Unitarian Universalism is currently taking a profoundly important step in committing to work as an entire body, a Beloved Community, against white supremacy. In order to make this commitment as effective as possible, it is important to reflect on the internal struggle that we who are white may undergo as we come to recognize, accept the reality of, and commit to working against, white supremacy. These responses and emotions can halt us in our tracks or we can recognize them and work with them to enable ourselves to move forward and to support each other along the way.
Amanda Udis-Kessler is a hymnwriter, songwriter, composer, and writer who specializes in music and lyrics for liberal/progressive religious people and communities, including inclusive, social justice-minded Christians, Unitarian Universalists, and other open-hearted religious traditions. Amanda’s religious music is in use across the US and in Canada, the UK, South Africa, and New Zealand. She has served informally as composer-in-residence at Vista Grande Community Church (UCC, Colorado Springs, CO) and (also informally) as the consulting long-distance music director for Affirming God’s People UCC in Las Vegas, NV. Amanda was the featured hymnwriter/composer for the Fall 2020 through Summer 2021 issues of the UCC Musicians’ Association journal Worship, Music, & Ministry. She was also the June 2021 Musician of the Month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing (MI).
Topics: Dismantle oppressions, systemic and personal, Morality, Principle 1. The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person, Principle 2. Justice, Equity, and Compassion in human relations, Social and Environmental Justice, UU Principles