The Destiny of Our Democracy

Statement from the Rev. William G. Sinkford
President, Unitarian Universalist Association

William G. Sinkford participate in a candlelight vigil. Photo by Nancy Pierce/UUA

(November 3, 2004 - Boston, MA ) The democratic process is an act of faith: not faith that any one point of view will prevail, but faith that the will of the people will point us toward the Beloved Community. And in this national election, "we the people" have spoken, millions more of us than ever before. Unitarian Universalists lived out our faith by registering tens of thousands of new voters. We can rightly be proud of our commitment to this democracy. We stood clearly and proudly on the side of love.

Not only is democracy an act of faith, it is an imperfect process. This national election, like the last, showed us how far we have to go to enfranchise all of our people. But I take great hope from the relationships our congregations developed in this work.

But Unitarian Universalism is liberal religion, not liberal politics.

Today, while so many celebrate and so many grieve, I hope that Unitarian Universalists will hold fast to our calling. Political sound bites cannot contain it. Party designations do not describe it. Few votes were cast yesterday without reservations in the heart. Our congregations need to be religious homes where the reality of both joy and grief, certainty and uncertainty, can be present.

In 1964, the Rev. Jack Mendelsohn wrote a book titled "Being Liberal in an Illiberal Age." Today, Jack reminded me that all ages are illiberal. And, thus, in every age, it is the role of liberal religion to offer a Gospel of openness, of healing and of hope. Our profession of faith is that the arc of the universe is long, but, with our commitment, it bends toward justice.

I extend my personal best wishes to President Bush and pray that his leadership will move this nation toward healing. Unitarian Universalists will do our part. We cannot afford to fuel the stridency and divisiveness of this political campaign. Nor can we afford to withdraw. We are an essential part of this body politic. And we will continue our vigilance and our advocacy for the values we hold dear.

There is only one destiny for this nation and its people. May that destiny be one of growing justice and equity in our policies and growing compassion in our hearts.

The Destiny of Our Democracy
Worship Resources for Healing and Reconciliaton

Opening words for a service by the Rev. Marni Harmony

A Litany of Unity by the Rev. Meg A. Riley

Pastoral thought 12/16/01 by the Rev. Therese Baumberger

Prayer for those of the Right by the Rev. Dennis Daniel and the Rev. Sydney Wilde

A Prayer For Use With Children by the Rev. John Morgan

Prayer by the Rev. George Kimmich Beach

Meditation by the Rev. Rolfe Gerhardt

Responsive Reading by the Rev. Scott W. Alexander

Closing Words by the Rev. Jonalu Johnstone

Benediction by the Rev. F.E. Gillis

Benediction by the Rev. Polly Leland-Mayer

Children, Democracy, and Unitarian Universalist Faith by Tracey L. Hurd, Ph.D.

Pastoral Letter from the Rev. William G. Sinkford (October 2004)

Unitarian Universalist Association
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