“Stories of the Faith Behind Freedom”
THEME DESCRIPTION
The theme for our most recent online conference—“Stories of the Faith Behind Freedom”—was inspired by a spoken word chorale composed of words contributed by Unitarians who found in their heritage of free religion— historically centered in the struggle for a universal, free humanity—the faith that met the challenge of their times. The Rev. Vincent Siliman conducted the chorale in a worship service produced by Rev. A. Powell Davies in 1945.
In those days, freedom was immediately associated with the war, and the fight against fascism. We (UURMaPA conference planners) realized that we still fight today for our freedoms. Thus, this past fall we presented some stories of the faith behind freedom, to bolster your faith as you shape the present miseries towards a happier future and fight for freedom in these days of tragedy and loss.
Rev. Richard Speck researched the life and works of Vincent Siliman and presented the theme on the first day. It was further developed through personal stories told by our colleagues.
When the planning team decided on our theme for this fall’s conference, “The Faith behind Freedom,” we also thought to ask the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee for their take on the theme. We thought their mission and history might provide a unique perspective on stories of people fighting for their freedoms. Christine Robinson, Member-at-Large for UUMA/UUA Relations, was effusive in her praise for the Service Committee, and she spoke to us about their participation: “When we think of stories, especially stories with big words like “faith” and “freedom,” we usually think of stories of times past; the stories that make us who we are. Those kinds of stories are empowering and motivating, but perhaps even more empowering and motivating, are contemporary stories—those stories whose end we may not know, those stories that tell us of skillful and courageous people who struggle with current issues, those people who work to block actions that erode faith and freedom.”
We presented two stories of this sort on Tuesday afternoon of the conference, when Carey McDonald of the UUA and Laura Randall of the UU Service Committee bring us stories of their current efforts, done with faith and in service of freedom. Carey told us of a threat to liberal religion which is mostly flying under the radar, and how the UUA has studied it and plans to meet it. This story doesn’t have an end—yet. But it is a story to make us proud.“We often tell the thrilling story of the founding of the UU Service Committee in World War II. That story inspires the Service Committee to continue its work for democratic rights, for reproductive justice, and for the human rights of oppressed peoples everywhere. But that’s not the end of our stories. At the conference, Laura Randall brought us the inspiring story of her current work for the Service Committee.” Carey McDonald, executive VP of the UUA, and Mary Katherine Morn, president of the UUSC, were also with us to answer questions. Wayne Walder also collected STORIES from people to develop the theme.
AGENDA
CONFERENCE WORSHIP: Our gathering (October 20–22) opened and closed with worship services produced by a team of people led by Joan Van Becelaere. See more about this HERE.
ODYSSEYS
Of course, our conferences usually feature two Odysseys, one from a minister, and one from a partner. And at this conference, we featured two Odysseys, one with Rev. Leslie Westbrook and another with Anne Spatola, spouse of Rev. Theresa Novak. Odysseys have always been a popular feature of UU ministerial culture. The sharing of experiences and insights gleaned through experience is an excellent resource for younger ministers and a source of connection for colleagues.
Minister’s Odyssey: This fall, welcomed the Rev. Leslie Westbrook to share her memories with us. Leslie was ordained in 1973 at Arlington Street Church. She spent her professional life as a UU minister, working as a religious educator, as a parish minister, as staff at the UUA, as an interim minister, and as a chaplain with a hospice program. She is married to the Rev. Roger Fritts, with whom she shares three adult children.
Reflecting about writing her Odyssey, Leslie said, “It is an honor to share my Odyssey (although I have found the process to be a challenge). I remembered both wonderful and deeply painful times. A central theme is woven throughout: All my life I have wanted to lessen human suffering. I’ve failed at times, mostly out of ignorance or naïvete, but upon reflection, I have increasing empathy now for people I only partially understood when I was younger. I encourage you to write your own Odyssey when you are ready!”
Partner’s Odyssey: Anne Spatola is originally from New York City, but California has been her home since she was 19. She retired in 2006 from the California Department of Social Services as Bureau Chief in the Disability Program. Since her teen years, she has protested wars, canvassed for presidential candidates, and been an activist for the environment, LGBTQ and voting rights. Lately, she has served her UU Congregation of Marin (San Rafael) for five years as Secretary for the Board. In the wider community, she worked for immigrant rights and volunteered in a public school with English learners. For us, Anne served on the Board from 2020-2022 as Member at Large for Conferences, and helped us get started with virtual conferences. We are grateful for her service.
The San Francisco Bay area is her home, except for the eight years she accompanied her wife who served churches in Utah and Maryland. She has been committed to the Rev. Theresa Novak for more than 50 years, and married for 12. They share three children, and before having their own children, they cared for her nephew and two foster children.
About the process of writing an Odyssey, Anne said, “Talking about my past has never been easy. There are so many memories that bring pain and sadness. Despite the passage of time, I realized that I am not over grieving some of the losses that I experienced. In many ways, I don’t believe that I have changed much. Some people may get more mellow as they age or less enraged. However, my rage at injustice has persisted and intensified. Writing this odyssey has given me the opportunity to recognize more of who I am. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my memories.”
CONNECTING ROOMS AND PODS
Also included in this Fall conference were three sessions of CONNECTING ROOMS, where we greeted our colleagues and enjoyed more than a fleeting conversation.
PODS: The conference was also available at one of five locations where you could attend the sessions together with your colleagues and friends. This allowed some face-to-face discussion time as well as opportunities to socialize and exercise your tourist muscles. Pods were formed in Wilmington DE, Kingston MA, Waverly OH, Seabeck WA, and Winnsboro SC.
Financial aid up to US$50 per person was available to help cover the extra cost of attending a pod. The UURMaPA Board made $1,000 from the Financial Aid Endowment Fund available to pod attendees. A financial aid request form was available HERE. All you needed to do was print it, fill it out, sign it, and mail it to Paul Johnson, UURMaPA treasurers, whose mailing address is included on the form.
We spoke with the pod organizers at each location to better understand the amenities and attractions that await you. To learn more about all or any of the pods, go HERE.