Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive, Madison WI 53711–4843 (608) 271-8218 admin@uuprairie.org Located off the south frontage road (West Beltline Hwy Rd.) near the Seminole Hwy exit. PRAIRIE FIRE November 10, 2006 "As the prairie stretches out until it becomes one with the sky, let us reach out to touch and be one with the natural world and with one another." (Bond of Union) Prairie Fire is the semi-monthly newsletter of Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society. Past issues may be seen at http://uuprairie.org President: Mike Briggs (608) 835–0914 Editor: Dan Proud, admin@uuprairie.org; (608) 661–0776 PRAIRIE CALENDAR Sunday, November 12 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m."A Gratitude by So Many to So Few" presented by the Rev. Ralph Tyksinski *11:45 a.m. Prairie Book club Monday, November 13 7:00 p.m. EnAct Class. Wednesday, November 15 6:30 p.m. Midweek Meal @ Prairie *6:30 p.m. Spanish Speakers potluck and talk at 115 Lakewood Gardens Lane, Madison 7:30 p.m. Board Meeting Saturday, November 18 *7:00 p.m. Playreaders at the home of Paula Pachciarz and Carl Wacker, 4709 Sherwood Rd. Sunday, November 19 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal *10:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Intergenerational Service led by Susan Herr-Hoyman, Sonya Sidky, and Dorothy Krause *12:00 noon. Humanist Union potluck lunch and discussion of "The Thought and Writing of Sam Harris," led by Barbara Park and Randy Converse. 1:00-5:00 p.m. Fair Trade Holiday Sale hosted by the Human Rights Committee at First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive Wednesday, November 22 6:00 p.m. Combined UU choir rehearsal at First Unitarian Society 6:30 p.m. Midweek Meal @ Prairie 7:00 p.m. Joint Thanksgiving Service at First Unitarian Society Sunday, November 26 *10:00 a.m. "The Road Not Taken" led by Mary Mullen and Barb Park Tuesday, November 28 *2:00 p.m. Prairie Elders meets at Oakwood West Wednesday, November 29 6:30 p.m. Midweek Meal @ Prairie 7:30 p.m. Covenant Group discusses "The Left Hand of God". Sunday, December 3 10:00 a.m. Rev. Ralph Tyksinski on a historical UU. 11:45 a.m. Fall Parish Meeting Monday, December 4 7:30 p.m. Hospitality and Membership Committee Thursday, December 7 7:00 p.m. Prairie Film Group: The Conversation Sunday, December 10 10:00 a.m. "Child Labor in India" presented by Rebecca Malke-Eligenti 10:00 a.m. Nifty Gifty in R.E. Time TBD Fundraising bus trip to Old Orchard Center (registration deadline November 19) Sunday, December 17 10:00 a.m. "Yule, Christmas and Midwinter Customs" led by Dorothy Krause NEXT PRAIRIE FIRE DEADLINE: Sunday, November 19 DETAILS OF COMING PROGRAMS Sunday, November 12 This morning, as part of a Veteran's Day observance, the Rev. Ralph Tyksinski will be exploring the experiences of men and women UU's in the military as part of a larger reflection of how we can value the service of others in our embrace of our UU First Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person. Sunday, November 19 Our Intergenerational Service will include Thanksgiving-themed songs and readings for all ages. The main activity will be to create a Prairie tree of gratitude. Prairie members of all ages will cut out shapes of their hands and write down what they are grateful for at Prairie. Everyone will be invited to share their words and then in a symbolic gesture of unity, everyone's "hands of gratitude" will be hung on a tree for all to see. Sunday, November 26 On a daily basis, we make decisions, some minor, but some with momentous consequences for our lives. The November 26 service, titled after Robert Frost’s well-known and beloved poem, “The Road Not Taken,” will be a program about decisions and how we make our peace-–or don’t-–with the path we did not take as well as the one we did choose. To get people thinking about their choices that have “made all the difference,” the service will begin with a panel of Prairie people who will talk briefly about some of their decisions. Then the congregation-–in small groups--will have an opportunity to share their stories of lives they might have had and how they feel about not taking those routes. Sure to be a part of both discussions are the decisions themselves. Were they spur-of-the-moment and easy to make or hardly even recognized as an important turning point? Were they heart-rending struggles, perhaps even forced by circumstances? What went into the decisions? Was there a spiritual motivation? Did they begin with soul-searching or cause soul-searching? Perhaps they could be