The Rev. Lisa Presley
Interim Minister, Paint Creek Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Rochester Michigan

The Rev. Lisa Presley

As I write these words, television newscasts are showing American tanks in the center of Baghdad. All is quiet, but who knows what will happen in the days and hours to come. Is Saddam Hussein still alive, or did he die in the bombings that occurred recently? And what difference will it make, whichever answer? Who is right and wrong, we cannot know for sure right now-only time will tell, the adage goes, and even time may not tell us the truth for decades to come. The world, our nation, our congregations, are all divided as to what is right and what is wrong.

I know I don't know what is right and wrong in this war. Are we the liberators, or are we the antagonists? Are we bringing wanted change, or unwelcome upheaval?

I try to imagine what it would be like to be an Iraqi mother, an Iraqi daughter, an Iraqi sister-would the life I lived be worth saving, or would I be welcoming the troops with open arms? Surely my life there would be nothing like the life I live here. I would not be able to pursue any of my dreams, I would not be able to be schooled, I would not be able to lead a religious community, love my female partner, or even be my own person to a great extent. Would I want that truncated life protected, or would I be longing and rejoicing as the gunfire came closer and the possibility of liberation be right around the corner? I don't believe in 'my country, right or wrong,' but I do believe that the human spirit needs a place to soar, and I question whether that can happen in any non-democratic system.

At the same time, I question whether we should have gone it alone. I believe strongly in the United Nations and wish and hope that this body will be able to cease the nations' madness of war, and bring in a world of peace. Would more time before a war have made a real difference, made the war obsolete? I'd love to say yes, but once again, I cannot know. Will the lives of the Iraqi people be qualitatively better, or will they be just shoved into a hell with a different name? Again, I cannot know. I can only hope and pray that once the military action is over, the United Nations will take a lead in helping Iraq recover from what has been done in that place over the decades past. These are, indeed, difficult times.

And they are made especially so when we cannot find shelter and comfort within our religious communities. I remember during the Vietnam War days how happy I was that my congregation was so strongly opposed to the War. It echoed my own thought, and I knew I did not stand alone. Marching, letter writing, protesting with others who believed with me fed my spirit and soul, especially as the government did not seem to be hearing what "the people" were saying. I felt as home as ever I could.

What is so clear to me is that we need to make sure that our religious communities are places where all who follow our liberal religious approach can find a home. We need to make sure that unlike in days before we do not vilify those who differ from us, whether they be in the minority or majority. Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers need to be able to speak their truth, to say their fears and joys, to find a place of harbor as their loved ones are overseas. They need not condescencion or lukewarm tolerance, but to be held within our embrace. Unitarian Universalist military members and families should not have to be embarrassed or shunned by their (our) congregations because they have chosen to support our nation, and follow their Commander in Chief.

And similarly, those Unitarian Universalists who are opposed to our nation's actions must also be allowed a place of harbor, a place to speak their own truth. Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers need to be able to speak their truth, to say their fears and joys, to find a place where they, too, are supported like I was as a youth. It is a difficult dance we must do, but do it we must if we are to remain true to our religious heritage.

We ask much of people: to know what they believe, to seek the truth, to live in harmony with the divine, however they name it. We ask much, as a community that comes together as one while making room for the individual in the midst of community. We ask much, for respect and acceptance of others, especially when we don't see eye to eye.

In the congregation where I serve, each and every Sunday we light a candle for peace. For we know, no matter what we individually think about this war, every one of us wants peace. We all want this war to end as quickly as it can, with as little human loss as possible. We all want peace, and this certainty holds us together even as we disagree.

Our is not an easy religion, and we know this more deeply when we live out the words of Universalist Hosea Ballou—"If we agree in love, there is no disagreement that can do us any injury, but if we do not, no other agreement can do us any good."

In these very difficult times, may we all find a home in our religious community. May they be places that nurture our spirits, heal our hurts, inspire our hope, give birth to our love. May we be gentle with each other, making sure not to reproduce hatred within our sacred walls. And may peace the nations' madness grace, and love fulfill our days.

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