Interview with Reverend Christine Brownlie
February 2001

The following interview with Rev. Christine Brownlie appeared in theMarch 2001 issue of the newsletter of the UUFNRV
Chris, every once in a while you'll mention something about some work that you do in the community. Can you tell us about the groups you've been involved with since you moved to blacksburg?

cb. I've been involved in several groups, some for brief periods, others for several months. I'm a member of the Blacksburg Minister's Alliance. This group meets once a month for fellowship and for community action. This group is open to any minister, active or retired in Blacksburg. We put on the community Thanksgiving service which benefits the local food pantry and, this year, the transient's fund to help travelers who are in need of assistance. I attend the weekly meetings of the Tech Campus Ministers, in part to learn more about issues at Virginia Tech, and in part to ensure that there is a UU presence within this group and on campus. I'm a member of the Advisory Board for Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge. This group supports both our local Planned Parenthood office and the larger affiliate. Once a month, I offer a Sunday service at Warm Hearth. I am very aware of the loneliness and monotony of institutional life that many nursing home residents face. I hope that the time we spend together helps to ease that.

What are some of groups you've been involved with on a short term basis?

cb. The Ecumenical Alliance is the first one that comes to my mind and it's one I'd like to get back to. The group has gone through a period of seeking a focus and developing leadership. I'm very concerned about the problems of racism, classism, and poverty in Montgomery County and I'd like to see more interfaith collaboration to create solutions and actions. Last summer I was also involved with the Interfaith Working Group that developed out of two meetings that were sponsored by the Voluntary Action Center. That group is not active at this point and I'm uncertain about it's future.

Why do you feel it's important for you to get involved with community groups

cb. To begin with, this kind of work is simply a part of who I am. I've always been involved with issues and community action. This was part of my earliest religious education. So the idea of faith in action resonates with me. I also think that it is very important for liberal religion to have a visible and active presence in the community. I believe that we offer a spiritual home and a theological alternative to people who find that traditional mainstream religion no longer speaks to their hearts and experience. Our presence in the larger community allows people to know who we are and what we are about. By our deeds shall they know us!

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Last updated 4 March 2001