Monday, March 13, Unitarian Universalists from 20 congregations across Texas gathered at the state capitol for Texas UU Legislative Action Day, sponsored and orchestrated by the Texas UU Justice Ministry. Including members of Live Oak!
Our own Music Director, Curtis White, directed all the UUs in a singing our hearts out in the rotunda of the capital, with Live Oaker Bill Dower on percussion and vocals. Also participating in Action Day were Barbara Coldiron, Katherine Enyart, Becky and Wayne Gregory, and Intern Minister Carrie Holley-Hurt. (Who am I missing – let me know! minister@liveoakuu.org)
I joined Live Oaker Stephanie Perdue, who combined whimsy, social witness, and performance art into visits to legislators’ offices to spread her messages that “Hate is drowning us, be a life preserver!” and “LGBT-rex Loves You!” You can see videos from those visits below.
It was an exhilarating day, being around so many UUs wanting to share the message that religious voices include progressive voices, and that we are “answering the call of love.” And … it was hard. Many of us met with legislators and their aides who have repeatedly voted for things that go against our religious values. And, we were not the only ones in the capitol. A “family values” group (not MY family values!) was also there, and some of their members behaved in … well, there’s no other way to say it. They behaved in hateful ways.
I am reminded, yet again, of the words of my friend and colleague, Rev. Wayne Arnason:
Take courage friends.
The way is often hard, the path is never clear,
and the stakes are very high.
Take courage.
For deep down, there is another truth:
you are not alone.
Overview, with Curtis White leading the singing