Happy Monday, Friends! Recently, a good friend, who reads Monday Moments frequently, asked me if my use of the Unitarian Universalist principles indicated that LOVEboldly was moving away from being a Christian organization to being an either a general nonprofit or a UU organization. If, coupled with the new language the Board approved, you too have been concerned about where LOVEboldly might be heading, rest assured that LOVEboldly remains a Christian organization committed to creating and developing spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish within Christianity. That said, I’m always looking for inspiration for writing Monday Moments. Part of my spiritual background includes several years identifying as a UU. While I call myself a Christian and honor my Christian faith, I feel that there is universally accepted truth found in many religions. The Unitarian Universalist principles are such truth.
This is the third week of my series drawing inspiration from the Unitarian Universalist seven principles. The third principle states: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.” Christians are very good about supporting one another’s faith identity and spiritual growth. We check in with each other and support one another through the hard times. Yet Christians also have a bad reputation of not accepting one another. LOVEboldly exists because straight and cisgender Christians have made a mess of accepting LGBTQIA+ Christians. White Christians have also made a mess of accepting BIPOC Christians. The list of messes unfortunately continues.
As the old saying goes: “The Church is a building, the Church is a steeple, the Church is the people.” People often create community based on biased parameters. We look for our community based on people who look like us, speak like us, share similar ideas with us, and, when it comes to religion, believe like us. Even those of us who look for community where people look, sound, and act different than us, still want those around us to share our ideals and values. People create messes and people struggle to clean up their messes.
Where have you made a mess with other people? Where could you have welcomed others better?
Let us pray: Gracious God, we are people who make messes. We try to protect our communities and end up excluding people from those communities. We seek out communities that welcome us and keep out our siblings if they don’t look and act like us. We build your house and then lock the door. Guide us in the ongoing work of creating your beloved community. May our work bring your reign on earth. We ask this through Christ, Amen.
Blessings, Friends, on your weeks. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Faithfully,
Ben
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