June 7, 2020 Rev. Emily Wright-Magoon
In this service (experienced via Zoom) we centered black voices, in particular this sermon by UU minister Rev. Karen Hutt, below.
Before the sermon, Rev. Emily offered this invitation:
- What do you feel when you hear Rev, Hutt’s words, experiences, strength? Where do you feel it in your body?
- As you hear Rev. Hutt’s words, and as you experience her words in your body, what one action is your faith calling you to take today?
After the sermon, Rev. Emily spoke as a white person to other white people about spiritual practices for white folx seeking to be Anti-Racist. These are some practices that can decenter our egos and help us to learn and grow while being compassionate with ourselves and faithful to our values. Here is an outline from her extemporaneous reflection:
- Sit with Discomfort and Turn to Curiosity (white supremacy culture has taught us to cut ourselves off from our bodies and our feelings – instead, consider what deep wisdom they have for you)
- Self-Educate: Resources towards Anti-Racist Education
- Connect to Your Values – Universalists want to end all hells on earth – Unitarians see divinity within each of us, inherent worth and dignity. Example: If we find ourselves condemning looting and rioting, consider that we might be privileging a value of profit/corporation/law and order. If we were instead to privilege the value of justice, we would take the view of the most marginalized, letting suffering speak, and not dictating the oppressed’s terms of liberation.
- Process with other White Folx on the journey
- Keep to the ongoing cycle of both Action and Contemplation – There are many, many ways to act…have hard conversations with family members and friends, donate money or time or talent, vote, use your bodies and privilege…
- Stay in it for the Long Haul, not just when it’s trendy.