uuworld.org : UUs in the Media

Asking questions leads to Jeopardy! win, and other UUs in the media

2013-06-17T16:26:42Z

UU is three-day Jeopardy! champ

Tim Anderson, music director at the UU Church in Rockford, Ill., recently appeared as a contestant on “Jeopardy!” Anderson was a three-day champion, earning $58,001. (Rockford Register Star – 6.6.13, 6.12.13)

‘God Revised’ author talks religion, community

Paul Hiebert interviews the Rev. Galen Guengerich, senior minister of All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City and author of God Revised: How Religion Must Evolve in a Scientific Age, about Unitarian Universalism, God, community, and religious fundamentalists. (Pacific Standard – 6.6.13)

Teens tour civil-rights hotspots, the sexualization of warfare, and more

After a month spent studying the people, places, and events of the civil rights movement, a group of 10 teenagers from University UU Society in Orlando, Fla., took a five-day tour of civil-rights memorials and museums in Georgia and Alabama. One of the participants, describing the tour, said it was “eye-opening that it all really happened and it was more of a movement than a brief turbulence in history.” (Orlando Sentinel – 6.10.13)

Bank Street Unitarian Chapel in Bolton, England—one of about 20 churches in the country to be granted the right to perform same-sex civil partnership ceremonies—is celebrating its first bookings for such ceremonies. (This Is Lancashire – 6.9.13)

In an article about same-sex marriage in Maryland, James Gibbons Walker, of the UU Fellowship of Southern Maryland, talks about his congregation’s support for marriage equality and how he is “very happy” to perform same-sex weddings. (SoMdNews.com – 6.7.13)

Watch a video about the founders of St. Louis who are buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery, including notable Unitarian the Rev. William Greenleaf Elliot. (KTVI – 6.12.13)

The Rev. Dr. Stan Sears, of the Auburn, N.Y., UU Society, reflects on the show “Game of Thrones,” its parallels with our society, and the sexualization of warfare. (The Citizen – 6.9.13)

In an article about parents talking to their kids about sex, Wendy Shaver, a member and former youth director of the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, Pa., discusses the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program and why she talks openly to her daughter about sex and sexuality. (pennlive.com – 6.9.13)

The Rev. Steve Aschmann, minister of the UU Congregation of Erie, Pa., writes about Unitarian Universalism and the personal “journey of faith.” (Erie Times-News – 6.8.13)

Hundreds of Moral Monday protestors, among them many UUs, gathered in Raleigh, N.C., to speak out against Republican-proposed policies they say will hurt the poor. (The Herald-Sun – 6.10.13)

The UU Church in Meriden, Conn., presented its Humanitarian of the Year award to Sharon Scully. (Meriden Record-Journal – 6.9.13)

UUs in the Media will be on hiatus while I am at General Assembly and will return on June 28. You can follow daily General Assembly news and events on UU World‘s GA blog.

In the media: Former UUA president performs wedding for web mogul

2013-06-07T18:52:49Z

Former UUA president Buehrens performs wedding for web mogul

Former UUA President John Buehrens officiated at the $10 million wedding of Napster creator and Facebook founding president Sean Parker last weekend. The fantasy-themed wedding, held in a forest in Big Sur, California, reportedly had 300 guests, elaborate sets, and clothing by an Academy award-winning costume designer. Sadly, the article doesn’t mention what Buehrens wore—feel free to speculate. (Daily Mail – 6.2.13)

Texas state rep talks religious diversity, a roller derby Sunday service, and more

Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, a UU, recently spoke out for religious diversity at the Texas Legislature, which begins each session with a prayer, saying in part: “So before we begin . . . let us collectively observe a moment of silence while we individually look to whatever source we choose and invoke guidance and inspiration for the work before us and the decisions we will be making.” (Austin-American Statesman – 6.1.13)

Watch a video of the Hard Knox Roller Derby Team taking part in a Sunday service at Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, Tenn. (WBIR – 6.3.13)

The UU Fellowship of Athens, Ga., held its inaugural Harry Potter-themed youth camp. (Athens Banner-Herald – 6.5.13)

