Obedience is important in many circumstances and situations—traffic laws are better obeyed than not. They help keep us safe and avoid accidents that could have dire consequences if not obeyed. Most religions promote obedience—to a creed, to certain commandments, to certain teachings or dogmas of the institution. Unitarian Universalists choose to promote and affirm, instead of promote obedience. We affirm and promote our principles; we are a covenantal faith tradition—promising to trust and support one another.
We don’t insist on obeying the principles because we know truth is ever-evolving; that each person’s experience is an important part of the web of life of which we are a part. And, we know that there are times when disobedience is needed. When there are bad laws on the books that favor one person over another, based on ethnicity, race, religion, class, gender, ability, and other ways in which we are unique. Those laws need to be challenged, perhaps even to the extent of disobedience.
Disobedience is our monthly theme this month. And I’ve been inspired by it. Knowing this theme so far ahead, I’ve been planning specific sermons that fit the theme. My main message, found in three different sermons, follows this title, “Nevertheless, She Persisted” (it’s something for which I can thank Senator Mitch McConnell). Civil disobedience has been an important tool in our work for justice. And I want to acknowledge, there are times when not everyone can engage in acts of civil disobedience.
I know many people of color who choose not to engage in civil disobedience because of the way people of color are treated by some law enforcement officers. It’s proven that people of color are treated more aggressively and experience much harsher treatment, sentencing, etc. than people who are white. So, acts of civil disobedience in themselves become acts of privilege.
When it comes to working for justice, I want to use all the privilege I have at my disposal. Throughout this month, I hope our messages, wisdom circle material, and conversations will help you think more deeply about how obedience and disobedience play out in your life.
Faithfully, Kathleen Owen, Lead Minister, First UU Church of San Diego
Disobedience is our monthly theme this month. And I’ve been inspired by it. Knowing this theme so far ahead, I’ve been planning specific sermons that fit the theme. My main message, found in three different sermons, follows this title, “Nevertheless, She Persisted” (it’s something for which I can thank Senator Mitch McConnell). Civil disobedience has been an important tool in our work for justice. And I want to acknowledge, there are times when not everyone can engage in acts of civil disobedience.
I know many people of color who choose not to engage in civil disobedience because of the way people of color are treated by some law enforcement officers. It’s proven that people of color are treated more aggressively and experience much harsher treatment, sentencing, etc. than people who are white. So, acts of civil disobedience in themselves become acts of privilege.
When it comes to working for justice, I want to use all the privilege I have at my disposal. Throughout this month, I hope our messages, wisdom circle material, and conversations will help you think more deeply about how obedience and disobedience play out in your life.
Faithfully, Kathleen Owen, Lead Minister, First UU Church of San Diego
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