On the eve of the day dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, I would like the LakeshoreUnitarian Universalist Congregation in Lachine, Quebec, to affirm the following as a call toaction:Articles 48 and 49 of the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissionstate the following:Article 48: We call upon the church parties to the … Continue reading Truth and Reconciliation

Included as a point of reference: UUA version as of now –We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: Canadian version:“We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote: ‘Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and other oppressions in ourselves and in … Continue reading Adding an Eighth Principle

“The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” /The Fifth Principle For those of us who view religious differences as a marker of human inventiveness and creativity, the many months of discussions around Bill 21 were a sobering experience. It certainly gave me a … Continue reading Law 21 and the Fifth Unitarian Principle

What do you suggest should be modalities for applying a universal prescription to the real world? ‘Promoting the worth and dignity of every person’ offers a fairly clear idea of what we should not be doing: discriminating against or excluding others, on any grounds. On the positive side we are being asked to speak up … Continue reading How to apply the First Principle?

Some Relevant History: The cry of ‘Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité of the French Revolution in 1789, and the Declaration of Independence sent to the King of England from 13 trivial new world colonies in 1776, arose in a world where for roughly 1200 years, clan ties and war had defined hierarchical social orders, and where huge … Continue reading The First Principle

This year, the Canadian Unitarian Council National Gathering was held in Hamilton. Ontario – and the most impressive aspect of the meetings was the Hamilton Congregation itself. You may remember Curtis Murphy and Carly Gaylor, both of whom spent time in Montreal and spoke to us here at Lakeshore Unitarian Universalist Congregation. They were married … Continue reading Hamilton 2018 — a memorable CUC National Gathering

Last night the Canadian Senate passed a private-member’s bill making the National Anthem gender neutral. Words will change from “in all thy son’s command” to “in all of us command” after royal assent.   Personally, I find this a great step forward for inclusiveness. When singing O Canada, there was always this need to ‘put … Continue reading At last! Canadian anthem is gender neutral