“I do not pretend to understand the moral universe.
The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways.
I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by experience of sight.
I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice.”
- Theodore Parker, 19th century abolitionist and Unitarian minister (1853 sermon)
A radio interviewer asked Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “How long will it take to see social justice?” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. replied, “How long? Not long because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. How long? Not long.”
King’s often repeated paraphrase of Parker’s words has been just one part of the rich legacy he left us. The thing is, the arc of the moral universe doesn’t bend on its own -- it is up to us to do the labor of bending it, becoming justice-makers, peacekeepers, and siblings in the Beloved Community.
At times when it seems it is taking too, too long to see social justice, remember that taking our right and responsibility to vote and participate in the democratic process seriously is one way we can bend that arc and advance the cause of justice.
That’s why I am particularly encouraged by the roll-out of the UUA’s Organizing Strategy Team’s latest broad efforts: the UU the Vote campaign. Its hashtags convey the gist of its purpose: #VoteLove and #DefeatHate.
The focus is on activating UUs to mobilize voters, counter voter suppression, and to engage in spiritually grounded, values-based issue conversations with voters in their communities. The National Team offers resources, tools, and support for congregational teams eager to do this work. To learn more, visit their website: https://www.uua.org/justice/vote2020
Please contact me if you are interested in helping our congregation become involved.
The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways.
I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by experience of sight.
I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice.”
- Theodore Parker, 19th century abolitionist and Unitarian minister (1853 sermon)
A radio interviewer asked Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “How long will it take to see social justice?” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. replied, “How long? Not long because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. How long? Not long.”
King’s often repeated paraphrase of Parker’s words has been just one part of the rich legacy he left us. The thing is, the arc of the moral universe doesn’t bend on its own -- it is up to us to do the labor of bending it, becoming justice-makers, peacekeepers, and siblings in the Beloved Community.
At times when it seems it is taking too, too long to see social justice, remember that taking our right and responsibility to vote and participate in the democratic process seriously is one way we can bend that arc and advance the cause of justice.
That’s why I am particularly encouraged by the roll-out of the UUA’s Organizing Strategy Team’s latest broad efforts: the UU the Vote campaign. Its hashtags convey the gist of its purpose: #VoteLove and #DefeatHate.
The focus is on activating UUs to mobilize voters, counter voter suppression, and to engage in spiritually grounded, values-based issue conversations with voters in their communities. The National Team offers resources, tools, and support for congregational teams eager to do this work. To learn more, visit their website: https://www.uua.org/justice/vote2020
Please contact me if you are interested in helping our congregation become involved.
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