Read more about UU summer programs for kids: ‘The only place I can really be me‘ (UU World – Summer 2013)

The Rev. Nate C. Walker, minister of First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, Pa., talks to the Philadelphia Daily News about his church and about the UU faith. (Philly.com – 6.1.13)

Read more about First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia: Saving a historic church (UU World – Fall 2011)

The Rev. Robert Murphy, minister of the UU Fellowship of Falmouth, Mass., has experience ministering to people who have lost homes and businesses to hurricanes, so to mark the beginning of hurricane season he held an interfaith prayer service to “reflect on community needs in a changing environment.” (Cape Cod Times – 6.1.13)

Enjoy a short news video of the UU Church of Binghamton, N.Y., hosting a Pride Community Picnic in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month. (WICZ.com – 6.2.13)

Members of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island in New Brighton, N.Y., participated in Staten Island’s ninth-annual LGBT Pride Parade and Festival. (Staten Island Advance – 6.1.13)

The UU Congregation of McHenry, Ill., recently voted to adopt the name Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation. (Chicago Tribune – 6.3.13)

Members of the UU Church of Greater Lynn in Swampscott, Mass., voted to call the Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein as their new minister. (The Marblehead Reporter – 6.4.13)

Eliza Tupper Wilkes, a Universalist who founded, among other things, at least 11 churches, is buried in her husband’s grave, with no marker of her own or indication that she is buried there. Members of All Souls Church in Sioux Falls, S. Dak., hope that will change. (ArgusLeader.com – 5.31.13)

In the media: DeChristopher tells Moyers why he is going to seminary

2013-05-31T21:33:59Z

Tim DeChristopher tells Bill Moyers why he’s headed to seminary

Bill Moyers interviews activist and UU Tim DeChristopher about his trial, the future of the environmental movement, the necessity of civil disobedience, and why he wants to be a UU minister. DeChristopher was recently released after spending 21 months in federal prison for disrupting a 2008 oil and gas auction.

Why Tim DeChristopher Went to Prison for His Protest from BillMoyers.com on Vimeo.

A transcript of the interview is also available on the site. (billmoyers.com – 5.24.13)

More UU activists in the news

The Times of Trenton profiles climate change activist Ellie Whitney, a member of the UU Congregation of Princeton, N.J. (nj.com – 5.27.13)

See related: Read Whitney’s Winter 2012 UU World article, How to meet the climate crisis.

South Church in Portsmouth, N.H., has voted to divest its holdings in fossil fuel stocks over the next five years. (Portsmouth Herald – 5.27.13)

See related: In the Summer 2013 issue of UU World, Tim Brennan, UUA treasurer and chief financial officer, and the Rev. Fred Small, minister of First Parish in Cambridge, Mass., debate whether UUs should divest from fossil fuels.

May 27 was the birthday of 19th-century Unitarian and activist Julia Ward Howe, who founded Mother’s Day and wrote the lyrics to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and the Northwest Herald marks the day by looking back at her life. (Northwest Herald – 5.27.13)

See related: Mother’s Day for peace, as Julia Ward Howe intended (uuworld.org – 5.19.08)

Congregational news

The UU Society of Bangor, Maine, is having a centennial rededication of its building, which replaced one that was destroyed in the town’s “Great Fire of 1911.” Watch the video to see some lovely footage of the interior of the building and its artifacts. (Bangor Daily News – 5.26.13)

The Rev. Wayne Robinson of All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers, Fla., is retiring. (news-press.com – 5.25.13)

UU minister featured in Atlantic gay-marriage story, and other UUs in the media

2013-05-24T20:53:32Z

Minister featured in Atlantic cover story about same-sex marriages

The Rev. Rob Hardies, senior minister of All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington, D.C., is featured with his fiance, Chris Nealon, and their son, Nico, in the cover story of The Atlantic‘s June issue, “The Gay Guide to Wedded Bliss.” The Rev. Lynn Strauss, of the UU Church of Rockville, Md., is also interviewed in the article, where she describes a “marriage boom” in her congregation since same-sex marriage was legalized—and not just among same-sex couples. (The Atlantic – June 2013)

UUs want Boy Scouts to take equality further

On May 23, the Boy Scouts of America voted to officially allow openly gay scouts, but the group will continue to reject gay leaders. The decision caused strong reactions from all sides, with some saying it doesn’t go far enough toward inclusion and others saying the move will alienate conservatives.