characterized as part of “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning,” the fourth principle of the UUA. This is the kind of service that we especially invite newer people in our community to attend since it will offer insights into the lives of the congregation. If things run true to form, “old” members may also be in for some unexpected treats. OUR SOCIETY REV. RALPH'S RUMINATIONS [This is the first submission by Ralph for what will be a regular column.] A heartfelt "Hello" to members and friends of Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society. I am delighted that I have been invited to serve as your Consulting Minister. I have met many of you already, at the Retreat, at Sunday Programs, and at Committee Meetings. But now I hope to meet each and every one in a more personal way than shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries (which I enjoy!). Now I would I like to share in those kinds of exchanges that are so well described in our hymn: "Come, Sing a Song with Me" ("dream with me, walk in the rain with me, share a rose with me, "work with me, think creatively with me, etc.) so that I might know your mind. We have big decisions to make in the coming months and I know that we will be deeply and respectfully engaging in knowing each other's minds. As you have extended your welcome to me and Karleen I would invite you to consider the ways that Prairie UU Society builds its readiness to welcome new members. These characteristics include the following: · Having knowledge of the various aspects of church growth. · Having a clear mission to galvanize members and attract newcomers. · Making a conscious decision to intentionally welcome newcomers. · Willingness to share the "Good News" of our Unitarian Universalist movement with others. · Creating and maintaining visibility in the community. · Learning how welcoming the congregation's culture and practices are. · Continuing to improve our welcoming, greeter, and membership practices. · Providing opportunities for members' ongoing spiritual and moral development. We also will need to explore further what contributes toward your feeling comfortable here at Prairie UU Society, and to learn, from both those who do not return and those who leave, what contributed to their discomfort. This is a part of how growth can be achieved. Please feel free to share with me your ideas and concerns as we journey together in the months ahead. I'm glad to be here! Best wishes, Rev. Ralph HUMANIST UNION DISCUSSES SAM HARRIS The Humanist Union will have its monthly meeting at Prairie on November 19, with a potluck lunch at noon and a discussion of "The Thought and Writing of Sam Harris" starting about 12:20 p.m. The discussion will be led by Barbara Park and Randy Converse. Harris is the best-selling author of "The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason" and "Letter to a Christian Nation." The Humanist Union Web site has links to examples of Harris' talks, interviews and writing at http://humanist.madisonwi.us/harris.htm. PRAIRIE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSES LOCAL AUTHOR PLEASE DON'T COME BACK FROM THE MOON by Dean Bakopoulous, a Madison author, is the November 12 Prairie Book Club selection. The book club meets at Prairie after the Sunday service and is open to anyone who wants to hear the discussion of the book although, of course, it’s more meaningful if you have read the book. Bring food to share. If you can’t make this meeting, you might want to prepare for the December book, GAVIOTAS: A VILLAGE TO REINVENT THE WORLD by Alan Weisman. We will discuss this book on Sunday, December 10. It comes highly recommended from Doleta Chapru who introduced it to Prairie during the “Summer Reads” service in August. She found it a ray of light in a world of dark and dreary news. Starting this month, there’s a link to the poster of our book club selections. Got to http://uuprairie.org/NovDecBooks.htm, or access the page through the Prairie calendar entry on November 12 or December 10. FUNDRAISER: SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP ON DECEMBER 10 Join the fun while supporting Prairie on December 10. Visit the 187 stores at Old Orchard, one of Chicagoland's premier shopping centers. Shops include Tiffany's, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Elisabeth, Fourth & Towne, Sephora, Sigrid Olson, and Armani Exchange. Enjoy one of the many fine restaurants (including Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano's Little Italy, and California Pizza Kitchen). And "Shop 'til you Drop"! Pat Watkins