Sermons and Theological Resources

Click Here for a .pdf of our Faithful Democracy Resource

• Sermons
• Questions for Discussion
• History and Theology

Sermons

“From Freestone to Philadelphia” – Mary Harrington
Winchester Unitarian Society, October 31, 2004

“Putting Together the Pieces” – Amelia Rose
UU Church of State College, PA, October 3, 2004

“Land of the Free?” - Rev. Bill Gupton
Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church, October 3, 2004

“America, the Beautiful” - Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom
First Universalist Church of Yarmouth, July 4, 2004

“The Covenant of Freedom” - The Rev. Rob Hardies
All Souls Unitarian, Washington DC, January 18, 2004
In audio

"Faithful Democracy" - Bill Docker, UUSC Staff
Universalist Meeting House of Provincetown, MA, June 13, 2004

"Yes I Will!" by the Rev. Paige Getty
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, MD, January 25, 2004

"Voting Rights" by the Rev. Dr. Lucy Hitchcock Seck
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami, FL - January 18, 2004

"Cynicism, Hope and the Future of Politics" by the Rev. Michael A. Schuler
First Unitarian Society of Madison, WI - November 5, 2000

"The Grinch Who Stole our Government" by the Rev. Michael A. Schuler
First Unitarian Society of Madison, WI - June 22, 2003
and in audio ( RealAudio (instructions)

Questions for Discussion

For use in voter task forces, discussion groups, young adult groups, covenant groups. Questions are directed at individuals.

• What about Unitarian Universalist history and theology would lead us to write the use of the “democratic process” into our principles?
• What religious significance does this “democratic process” have for you as an individual? How is it part of your belief systems?
• What did you learn about voting as a child, particularly from your parents? Did they talk to you about it directly? Did they vote?
• Have you registered and voted consistently since turning 18? Why or why not?
• How much of your current passion for voter work is driven by partisan politics and how much by a belief in the importance of civic participation?
• For Religious Professionals: Can one separate one’s personal beliefs—even personal religious beliefs—from one’s professional religious work? How? Where does one draw the line?

History and Theology

Our fifth principle reads “we will covenant to affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Unitarian Universalists have long been committed to the belief that our democracy will be enhanced and improved by greater participation.

Our faith tradition has, from the earliest years valued lived experience and engagement with the world. This year, 2004, the UUA has made Voter Education, Registration and Mobilization a key priority. Our president, The Rev. Bill Sinkford said in a pastoral letter entitled “The Soul of our Democracy,”

“I want to urge all of our congregations to take on voter registration and get-out-the vote campaigns as part of your work for this year. This is not a partisan issue. UUs cover the entire political spectrum, just as we do the entire theological spectrum. What we can agree on is the need for effective democracy, on the right of all persons and all points of view to be heard and respected. Everybody counts; everybody needs to be counted. This is not about politics; it’s about governance.”

Historically, Unitarians and Universalists have been involved in American civics with the founding of our nation, the writing of our Constitution, the fight for women’s suffrage and the struggle to maintain a sense of faith in democracy. Thomas Jefferson, John and Abigail Adams, Ben Franklin all wrote extensively on the topic of Unitarian theology during the early years of the United States. Unitarian Susan B. Anthony and Universalist minister Olympia Brown fought hard for women’s suffrage.

Unitarian Adlai E. Stevenson said:
“There is a New America every morning when we wake up. It is upon us whether we will it or not. What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility... a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

This is our opportunity to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before and to create a future for our children and our nation. This is our opportunity to engage in the world around us and to work with others to build our nation.

Reasons Unitarian Universalists are interested and involved in voter mobilization work in 2004 from a theological perspective:

• Right of conscience/democratic process—Congregational polity and governance is based on our national system, in part as a legacy of the founders of the United States government.
• Much of our theology is based on being engaged in the world around us.
• As people of relative wealth, we have a responsibility to speak for those who are less privileged.
• By being involved, you’re affirming that you and your vote matter. Withdrawal/isolation is not good for the soul. Not living your values is not good for you.
• Casting a vote and participating in voter work recognizes the individual role in collective change, and the need for large/collective response to shared concerns.

Contact Sarah Craft, UUA Voting Project Coordinator, voting@uua.org , with questions, resources, concerns, news, reports, and ideas about your congregation’s current or potential voting project.

Sign up for the UUA’s Voter-News E-mail List for weekly updates on voter resources and a chance to share your congregation’s activities and successes.

Unitarian Universalist Association
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