Unitarian Universalism puts love at the center of our faith tradition. We can only achieve this if we create more welcoming and inclusive spaces for members, old and new, digging deep to define for ourselves what “belonging” is really about. Is “Belonging” a general statement that affirms a commitment to diversity and dismantling White supremacy? Is “Belonging” an obligation to authentically forge welcoming spaces for all people, from all cultures, possessing any number of character traits? By examining what “Belonging” truly is and means, perhaps we will discover together the truly exciting existence of “Beloved Community.” Music will include Paula Gills performing her musical setting of the St. Francis Prayer, and the UCM Choir singing We Are One.

Daniel Frye is a candidate for UU ministerial fellowship and a student in his final semester at Meadville Lombard Theological School. Additionally, Dan is a disability policy consultant, motivational speaker, professional coach, and certified mediator. He received his BA in History and Government at Erskine College and his J.D. from the University of Washington, School of Law. Dan is the Oral History Program Manager for the National Federation of the Blind where he builds and curates the oral histories of members and leaders of the National Blindness Movement. Dan lives in Concord, New Hampshire with his wife, Renee.

Topics: belonging