has organized charter bus transportation leaving from UW Credit Union, UW Humanities Building, and South Towne Mall. Pickups will be between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and you will return to Madison at approximately 8 p.m. The transportation cost is $44.00, payable to Prairie U.U. Society. Payment must be received by Pat no later than November 19. Indicate boarding location and your telephone number on your check. Meals are on your own. However, you will receive a goodie bag with discount coupons to many of the mall's stores and restaurants. Written confirmation and detailed schedule will be sent to you by December 1. For additional information, call Pat at 233–5795. SPANISH SPEAKERS Spanish Speakers will meet for potluck and discussion on Wednesday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Fernanda Leporace, 115 Lakewood Gardens Lane, Condo #115, Madison. For questions or directions, call Rosemary Dorney, 238-4382. PLAYREADERS We will be reading the timely selection, "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?", a play composed of excerpts from the House Unamerican Activities Committee hearings in the 1950's. Everyone is welcome to the home of Paula Pachciarz and Carl Wacker on Saturday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m. PRAIRIE ELDERS MEETING Tuesday, November 28, 2:00-3:50 PM, Oakwood Village West, Oaks Building, Second Floor Exercise Room DISCUSSION TOPIC: The November 7 Election The EXERCISE ROOM will be open at 1:30 for those who wish to come early for casual conversation. Participants are welcome to come and go as necessary for appointments, rides, chair attendants, etc. REFRESHMENTS: Please bring a handful of snacks to pass, if convenient. Beverages are furnished. ABOUT US: Prairie Elders aims to provide good times and mutual support for Prairie UU Members and Friends over 65. We also welcome other UUs who live in the facility where we meet. For directions, rides, parking and further information please contact Donna Murdoch 238-3802, Rosemary Dorney 238-4382 or Rose Smith 233-3363. ANNOUNCEMENT OF PARISH MEETING DECEMBER 3 Our fall parish members' meeting will take place on Sunday, December 3, 11:45 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall. NEW AND IMPROVED TRAINING FOR IHN This is an early reminder of our next Interfaith Hospitality Network Shift, January 14-21. As a Buddy Church, Prairie continues to offer a steady contribution of volunteers to help Midvale Lutheran host homeless families during this scheduled week. Prairie's IHN shifts for all of 2007 are printed below. Thank you to all of you who have helped in the past year: Erin Bosch, Kathy Converse, Nancy Garst, Dave and Marcia Johnson, Orange Schroeder, Phoenix Wardell, and Paula Pachciarz. New volunteers are welcome to join us in this vital community ministry. New volunteers are especially encouraged to attend one of IHN's frequent "No Place Like Home" Information Sessions. (See dates below.) You will meet some of the staff and board members and hear about the variety of services IHN provides for families in shelter and housing. After the session, you will receive a training packet to read. Sessions are at the IHN Day Center at 1121 University Ave. Please RSVP to lsundbergattds.net or call 294-7998, ext. 301. These sessions replace the 2-hour volunteer training sessions which were offered previously. You may contact me to find out more about how you can help. Also, the IHN website is an excellent place to get an overview of this organization and its mission: www.madison.com/communities/ihn/ IHN Information Sessions: Wednesday, November 15 at 5:30 Tuesday, November 21 at 7:00 Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 IHN Weeks in 2007: 1/14-1/21 Midvale Community Lutheran 3/11-3/18 Midvale Community Lutheran 9/16-9/23 Midvale Lutheran 11/11-11/18 Midvale Community Lutheran Paula Pachciarz MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBER PROFILE--DREW SCHULTZ Last month Prairie welcomed three new members. Not everyone has had the opportunity to meet them, so we are encouraging our newer members to tell us a little about themselves via the Prairie Fire, Drew Schultz was good enough to share the following about himself. He is "old enough to know better, but too young to resist." He has two children. Carrie Susan Schultz, age 23, is an English teacher at Lewis Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado. Carrie graduated from UW Eau Claire in May, 2006. Kyle Andrew Schultz, age 19, is an assistant manager with American Eagle Outfitters. Kyle marches to the