Over the past month, we have come together to build our capacity for the spiritual practice of resistance; not resistance simply for the sake of opposition but rather as a faithful refusal to accept injustice, erasure, and harm as inevitable facts of life. January was marked by profound unrest locally and globally. We saw state-sanctioned violence, redoubled commitments to imperialism, and growing efforts to silence dissenting voices. In such a moment, practicing resistance is more personal, communal, and urgently necessary.

As we move into February’s theme of embodying resilience, I am cognizant of how deeply intertwined these practices are. Resistance without resilience can become brittle or exhausting, just as resilience without resistance easily drifts into complacency. Together, these practices offer us a way of being that is both grounded and generative, a way to stay present, engaged, and critically hopeful without turning away from the hard truths of our time.

Unitarian Universalists share values that are deeply needed in this moment. Among these, I am particularly drawn to our values of pluralism, which calls us to honor many truths; justice, which insists that we commit and re-commit to living in right relations; and interdependence, which reminds us that none of us is free until all of us are free. 

We live in a world of paradox, which requires us to create space for imagination, creativity, and curiosity. When we allow ourselves to embrace narratives of inevitability, inflexibility, and scarcity, we are susceptible to fragmentation and disconnect. Even within our congregational community, we are called to be mindful of the challenge and opportunity that pluralism presents. 

This month, a member of the Board resigned from their position and departed from our congregation. Reflecting on Joe’s farewell message, I was reminded of the importance of trust and care as foundations for pluralistic communities. Without this foundation, we are unable to listen deeply, stay curious, and remain in relationship even when it is uncomfortable and challenges our worldview. At the same time, I reflected on the mutual responsibility that comes with trust and care. When we find ourselves in disagreement, even when it seems insurmountable, remaining silent and steadfastly holding onto our current beliefs cannot be the answer. Choosing connection is a countercultural act that is greatly needed. While we would have valued the opportunity for dialogue, we are thankful to Joe for his service and wish him well.

As some of you know, I teach and study leadership in my work. A concept I’ve been contemplating lately is the idea of fractals. In fractal systems, patterns repeat and scale into larger ones. In other words, what we place here in UUFM – in our worship, our meetings, our conflicts, and our care for one another – matters beyond the boundaries of our community. Seemingly small acts here in Manhattan, Kansas have the potential to ripple into broader movements for change. With this in mind, I invite us all to reflect critically and act courageously in alignment with our values to co-create the world we hope for.

In community,

Mac Benavides

Board Chair