Author: Dan Swenson

Love is our source and our destination–our call and our response.

“Love is our source and our destination–our call and our response.” — Rev. Dr. Rebecca Ann Parker “In Unitarian Universalism, we have a legacy of ‘deeds not creeds.’ Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing to interfaith Washington advocacy, … Continue reading Love is our source and our destination–our call and our response.

As each state affirms the right for same sex couples to marry I rejoice

The Rev Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), issued the following statement applauding the legalization of same-sex marriage in New Jersey: “Today, New Jersey becomes the 14th state to allow marriage equality ensuring equal rights for its citizens. It is a historic day and a victory for all who support justice and … Continue reading As each state affirms the right for same sex couples to marry I rejoice

Thinking about privilege

I’ve been thinking about privilege. Anna, my cousin, who works in Chicago’s inner city school system, said that over two thousand teachers and aides were fired this year. As a specialist, her job, funded by a grant, was on the chopping block. She just learned that her principal found the money to keep her; a … Continue reading Thinking about privilege

WHERE IS OUR ENERGY? WITNESS FOR EARTH, OUR COMMUNITIES, AND OUR FUTURE

The Public Witness at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly (our annual international gathering) in Louisville, Kentucky, focused on Environmental Justice. Preceding our march to the Ohio River we gathered in a worship service lead by the Kentucky/West Virginia Ministers Coalition; featuring Wendell Berry, Tim DeChristopher, Rev Cynthia Cain, and Rev Mel Hoover. We did this … Continue reading WHERE IS OUR ENERGY? WITNESS FOR EARTH, OUR COMMUNITIES, AND OUR FUTURE

Let’s try an experiment.

Let’s try an experiment. Make a list of what brings you joy/ fun. Without too much thinking jot down what opens you to joy and leads to fun. 1) The birds at the feeder, morning, noon and dusk. 2) Chuck whistling. 3) Poppy running full speed over the hills. 4) Norah (my 5-month-old grand niece) … Continue reading Let’s try an experiment.

Mrs. Berry

When I was 3 we moved from Lindsborg, Kansas, to the NW edge of Chicago. Working farms were within a mile of our house. Mrs. Berry lived across the dirt road and lived on what remained of her small farm. She had chickens, ducks and geese. As the roads were paved, more houses sprung up … Continue reading Mrs. Berry