A sermon delivered by Rev. Rudi Gelsey, minister, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the New River Valley, February 18, 1996
Three weeks ago, in Buffalo I gave the eulogy for Sigi de Neuf Ville, a life-long Unitarian, massage therapist, former parishioner and dear friend of ours for some 13 years. Sigi believed in angels, past and future lives, practiced yoga. Akin to the Sufi poet Jelaludin Rumi who called the day of his death his wedding night, Sigi saw her transition as passing into the divine light.
I share this because Sigi was accepted and loved as a New Age person in a congregation that was only minimally New Age. According to a recent survey, the theological profile of the Buffalo church read: 56% agnostics, atheists, humanists; 41% Christians or theists; the rest: other. Sigi was part of the "other".
Such diversity is a trademark in UU congregations. Percentages vary, but a colorful rainbow of many-splendored beliefs exists as well in our own ranks as shown by the recent survey conducted by grades 5-6 of our Sunday school. We put no premium on conformity. We don't have to believe alike, to love and care alike.
When a recent Christiansburg display proclaimed "Diversity Enriches," some zealots deemed this offensive. The message was hastily yanked from public view. Intolerance triumphed.
In a world according to Hitler, the media, the arts, religion, are all pressed into sameness. people deviating from the norm, are to be liquidated, just as for centuries, unbelievers or believers in a different faith used to be consigned to death, exile or hell. The recent atrocities among Serbs, Croats and Bosnians is the latest episode of intolerance run amok.
Most western religions still have a creedal litmus test. If you dare venture beyond the conventional, like the exclusive divinity of Jesus and the infallibility of Pope or Bible, you keep it to yourself, in a closet, fearful of being cast out as a heretic.
By contrast, according to one of our Unitarian ancestors, William Ellery Channing, no one could be excommunicated save by the death of goodness in their heart. Universalists affirmed universal salvation rather than threatening hellfire.
Freedom to believe is a cornerstone of our faith. an individual conscience is not to be compelled. Beware of attaching labels like outsiders or troublemakers to constituencies that develop as subgroups. They are perfectly legit!
Womanspirit and CUUPS brings together UU Pagans; UU gays and lesbians gather in Interweave. We have Unitarian Universalist Christian groups that offer communion. Unitarian Universalists for Jewish awareness come together for Seder to celebrate their Jewish roots. The list goes on.
The melting pot is not our thing. We rejoice in diversity and in the practice of mutual respect. Why then do we see so few African Americans, Latinos or people of Oriental ancestry in our midst? Just to raise the question makes us squirm.
Are we accomplices, perchance, when Sunday morning worship is characterized as the most segregated hour of the week? Inasmuch as we have a firm commitment to theological diversity, why are we so ineffective, when it comes to being a community church that reflects different races and classes?
Why should Ebony, Jade and Ivory be less of a common ground than the cross, The star of David, the lotus flower and the flaming chalice that co-exist rather harmoniously in our midst? Are we hesitant when it comes to let Ebony and Jade display their radiant beauty?
Traditionally, the dominant white culture expected others to adapt to what was deemed our superior civilization. This conjures up the specter of racism.
One explanation seeks to let us off the hook: African Americans are surrounded by white society all week long. On Sunday morning they may want to be among themselves, have nobody looking over their shoulders.
There is an element of truth in that. However, in my personal experience with black members and friends in congregations I served, I found that by and large they joined a Unitarian Universalist church for the same reasons white folks do: to find a religious community and spiritual home, where they are safe from indoctrination and a literalism they have outgrown.
Just as men enjoy men's groups and women, women's circles, gays and lesbians, Pagans and Christians have sometimes formed their own subgroup. African Americans have the same privilege without running the risk of being called separatists or racists in reverse.
In the lighter vein of a culinary metaphor, aren't we fortunate that we are not limited to bleached Wonderbread, can savor French croissants, C'est si bon; bagels with lox, Sehr gut; pitta with hummus, Assalam aleikum. Our new UU hymnal is enriched by spirituals and by lift every voice and sing.
In my own experience and according to the UUA office of racial and cultural diversity, there are several factors that make for a healthy integrated congregation. Minorities need to know, through our attitude and actions, that we are committed to their equality and to their struggle, which is also our struggle, that we respect them as individuals, cherish them as friends, include them socially. When I think of beneficial diversity, I do not limit myself to race and ethnicity. I want to honor Radford University and Community College membership along with our splendid Virginia Tech contingent. We have experienced the enrichment brought by Barry Whittemore, who identifies so deeply with the Appalachia culture,
Hopefully, as a congregation, we will also want to reach out more beyond academia. intellectual snobbery is as ornery as racial prejudice.
Granted: Unitarians in this country started out as New England WASPs and literati, but we find balance through our Universalist heritage with roots in rural America, close to nature. Love ought not play second fiddle to reason.
Remember too that before the American Revolution and our Bill Of Rights, in 18th century America, one of the 9 signers of the Universalist Charter was an African-American runaway slave. We have a long roster of distinguished African Americans who worshiped with us.
When I served in Westchester County, Whitney Young of the Urban League was a longstanding member in the Whiteplains Church. Out of my Detroit congregation, Wade McCree became Solicitor General of the United States under Jimmy Carter and Vice-president of our denomination. When I ministered in Philadelphia, our congregational life was and continues to be deeply molded by the development of a model interracial neighborhood, East Mount Airy.
All I am saying: "Give Ebony a chance." Let us reach out to people from the black community, as well as from India and the Orient. Let us offer them a spiritual home, without their having to convert to white culture or to Christianity, as might be expected of them in other New River Valley congregations.
Let us welcome with open arms students and retirees, people of all colors and whatever station in life, let us support one another as brothers and sisters, on our common path in search of religious freedom, justice and the joys of friendship.
Back to The UUC Home Page
Back to Rev. Gelsey Sermons
Page