beat of his own drummer, and so far he has tramped out a very interesting life! Drew lives with "the most interesting woman I have ever known, Terrell Brock (also a new member)." They have a dog (Banshee) and two cats (Indiana Jones and Gracie May). He has many interests. Where to begin? Acoustic music (He's been playing the guitar for 41 years.), gardening, woodworking, home improvement, Lake Superior, model railroading . . . As for what brought him to Prairie, he is looking for a community of progressive-minded folks who look out for each other, and help one another grow spiritually, each in their own way. He has been associated with the Prairie Lakes UU Fellowship in Ripon, WI, for over 10 years. He is a Registered Nurse with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, assigned to work at Oakhill Correctional Institution. He's been a nurse for about 8.5 years now. In his previous lives, he's been an instructor of Biology at both UW-Oshkosh and Marian College of Fond du Lac, WI; A territory sales manager for a Madison area seed production and marketing company; a real estate broker, specializing in agricultural properties; and a full line sales rep for a large agricultural cooperative in northwestern Wisconsin. He earned his nursing degree at UW Oshkosh in Dec, 1997, and prior to that, an MS in Genetics and a BS in Botany from UW-Eau Claire in 1977 and 1975 respectively. Drew describes his spiritual journey: "I always considered myself to be an atheist, from about age 7 on. It all started with the first science book I ever read that had a chart of the ages of geological time. THAT created a huge disconnect between the Sunday School content and the rest of reality, for me. As I've gotten older, I've begun to look for more spiritual fulfillment. I still don't believe in the traditional "sky god" as personified by a wise old man (or woman) with a beard, seated on a throne, up in heaven. But I do find the day to day stuff that we live to be astonishing: babies growing, flowers blooming, the intricate web of life in the forest, the drama and danger of Lake Superior, the vast time our planet/home has been here evolving, and the truly remarkable things that you can see on the surface of the planet if you just look. I consider myself to be very rational, not superstitious. We may not understand all that we observe today, but that does not imbue the observed event with an iota of magic. These are simply things that we haven't learned about yet. Think of the unknown as that upper division class that mankind has yet to enroll in." When asked how he hopes to be involved in Prairie, Drew said that he would like to help the fellowship grow. He feels that attracting new members requires two things: a place to call a spiritual home, and pathways to spiritual growth for all members (children's RE, High school/young adult, adult) with programs that enhance spiritual growth. Since Drew promptly joined the Hospitality and Membership Committee the day he became a member of Prairie, there is no doubt that he means what he says. The committee has already benefited from his experience in growing the Prairie Lakes fellowship. We're glad to have you, Drew! RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GOODBYE FALL, HELLO WINTER This October brought the RE program fun and responsibility to our RE children. October 22nd was our annual Fall Frolic. We had 17 Prairie students and their friends join us for our overnight event. I want to express many, many thanks to our chaperones Erin Bosch, Kurt Gutknecht, Kristin Long, Anne Urbanski and John Eligenti. Erin arranged and led all the games Saturday night. Kurt and Kristin helped during dinnertime, arranging tables and food for everyone. All three also participated in the games and made sure everyone had a good time. Anne not only chaperoned during the evening but also stayed overnight and baked pumpkin seeds for everyone. And John stayed overnight and learned all about the game Wink! Kids also bobbed for apples, carved pumpkins and watched movies. The following morning Patty Stockdale stopped by to provide everyone with breakfast. Thank you! October 29th was another annual event: Service Sunday. Prairie youth raked leaves at the houses of two of our Prairie elders. Preschool through 2nd grade stayed at the church to rake the leaves. I couldn't help but laugh when, 45 minutes into the raking, I looked around and saw Carl Wacker, Kristin Long and me raking leaves and the children running around playing in the leaves! It was at that point that Carl thought the children would enjoy a break playing at