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To the People of Loudoun County from the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling:
On Sunday, July 24, the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (TVUUC) in Knoxville Tennessee was attacked by a shotgun-wielding man, resulting in the loss of two innocent lives and wounding of seven others. We share in the shock and grief expressed at this act by people of good will in our community, and we are communicating that good will to the Unitarian Universalists and clergy members in Knoxville, including Rev. Chris Buice, the minister at TVUUC, who recently conducted a service at our church.
As an association of congregations , Unitarian Universalism has long
advocated the exercise of free will and conscience in matters of faith,
promoted respect for diversity in religious practice and society at
large, and championed the rights of those suffering discrimination,
particularly when dogmatic religious beliefs are used to justify that
discrimination. It is reported that our reputation for such “liberal”
stances may have been the reason that the attacker in Knoxville
selected a Unitarian Universalist congregation for his rampage.
It is indeed shocking, but ultimately not surprising, that such
violence should be visited on members of a religiously liberal faith
tradition. As a religious organization, Unitarian Universalism does not
seek involvement in politics for its own sake, but finds itself
involved in the issues of the day by way of addressing them from moral
and spiritual perspectives. While most who disagree with us do so with
respect and reason, this violent individual, motivated by hateful
political ideals, decided that our involvement was sufficient to
justify the church in Knoxville as a legitimate target.
Given the threat from such individuals, it would be tempting to
reduce our advocacy on controversial issues, adopt more hostile
attitudes toward those whose views differ with our own, or even to
restrict access to our church for the sake of physical security. We
will, of course, do none of these things.
As was the case when Unitarian Universalists faced threats during
the civil rights movement, we will view this attack as a reminder of
how much the world needs our continued commitment to equality. Drawing
on the Christian tradition, one of many religious sources from which we
derive wisdom and inspiration, we will continue to love our neighbors
as ourselves, and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
And most of all, we will continue to open our doors and our hearts to
the community, offering worship and programs that benefit everyone in
our community.
Yours in Faith,
The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling Board of Trustees:
Dave Miller
Bonnie Lepoff
Jeff Chandler
Paul Roche
Alyssa Lum
Scott Findley
Linda Reeder
Belinda Bullock
Ken Ward
Bryan George
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