UUA President Peter Morales released a statement saying that “this decision falls short of affirming the worth and dignity of all who would like to participate in scouting.” International publication Pink News wrote about Morales’s statement, and the Denver Post quoted him in a story about mixed reactions to the news. (UUA.org 5.24.13, Pink News – 4.22.13, Denver Post – 5.23.13)

In a statement issued by the Human Rights Campaign, Zach Wahls, a UU, Eagle Scout, and executive director of Scouts for Equality, said: “We welcome the news that the ban on gay scouts is history, but our work isn’t over until we honor the Scout Law by making this American institution open and affirming to all.” (Advocate – 5.24.13)

Wahls also appeared on MSNBC’s The Last Word, where he discussed the historic decision and why he thinks the scouting group needs to be welcoming to gay participants of all ages. (MSNBC)

See related: Zach Wahls takes on Boy Scouts (UU World – Winter 2012)

Youth reflects on service trip, congregation honored at Gala, and more

Nicholas Lombardy, a member of the First Church Unitarian of Littleton, Mass., youth group, reflects on a recent service trip he and others from his congregation took to Jamaica. (The Littleton Independent – 5.18.13)

The Rev. Nan L. White emailed to let us know that more than 50 UUs from four congregations were among the crowd of 400 people at the Penn Center’s annual 1862 Circle Gala, during which the UU Fellowship of Beaufort, S.C., was honored for its support of the Center and of Gullah culture. (Beaufort Gazette – 5.18.13)

See related: A quiet revolutionary (UU World – Spring 2013)

Sarah Campbell received the Clara Barton Sisterhood Award at First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, Pa., for her outstanding contributions to the church and community. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – 5.20.13)

The Rev. Robert West, a former UUA president, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree at the recent Lynchburg College graduation ceremony. (News & Advance – 5.18.13)

Unity Temple, All Souls (DC) win big grants, and other UUs in the media

2013-05-20T14:56:26Z

Churches win big grants for restoration

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unity Temple UU Congregation in Oak Park, Ill., won a $10 million grant that will pay for major restoration work on the historic building. (Chicago Tribune – 5.15.13)

Ten Washington, D.C., projects were awarded large grants from the Partners in Preservation contest, including All Souls Church Unitarian, which will receive $50,000 to repair its bell tower. (The Washington Post – 5.4.13)

Boston bell-ringers, a call for safer factories, and more

An article in the Boston Globe explores the recent history of the bells at Arlington Street Church in Boston, and the people responsible for ringing them. (The Boston Globe – 5.8.13)

The New York Times reports that a coalition of religious groups and investors, including the Unitarian Universalist Association, is urging large retailers to sign a plan to improve factory safety in Bangladesh. (New York Times – 5.16.13)

Animals—and humans’ interconnection with them—were the focus of a Celebration of Human and Animal Companionship, part of the 100th anniversary celebration of UU Church of Long Beach, Calif. (Long Beach Post – 5.10.13)

Same-sex couples in Minnesota will be eligible to get marriage licenses starting August 1, and First Universalist Church of Minneapolis is preparing for dozens of weddings. (KAALtv.com – 5.14.13)

A slideshow of photos from the same-sex marriage victory at the Minnesota Capitol includes a shot of the Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, of the White Bear UU Church in Mahtomedi, and another with a woman in a Standing on the Side of Love shirt. (Twin Cities Daily Planet – 5.13.13)

Two years after after their church was destroyed in a fire, the congregation of the UU Church of Brunswick, Maine, has broken ground on a new home. (uuworld.org – 6.10.11, WCSH-TV – 5.12.13)

