church in Washington, DC), Rev. Barbara Wells (co-minister, Paint Branch UU Church, Adelphi, MD), Rob Cavenaugh of the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy, and Rev. Rob Hardies, minister of All Souls.

On Sunday morning, over 700 Unitarian Universalists packed All Souls for a Festival Service in honor of Dr. King. This was the largest gathering of UUs from around the country at All Souls Church since the 1993 march in Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights, and Rev. Rob Hardies' sermon preached that day, "Our Feet are Tired, but Our Souls are Rested," is available on the web.

The service featured the music of three church choirs: the All Souls Choir, the All Souls Jubilee Singers, and the DC Children's Choir. The music reflected traditions that influenced and were influenced by Dr. King, including "Lift Every Voice and Sing," "Amazing Grace," the South African freedom Song, "Siyahambe," and Gandhi's peace chant, "Raghupati." The All Souls Choir closed the service with a rendition of U2's "MLK."

Elsewhere across the country, UUs gathered as well to witness for peace. A rally in San Francisco drew a crowd reported to be over 100,000 with significant UU presence; smaller demonstrations took place in Santa Barbara, CA. and in Portland, OR. Additional activities took place in Portland, Maine and Morristown, New Jersey.

Unitarian Universalist Association
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