A Statement from the Board of GNUUC
A Condemnation of the Killings of March 16
Fannie Lou Hamer, in 1971, delivered a speech to the National Women's Political Caucus titled "Nobody's Free Until Everybody's Free." In this speech she reminds us that the fate of each one of us is bound together, that the existence of hate is a threat to all of us.
We, the Board of the Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation, condemn the March 16th Atlanta-area massage business shootings that left eight people dead, including six women of Asian descent.
Anti-Asian violence is not new in America. Violence against women is not new in America. Men using guns to solve problems is not new in America.
Yet, in the aftermath of the Trump administration's policies, and because of Donald Trump's own racist, misogynistic, and violent actions, a violent segment of American society has been further emboldened.
In response, we call upon all members of the Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation to bring more joy, more compassion, and more justice to the world.
While the virus of evil mutates continuously, our Unitarian Universalist principles provide a clear and consistent vaccine. In particular, we recall:
Our 1st Principle: The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person. Look out for those around you and advocate for their worth and dignity.
Our 6th Principle: A World Community with Peace, Liberty, and Justice for All. Seek peace in your heart, in your home, and in your community.
Our 7th Principle: Respect for the Interdependent Web of Life. Understand that the suffering of others tears at the web of life. In response, be generous with others. Give back more than you receive. Make the world a bit brighter than it was.
In the words of Jenkin Lloyd Jones, the founding Unitarian minister of All Souls Unitarian Church in Chicago: "The human soul finds its saddest imprisonment when it is helpless in the presence of cruelty, when it cannot right a wrong. It finds its highest freedom when it can secure justice to others."
May we each work, as we are able, to secure justice to others. Knowing that when our own freedom depends on the freedom of others.
May it be so, especially now.
With Love and Compassion,
The Board of the Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Rev. Cynthia Cain, Caren, Carol, Nathanael, Ryan, Sandy, Theresa, and Tina
An Opportunity for Action
Our Social Action Team connects us to TIRRC (Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition). TIRRC invites all to a vigil in support of our Asian siblings and in condemnation of hate and violence aimed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Time and Date: Sunday, 3/21 at 6:15pm
Location: Public Square Park (Google Maps)
Facebook Link: http://bit.ly/ProtectAsianLivesNash
About TIRRC: https://www.tnimmigrant.org