On Freedom

In 1787 here in Philadelphia America was defined:

We the people of the United States in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common difference, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.

Unitarians and Universalists were inspired.

In troubled times, President Lincoln leaned on faith, and endeavored that:

"The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God cannot

be for and against the same thing at the same time."

Unitarian and Universalists were united...

Our nation’s wisdom was further inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou who reminded us:

"No less to Midas than the mendicant.

No less to you now than the mastodon then.

Here on the pulse of this new day

You may have the grace to look up and out

And into your sister's eyes,

into your brother's face,

your country...

And say simply

Very simply, with hope, good morning."

Unitarian Universalists were hopeful.

In 2008 my colleague Rick Warren invoked:

"Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation, and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations and all people will stand accountable before you."

And Unitarian Universalists were enraged.

Yet through all wisdom I wonder, can the kingdom ever be united, left to right, as above and so below? When does religiosity and religious pluralism come together to form one bond, united in love, and service, for justice and peace? I invite to be accountable, not so much the 99%, but simply true to who you are...free.