Spring greetings, everyone! Busy days and all, Mary and I are enjoying another amazing “budding and blooming season” here in the mountains. What a great place to live and serve. 

If you’re wondering why the temporary change in language from a monthly column to a pastoral letter, it has to do with focusing more clearly on an issue (or two) that is more sensitive than others. Its about ministers addressing a topic with understanding for more than one viewpoint, knowing their own discernment has brought them to a particular conclusion. 

The topic of this letter is the Black Lives Matter banner that stands near the wayside pulpit (roadside sign) at the intersection of Kanuga and Patterson. As you may know, its presence was welcomed by some, but not all UUFH members, friends and attendees. Even though a town hall was held to discuss the banner – and was processed through two justice teams, with input from the Board and me – the points against leaving the banner in place are wholly understandable. Congregations face tough choices along the way, often between competing and dearly held values. That’s where we are right now with the BLM banner. 

I want to use this space to honor who object, but also to clarify some related items: 

● The process above wasn’t always smooth, nor did every member of every group agree with installing the banner; 

● This is by no means the first time the fellowship has tackled a thorny issue of whom is charged to represent UUFH to the public. While not all agree the banner falls under that category, the bottom line is its displayed in a very public place; 

● In an effort to answer that question based on best practices from many other UU congregations, the previous Board (with my input) created a policy whereby the sitting president and minister – after their own discernment, input from related teams, and information provided to UUFH in general – are charged with that responsibility. Mike Y., the Board’s current president and I, are in support of staying the course with the banner; 

● As you may know, the banner has been vandalized on three occasions. To date we’ve received six emails of support, and three from the same person criticizing UUFH and me. And the non-UUFH donor who’s been funding the costs of new signs/banners, is continuing that promise; 

● Whatever one’s viewpoint, keep in there are larger UU connections to the BLM movement. Our UU Association that has joined forces to become more anti-racist, within, among and beyond our ranks. (To learn more about those connections, go to https://www.uua.org/racial-justice/black-lives-matter); 

● I’ve suggested we schedule another town hall meeting to once again hear voices of disagreement and support. While Mike Y. and I will continue to follow the Board policy on public witness, being heard is part of being in covenant. Listening deeply doesn’t always mean a change in decision, but it can give perspective. Important as that banner is to all concerned, there’s still more that unites than divides your strong UU outpost.

I hope you’ve read this letter in the pastoral spirit in which it was written. Although I’m secure in my own discernment, the goal was not to alienate, but to be transparent about where things stand. 

Thanks for taking the time to read and reflect, 

Don