Cary Neeper, an author and member of the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, N. Mex., was named a silver medalist in the 2013 Nautilus Book Awards for her teen novel The Webs of Varok. (Nautilus Books)

Namaqua UU Congregration in Loveland, Colo., held a Mother’s Day Stand for Peace. (Reporter Herald – 5.12.13)

Seth Carrier has been called as the new minister of the UU Church of Muncie, Ind. (Muncie Free Press – 5.9.13)

Minister calls for compassion, and other UUs in the media

2013-05-10T18:31:35Z

Minister urges compassionate treatment of terror suspect’s body

In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, a dilemma emerged about what to do with the body of deceased suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev. His uncle wanted him buried in Cambridge, Mass., where he’d lived for many years, but city officials and a vocal public didn’t want him, and the funeral home director said he couldn’t find a cemetery that would take the body.

The Rev. Fred Small, minister of First Parish UU in Cambridge, wrote a public letter saying, “Whatever Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s crimes may have been, as a human being he deserves a decent and prompt burial.” Small then appeared on Radio Boston to discuss his controversial point of view. Tsarnaev was eventually buried in a Virginia cemetery. (The Cambridge Chronicle & Tab – 5.6.13, WBUR – 5.7.13, Boston.com – 5.10.13)

Google Doodle nominee, senior citizen honoree, and more

A UU homeschooled 8th-grader (Madeleine R.) is her state’s nominee for a Google Doodle competition; her doodle is here.

Betsy Diachun, a leader at First UU Church of Niagara in Niagara Falls, N.Y., was named Senior Citizen of the Year for Niagara County for her tireless volunteer work. (Niagara Gazette – 5.5.13)

On May 1, Colorado’s new civil unions law went into effect and the Rev. Dr. Nori Rost, of All Souls UU Church in Colorado Springs, co-performed a mass civil union ceremony for 17 same-sex couples. (The Gazette – 5.1.13)

The Rev. Dr. Matt Tittle, the new minister of Auckland Unitarian Church in New Zealand, says he is sad to see other area churches welcoming gay members but refusing to perform same-sex marriages. (stuff.co.nz – 3.5.13)

The Rev. Allison Miller, of the Morristown, N.J., Unitarian Church, talks about the growing support for same-sex marriage. (nj.com – 5.2.13)

The Rev. Mark Worth retired from his longtime position as minister of the UU Congregation of Castine, Maine. (Castine Patriot – 5.2.13)

The Rev. Nancy Palmer Jones, of First Unitarian Church of San Jose, Calif., is quoted in an article about a group of 20,000 people marching for immigration reform. (People’s World – 5.3.13)

The Rev. Mark Belletini, senior minister at First UU Church of Columbus, Ohio, spoke at the annual Nehemiah Action Meeting on the topic of immigrant rights. (The Columbus Dispatch – 5.7.13)

UU ran marathon for Muslim neighbor, and other UUs in the media

2013-05-03T19:37:41Z

UU recounts memorial Boston Marathon run

Listen to Helene Newberg, a Unitarian Universalist from Arlington, Mass., share the moving story of running in the 2013 Boston Marathon in honor of her neighbor, a young Muslim girl who committed suicide one year ago—a memorial run that was sadly interrupted by the bombings at the finish line. (That’s Some American Muslim Life – 4.26.13)

In the congregations

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Caribou, Maine, made the difficult decision to sell its building. (Bangor Daily News – 4.25.13)

The UU Fellowship of Winston-Salem, N.C., unveiled the permanent home of its Community Clothes Closet, which provides free used clothing to low-income area residents. (Winston-Salem Chronicle – 4.29.13)

The UU Fellowship of San Dieguito in Solana Beach, Calif., submitted a petition to the city council requesting action on several items to potentially reduce the likelihood of gun violence. Discussion at the city council meeting revealed strong feelings on both sides of the argument. (Coast News – 5.1.13, Del Mar Times – 4.26.13)

First Parish UU Church in Canton, Mass., held a candlelight vigil for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing. Photos from the event appear in gallery of “Recent Happenings” in Canton. (The Canton Citizen – 4.26.13)

