This congregation passed a public witness statement more than five years ago with a 96% positive vote that affirmed your commitment to support the Black Lives Matter movement and Black-led racial justice organizations. To remind ourselves and the community of this intention, the church’s outdoor sign on Rugby Road is once again featuring the banner “Black Lives Matter”.

As we explore the January theme of what it means to “live with intention”, we can consider ways to put our faith in action, making real the intentions inherent in UU principles and values. Our covenant, stated in the 7 Principles, is to promote the worth and dignity of each person, and to affirm our interconnections with all lives. Our faith calls us to amplify the voices of those whose lives have historically been discounted and abused. All lives matter, and we need to say with intention that Black Lives Matter. As long as black lives are disproportionately incarcerated, shot by police, left in poverty, underserved in schools, subject to higher rates of illness, and denied the vote – we need to say clearly that “Black Lives Matter.”