Justice

OUR VALUES AND OUR LOVE IN ACTION

The esteemed minister, David Bumbaugh, speaks about the liminal space, where a minister or a ministry lives - a space between worlds. He shares: "the minister stands at the door of the sanctuary, interpreting the world through a religious lens for the congregation, and the minister serves as the lead ambassador of the congregation’s values, to that world.” To be a 'value ambassador' the minister must first listen to the the way the congregation’s calling meets the world’s deep need. Then the minister helps the congregation build or deepen relationships beyond the walls of their own sanctuary. Coalition building, interfaith engagement, and community collaboration are the foundation for sturdy and lasting advocacy and service work.

We have helped our congregations partner with advocacy organizations, interfaith groups, and various UU networks to achieve meaningful goals. Together, with our congregations, we have worked for LGBTQ equality, racial, economic and environmental justice. With our congregations, we have stood against bigotry and oppression in its diverse forms, including standing side-by-side with our Muslim and immigrant neighbors.

The community outside the walls of the congregation knows when we stand up for truth and justice. Walking our talk is a religious imperative.

Justice

REV. SCOTT LEADS A LEGISLATIVE ACTION PANEL

DECEMBER, 4, 2016

Every year on the first Sunday of December, Rev Scott leads a forum of Virginia Assembly experts. They talk about the likely bills, and how citizens can help, assist, or block their passage. Since public policy is one important way that our values manifest in community, advocacy training enables us to live our values. This forum also teaches “How to get a visit with a legislator;” “How to make the most of your time when you visit he assembly;” and “The best methods for getting your position considered during the legislative process.”

REV. ANYA, LEAD FOR VIGIL DECLAIMING ANTI-MUSLIM RHETORIC

DECEMBER 17, 2015

Our witness began in a Presbyterian Church in the County Seat of Loudoun County, VA, and culminated in a silent witness of over 200 individuals standing with candles around the County Courthouse. The two most prominent signs witnessed our faith in and appreciation for our interfaith community, and our commitment to see local Muslims as friends and as citizens, not enemies.

BEYOND PARTISAN DIVISION

2010-2016

Rev. Anya and Rev. Scott both advocate for working across the partisan divide. Working with other ministers, UUA Staff, and UU Lay Leaders they have led General Assembly workshops, a week-long learning opportunity at UUMAC, and created a UUA sponsored Toolkit that calls us to heal this national divide to serve the cause of justice and peace.

See Toolkit

VOICE MORTGAGE ACCOUNTABILITY ACTION

APRIL, 2011

For 5 years Rev Scott was on the Strategy Team of VOICE, Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. VOICE is a ‘one of a kind’ IAF affiliate, spanning across 4 counties in Northern Virginia. At the action pictured above, Rev Scott is on stage with other VOICE leaders as they held Bank of America, General Electric and JP Morgan Chase accountable for the predatory lending practices in Prince William County, Virginia. VOICE hired investigators who discovered that more than 3000 homeowners were defrauded in PW County alone. VOICE was able at the 1000-person public action shown above to secure $60 million of promised relief for those homeowners.

IMG_0048	Community Table of Loudoun a Dinner UUCS co-led with Christ Chapel, AME, Loudoun, VA	In Defiance of Uganda Hate Bill with UU and United Church of Christ Protesters	UUCS Jazz Poetry Slam: Creator, Kevin Manuel-Scott sharing a Poem	March and Rally for Standing Rock - Rev. Scott on Percussion
Jazz Poetry Slam, an Outreach/Justice event at UUCS	Pride Festival, Northern Virginia, UUCS organized a UU booth and an Interfaith Worship	Annual Interfaith Event by Loudoun Interfaith Bridges, originated by Rev. Anya	Invocation for Obama, Rev. Anya	Interfaith Vigil for Orlando co-led by UUCS and the All Dulles Area Muslim Society
SCOTUS Rally Image, from a LGBTQ History book	Interfaith LGBTQ Solidarity Breakfast, Rev. Scott Speaking	Gay Men's Chorus benefit for People of Faith for Equality, VA - Annual event sponsored by UUCS	Scotus Decision Day.jpg SCOTUS Decision Marriage Equality - Rev. Scott	2015 Muslim Solidarity March