The Rev. David S. Blanchard resigned from the UU Church of Canton, N.Y. (Watertown Daily Times – 4.30.13)

The congregation of First Parish in Concord, Mass., prepared to meet the Ministerial Search Committee’s candidate for senior minister: the Rev. Howard Dana. (The Concord Journal – 4.25.13)

UUA president responds to Boy Scouts, and other UUs in the media

2013-04-26T19:06:53Z

UUA president responds to proposed Boy Scouts change

On April 19, the Boy Scouts of America released a draft proposal—to be voted on in May—that would accept gay scouts but still bar gay leaders, a move that failed to please religious leaders on both sides of the issue. (Scouting.org – 4.19.13, Religion News – 4.22.13)

UUA President Peter Morales issued a statement in response to the proposal, saying in part: “The proposed resolution from the BSA is a step in the right direction, but it falls short of ensuring equality for gay scout leaders. Unitarian Universalists remain hopeful that there is still time to persuade the BSA to move from discrimination and prejudice to inclusion and respect for all Americans who wish to participate in scouting.” Pink News and GLAAD’s blog both point to Morales’s statement. (UUA.org – 4.19.13, Pink News – 4.22.13, GLAAD – 4.20.13)

Climate activist Tim DeChristopher released from prison

Yes! magazine profiles environmental activist and UU Tim DeChristopher, who was released this month after spending 21 months in federal custody for disrupting a 2008 oil and gas auction. (Yes! – 4.22.13)

See also:
Tim DeChristopher Speaks Out After 21 Months in Prison for Disrupting Oil Bid (DemocracyNow – 4.22.13)
Activist Tim DeChristopher Released From Prison (KUTV – 4.21.13)
Tim DeChristopher’s path (UU World – Winter 2012)
Activism is an act of faith (UU World – Winter 2012)

UU leaders discuss religion and spirituality for CBS

A CBS segment that examines religion and spirituality in a changing society features UUA President Peter Morales; First Parish of Cambridge, Mass., minister the Rev. Fred Small; and other UUs.

Bostonians seek solace, British Unitarians get a new leader, and more

The choir at Arlington Street Church, UU, in Boston, appears in an NPR story about Bostonians finding comfort in religious and memorial services as they await further developments in the marathon bombing case. (NPR – 4.21.13)

The Rev. Bill Darlison is the new president of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches in Britain. (Pontefract and Castleford Express – 4.21.13)

Members of the UU Congregation of Northern Chautauqua in Fredonia, N.Y., celebrated its 30th anniversary. (The Observer – 4.21.13)

Boston Marathon vigil draws hundreds, and other UUs in the media

2013-04-19T17:49:02Z

Boston UUs remember bombing victims

Several hundred people gathered Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil at Boston’s Arlington Street Church, UU, to seek comfort and to remember those who were killed or injured in Monday’s terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon. (Charlestown Patch – 4.17.13)

The New Yorker has a beautiful and detailed account of the vigil at Arlington Street Church, which is located only a few blocks from where the explosions occurred. (4.17.13)

The Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie, senior minister of Arlington Street Church, said she realized almost immediately that a citywide service was necessary and urged people to “not give in to the root of terrorism.” (Boston Herald – 4.16.13)

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the UUA, which is headquartered in Boston, wrote in a pastoral letter the day after the bombings: “At this time we do not know who did this or what twisted thinking produced this horrific act. We do know this: everything we do to spread compassion, understanding, acceptance, and peace matters.” (UUA.org – 4.16.13)

Life goes on

As a reminder that not all news was centered on Boston this week—even if it sometimes felt like it—the UU Parish of Monson, Mass., is holding a dedication ceremony after finally replacing a steeple that was destroyed during a 2011 tornado. (The Republican – 4.18.13)

