Social just us

UUs, in general, are more openly focused on issues of social justice than other denominational bodies. Of course there are those who are the whiny, self-righteous "victims" of society who are willing to take up any "just cause" whose banner happens to stream a bit too close to these emotional hypochondriacs - but I have yet to actually meet a UU who, once they take a position regarding a social justice issue, fails to actually live their life in support of their point of view.

The most recent issue to present itself in the Pullman community is the idea of equal rights for those of "alternative" (used for convenience here, but directly indicating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) lifestyles.

I am not surprised that this issue has generated some controversy within the congregation. I am surprised at why it has generated controversy.

The issue at hand is this: why do we, as a congregational body, need to even visit the issue of being a "welcoming congregation"? After all, we have already stated that we value all people equally and turn away none.

Or so the logic goes.

Is social justice about justice, or just us? If a person feels they have an understanding of the issue at hand it actually gathers greater responsibility onto that person. They must share their wisdom with others so that the conventional wisdom is shattered and the paradigm begins to shift. Only through working towards greater understanding and living the golden rule, can we claim the benefits of those who have met justice upon an unjust society. That is justice.

To sit back and congratulate ourselves for knowing the right thing to do is the use of a match to illuminate a darkened warehouse - ineffective and short lived. That is just us.

What is it that makes your blood flow? What wrong can you see in the world: war, poverty, discrimination, disease, pollution? What have you done about it? Are you willing to go out and walk in the uncomfortable world of justice, or simply sit back and enjoy the presence of just us while the world corrects its own problems?

I don't ask anybody to agree with me (believe me, if we enter that kind of conversation I will tell you all I know), but I do ask people to make a stand. If you think I'm wrong, tell me so, but be ready to tell me why I'm wrong. Let us look to the future of our congregation and, if we accomplish nothing else, banish apathy. We can accomplish anything to which we place our collective mind.

So say we all.