I was moved to tears during the impromptu celebration at Sunday worship on October 12. Many of us were overwhelmed with joy when the ban on same sex marriage was lifted. One of my proudest moments as a Unitarian Universalist was during the campaign of our Fellowship against the same sex marriage ban which became imbedded in the North Carolina State Constitution. Standing on the side of love and our firm commitment to inclusiveness are actions and values which have drawn me inexorably to UUFH. It is an absolute delight to embrace and celebrate marriage equality in our state.

In a community of acceptance we are each appreciated. We do not have to pretend to be something we’re not or say things we don’t believe. We don’t expect each other to put up false fronts, but rather we hope folks will be true to themselves. People at UUFH are valued “for what they are, for what they have to offer,…and for what they are longing to become.” Acceptance and inclusiveness can be powerful forces in the development of individual worth and fulfillment.

Several years ago, I was in a carload of UUFH men driving home from an Asheville Tourists baseball game.  The question of the “hereafter” arose. I think each of us had a different view. No one snickered or cast aspersions on another.

When we realized this, we celebrated our diversity. We all consciously noted that acceptance was a quality that we each applauded in our beloved community.

I use god language and believe in the concept of a higher power. I like using the phrase “spirit of life and love.” My definition of god is “the mystery beyond knowing” (which I believe Jim suggested some years ago). While I strongly believe that faith and reason are mutually supportive, I embrace mystery as a part of my spiritual journey. My search for truth and meaning is ongoing.

“You can be anybody you want to be, you can love whomever you will…You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around, you can choose one special one.  And the only measure of your words and your deeds will be the love you leave behind when you’re gone.”

Believe in Peace,
Be Peace,
Create Peace,

Chuck Elston

 
 
1The concept for this column is based on a sermon by the Rev. Richard Kelley delivered on March 3, 1985, at the Painted Branch Unitarian Church in Adelphia, Maryland.  In addressing “What Should A Liberal Church Be? Kelly draws upon the eight-point analysis of Kenneth Marshall written in 1962.  I have chosen this month to highlight acceptance.  Rick Kelly is an expert on Asian religions who taught at the University of Arkansas while serving as minister at the Unitarian Church in Little Rock during the 1950s.  Incidentally, this is where he and Mary Ann met and married.  Thank you, Rick, for sharing your sermons and for answering the call as a UU minister.  
2 Everything Possible, Hymn #1019 in Singing the Journey, UUA, 2005.