Locally

On June 14, over 700 people gathered at Affirmations in an interfaith vigil to remember and to honor the LGBTQ victims of the Orlando massacre. The room was silent as one by one the name of each victim was read aloud.

We had gathered to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community and to grieve with them for the victims of this unspeakable tragedy. The mood was emotional and defiant, with calls to action that resonated with the principles of our faith. The speakers, which included religious leaders, community activists, and elected officials from the entire metropolitan area, urged everyone present to continue to support the work of faith communities whose principles are rooted in inclusiveness.

In addition, they asked that we all stand in solidarity against politicians who propose banning all Muslims, branding them as terrorists, while protecting the so-called right to carry militarily-designed guns in our communities. And most of all, Stand up, Stand up in courage and in love.

May it be so.

At UU Detroit

Rev. Murray changed his June 26th sermon topic in order to address the tragic events in Orlando.

Check the bulletin board in the Church Narthex to see our support for Orlando and to “Say Their Names.”

Regionally

Vigils were organized by Rev. Kimi Riegel at Northwest UU Church and Rev. Leonetta Bugleisi of UU Church of Farmington. UU Detroiter’s attended the vigils at our neighboring churches.

Nationally

Annette Marquis, the Director of the UUA’s LGBTQ and Multicultural Programs, Multicultural Growth and Witness, issued An Open Letter to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer-identified Unitarian Universalists.

UUA president Peter Morales issued a statement, excerpted in this graphic which was widely distributed among UU congregations: