Recreation, beaches, and vacations are the highlight of most people’s summer break. This year, Faith in Texas’s covenant partner, Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church in Carrollton, TX, replaced a part of their summer relaxation with justice participation and added “making history” to their list.
It began when the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) decided to become official sponsors for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call of Moral Revival (PPC), a movement designed to continue Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1968 campaign for economic justice. Lead by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Rev. Liz Theoharis, the agenda focused on actions to address systematic racism, poverty and inequality, ecological devastation, war economy and militarism, and national morality.
Horizon UU recognized the opportunity to be strong allies in the strides toward equity and justice which are a part of the core UU principles. Pastor Lora Brandis and Justice Team members like captain Bunny Summerlin knew their participation would be a powerful way to walk out their belief in “the inherent worth and dignity of every person.”
In April 2018, this dynamic team began to work with the Dallas chapter of PPC. The group learned more about the campaign, connected with directly impacted individuals, and learned about civil disobedience. On May 14th and June 4th, tens of thousands of PPC chapters across the nation kicked off sessions of direct action and marched. Joined by other chapters from major cities in Texas, Horizon UU and the committed partners of the Dallas PPC chapter met on the steps of the Texas Capitol with the PPC’s list of demands. During the marches, Horizon UU members helped to lead the crowd in song. Back home, the team shared their experience with the rest of their congregation, teaching them songs and emphasizing the great importance of continuing the work of faith-based community organizing to ensure that harmful laws and policies are changed.
Congratulations Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church for work well done! You deserve a spotlight for being leading examples as allies in the fight for justice.
