Letters To the Editor

Unitarians Keep Doors, Hearts Open After Shooting

Last Sunday, the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., was attacked by a shotgun-wielding man. Two people were killed, and several were injured. We share in the shock and grief expressed at this act by people of goodwill in our community, and we are communicating that goodwill to the Unitarian Universalists and clergy members in Knoxville.

As an association of congregations, Unitarian Universalism has long advocated the exercise of free will and conscience in matters of faith, promoted respect for diversity in religious practice and society at large and championed the rights of those suffering discrimination, particularly when dogmatic religious beliefs are used to justify discrimination.

It has been reported that our reputation for such "liberal" stances may have been the reason that the attacker in Knoxville selected a Unitarian Universalist congregation for his rampage.

It is indeed shocking, but ultimately not surprising, that such violence should be visited on members of a religiously liberal tradition. As a religious organization, Unitarian Universalism does not seek involvement in politics for its own sake, but finds itself involved in the issues of the day by way of addressing them from moral and spiritual perspectives. Most who disagree with us do so with respect and reason, but this person, apparently motivated by hateful political ideals, seems to have decided that our involvement was sufficient to justify the church in Knoxville as a legitimate target.

Given the threat from such people, it would be tempting to reduce our advocacy on controversial issues, adopt more hostile attitudes toward those whose views differ from our own, or even to restrict access to our church for the sake of physical security. We will, of course, do none of these things.

As was the case when Unitarian Universalists faced threats during the civil rights movement, we will view this attack as a reminder of how much the world needs our continued commitment to equality. Drawing on the Christian tradition, one of many religious sources from which we derive wisdom and inspiration, we will continue to love our neighbors as ourselves and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

And most of all, we will continue to open our doors and our hearts to the community, offering worship and programs that benefit everyone.

Board of Trustees

Unitarian Universalists

of Sterling