Living Mosaic
Author Archives: Rev. Dr. Monica L Cummings
About the Author
Posted by: UUA
Pastoral Message
Hello Family,
I have not written a Pastoral Message in a few months for a number of reasons, primarily because I have not had a burning desire to write. However, something happened recently that has compelled me to communicate with you this mo
nth.
On Sunday, March 17, two high school football players were convicted of raping a 16 year-old girl after attending a party where alcohol was being used/abused following a football practice game. The crime came to the attention of the world after photos and video footage was posted online. As I have read blog posts and watched pundits on TV talk about the case, I have been thinking about how this tragic event will impact the lives of all the young people who were present during the criminal act of rape; the perpetrators/predators, those who participated by watching, and the girl who was the victim. Sadly, this painful story is just the latest one in the news involving the gang rape of a female while others watched.
I have written in the past about bullying, an epidemic problem in our country that all of you are aware of: either as victims, perpetrators or bystanders. It appears that the tear in the cultural fabric that has always been present is now being exposed by technology that makes it easy to record and post online man’s inhumanity against those who are weaker.
The strong preying on the weak (survival of the fittest) is nothing new. Whether it is getting worse or not is a matter of opinion. With this sad reality in mind, I want you to process the questions below in your faith community and role play different scenarios so you will be empowered to live our first and second Unitarian Universalists principles (to affirm and promote “the inherent worth and dignity of every person and justice, equity and compassion in human relations”) in every aspect of your life.
- How do you prevent yourself, family members and friends from becoming a perpetrator, victim or bystander when someone is being abused?
- What are some actions you can take?
As always, I would love to hear from you. You can message me on Facebook at Monica Cummings, email me at mcummings@uua.org or leave a comment for me on the Living Mosaic blog at http://uuyayaoc.blogs.uua.org/.
I Love You,
Rev. Monica
Unitarian Universalist People of Color Help Build Our Beloved Multicultural Community
Would you like to meet virtually with other UUs of Color (Latino/a and Hispanic, Multiracial/Multiethnic, Native American, Asian, Arab, African descent, trans-racially adopted and bi-racial)
Whether you are in a congregation where you are one of a few People of Color, or
You are in a congregation with a solid community of People of Color,
There are other UUs who could benefit from being with you.
We will be using a small group ministry format to get to know each other and build a virtual community.
Interested? Check it out.
No commitment required for the first conversation.
Plans are for conversations to occur monthly.
Computer or phone access required.
Open to adults, young adults, and youth.
Online Meetings
Sunday, May19 at 4 pm EST/3 pm CST/2 pm MST/1 pm PST
Monday, May 20 at 10 pm EST/9 pm CST/8 pm MST/ 7 pm PST
Tuesday, May 21 at 8 pm EST/7 pm CST/6 pm MST/5 pm PST
Sign up by emailing: jyork@uua.org by May 15, 2013
Tell me your name, contact information (city, state, phone number) and which meeting time you prefer. Additional information will be emailed to you. If you are interested, but unable to meet during the scheduling times, let me know.
Convener Jessica York is a black religious educator in the Resource Development office at the Unitarian Universalist Association. She is part of a team creating resources to help Unitarian Universalism become a more welcoming multicultural community.
UUA Standing on the Side of Love
Youth Observer to the UUA Board of Trustees
The deadline for applications to be a candidate for YOUTH OBSERVER TO THE UUA BOARD OF TRUSTEES has been extended. We will be accepting applications to run for this important position until MONDAY, APRIL 1st (no fooling!).
http://www.uua.org/re/youth/leading/observer/index.shtml
Whose Are We, by Monica L. Cummings
Whose Are We?
our parents and partners
our siblings
our children
our pets
Whose Are We?
our neighbors
our friends
our co-workers
our congregations
Whose Are We?
the powerful and the powerless
those who suffer and
those who cause the suffering
Whose Are We?
the 6 generations that have passed
the 6 generations yet to come
the great cloud of witness
Whose Are We?
Whose Are We?
Whose Are We Not?
By Monica L. Cummings
Apply to Become a Candidate For Youth Observer
The Youth Observer to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Board of Trustees is an important, national leadership position that functions as the primary liaison between General Assembly (GA) Youth Caucus and the Board, but represents a larger youth voice on the Board. See the Statement from the 2010-2011 Youth Observer for more information on what it is like to be the Youth Observer.
For more information click here.
CATALYST
This month’s CATALYST includes an update on the Seminarians of Color collegial group, resources for engaging with the UUA Common Read, and more! http://www.uua.org/documents/idbm/rec/130221_catalyst.pdf