Some of our neighbors and some members of our community ask about the Black Lives Matter banner than hangs outside our sanctuary. What does support for Black Lives Matter mean for a faith with “Universalist” in our very name?

To proclaim that Black Lives Matter is not to say that other lives do not. In this church we celebrate the inherent value of every life. Each life matters, but not all lives are equally at risk. Black Lives Matter is an attempt to spotlight and interrupt the persistent patterns of institutional racism which always leave persons of color on the margins, more vulnerable, with less protection. Black Lives Matter insists that the Beloved Community will not be achieved while these differences persist. Black Lives Matter calls us to solidarity in the service of justice. Black Lives Matter is an affirmation that we have not…yet…given up on the American Dream.”

-Rev. Bill Sinkford