Couple’s WWII heroism subject of film, and other UUs in the media

2013-04-12T19:27:46Z

Unitarian couple’s WWII heroism subject of film

Artemis Joukowsky III has directed and co-produced a documentary film, Two Who Dared: The Sharps’ War, about the work his grandparents—Unitarians Martha and the Rev. Waitstill Sharp—did to aid refugees and dissidents in Europe during World War II. The film has been screening at film festivals, museums, libraries, and churches, and has won several awards. (The Recorder – 4.3.13)

See also:
‘Two Who Dared’ puts UUSC founders’ heroism on film (uuworld.org – 4.1.13)
Church reflects on message of ‘Two Who Dared’ (Quad-City Times – 4.2.13)
Story of Courage and Rescue during World War II to be Shown at Venues Around the Country (San Francisco Chronicle – 4.8.13)
USC Upstate sponsors movie screening of “The Two Who Dared – The Sharps’ War,” April 7 (USC Upstate – 4.4.13)
FPUU to show premiere of ‘Two Who Dared’ (Canton Citizen – 4.4.13)

UUA, UUSC show support for marriage equality

UUA President Peter Morales and United Church of Christ President Geoffrey Black spoke about supporting marriage equality at a joint event in Providence, Rhode Island. (The Boston Globe – 4.6.13)

On the fourth anniversary of Iowa legalizing same-sex marriage, the Rev. Jay Wolin of the UU Congregation of Quad Cities talks about the joy it has brought him to perform same-sex weddings, and how he believes society is shifting toward acceptance of marriage equality. (WQAD – 4.3.13)

UUs seek improved gun regulation

The Rev. Bill Sinkford, senior minister of First Unitarian Church in Portland, Ore., and former UUA president, spoke at a large gun safety rally, saying that, “The tougher the gun safety laws are in any state the fewer gun deaths there are.” (Statesman Journal – 4.4.13)

Members of the UU Fellowship of San Dieguito in Solana Beach, Calif., put together a petition that asks the city council to encourage gun control by limiting the number of stores that sell firearms and opposing gun shows at the county fairgrounds. (U-T San Diego – 4.7.13)

Church’s ad pledges support for LGBT community, and more

Eight Denton, Tex., churches, including the Denton UU Fellowship, ran an ad in the local paper pledging support for and inclusion of the LGBT community. (Dallas Voice – 4.1.13)

The Rev. Michael A. Schuler, minister of First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisc., is quoted in an article about churches using social media to attract members. (The Capital Times – 4.4.13)

The Rev. Lara Hoke, of the UU Congregation in Andover, Mass., is quoted in a Boston Globe story about hundreds of people gathering for an immigration reform rally in Boston. (4.7.13)

The Social Justice Committee of the UU Congregation in Binghampton, N.Y., hosted a panel discussion on immigration. (WBNG – 4.7.13)

See also: Local Church Discusses Immigration (WICZ – 4.7.13)

With a plan in place to rebuild the UU Church of Brunswick, Maine, which was destroyed in a 2011 fire, the minister and members talk about how the spirit of the old church will live on in the new building. (Bangor Daily News – 4.3.13)

First Parish in Taunton, Mass., has started offering Soulful Sundown services. (Taunton Gazette – 4.7.13)

The Rev. Don Garrett, minister of the UU Church of the Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, Pa., writes about how UU congregations embrace the American value of e pluribus unum, “out of many, one.” (The Morning Call – 4.5.13)

The Rev. David Green, minister of Amarillo UU Fellowship in Texas, writes about the benefits of being a “giver.” (Amarillo Globe-News – 4.5.13)

The Rev. Tom Goldsmith, of First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, lead a “Funeral for the Future” service to protest the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project. (The Salt Lake Tribune – 4.4.13)

Zach Wahls, author of My Two Moms, talks about growing up as the child of a lesbian couple and about his work to end the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay members. (Globe Gazette – 4.7.13)

See related: Young activist takes on Boys Scouts (UU World – Winter 2012)

Pete Seeger joined composer/guitarist Jim Scott and others in a benefit concert for the UU Service Committee. (Daily Voice – 4.7.13)

The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison is the new settled minister of the UU Congregation in McHenry, Ill. (Northwest Herald – 4.4.13)