the park. Thank you to all who helped clean up our backyard. Coming up will be our Thanksgiving Intergenerational November 19th. December is approaching and that means we'll have our Nifty Gifty event (always a favorite) and Symbol Tree service. I look forward to spending the upcoming holidays with all of you! Rebecca Malke (YREC) youthcoordinator@uuprairie.org LETTERS [This letter from Sarah Lord and the Social Action Committee was submitted to Madison newspapers a week before the elections.] As co-chair of the Social Action committee at Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society in Madison, I would like to share that on Oct. 22, 2006, our congregation adopted the following resolution at a special parish meeting. The resolution was approved by more than 90% of the members attending the meeting. Resolved: That Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society of Madison is opposed to returning the death penalty to Wisconsin. The willful taking of a human life by the state violates our belief in the intrinsic worth of every human being. We believe the state should continue to impose nonviolent penalties for violent crimes to set a positive example aimed at reducing the violence in our society. We believe capital punishment degrades and brutalizes any society which practices it. We find the death penalty particularly abhorrent because it is based on an unjustified assumption of infallibility in the process of determining guilt, with the greatest risk of error being borne by those who are economically disadvantaged. We find the death penalty wholly unacceptable, whether imposed to prevent repetition of a crime by an individual, as a deterrent to others, or as social retribution. PRAIRIE WEB SITES Society Home Page: http://uuprairie.org/ News Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prairienews/ Views: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prairieviews/ Social Action: http://socialaction.madisonwi.us Humanist Union: http://humanist.madisonwi.us UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST NEWS GENERAL ASSEMBLY VIDEO NIGHTS AT FUS IN OCTOBER Prairie members are welcome to enjoy video nights at First Unitarian Society (FUS) on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. The FUS Denominational Affairs Committee is showing the following DVDs from the 2006 General Assembly in the next few weeks: Monday, November 13: Plenary II-—How Study Action Issues Work for Congregations and the UUA; Introduction and Statements of Support for Proposed Study Action Issue Peace Making; UUA Budget; Breakthrough Congregation: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes; Plenary Discussion: What are the common traits of our growing congregations? What are the common traits of those with stagnant of declining membership?; Plenary Discussion: What do we need to teach-–as best we can--to children, youth and new members?; Introduction of GA Service Project Monday, November 20: “What Are We Doing Here? With Rev. Josh Pawelek of UU Society of East Manchester, CT. As silence graces the mountain- top, Elijah steps to the cave entrance. A voice breaks through the silence, asking, “What are you doing here? In search of right relationship, we will encounter such moments of silence, followed by this very potent question. Our answer will make the difference. Monday, November 27: Plenary III—-Beacon Press report; Starr King report; presentation of O. Eugene Pickett award; Breakthrough Congregation: Unitarial Universalist Church of Annapolis; Implementation of past Statements of Conscience; Debate on Statement of Conscience: Threat of Global Warming; Review of potential Actions of Immediate Witness. Monday, December 4: Report on Youth Ministry in Our Association with Beth Dana, Megan McDowdell, Jesse Jaeger (son of Jim and Karen Jaeger) and Julian Sharp. Ministry with youth enriches our UU communities. Since the Consultation on Ministry To and With Youth began in 2005, youth throughout the Association have been surveyed and hundreds of congregations have held intergenerational dialogues about their youth ministry. Members of the Task Force will report on the lessons learned so far, how the process will move forward in the next year, and the ways for you to be involved. FUS SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL The mission of the Social Justice Council at First Unitarian Society (FUS) is to promote the cause of justice that people may be treated with dignity, justice and understanding through advocacy, dialogue, dissemination of information and service, and to involve the congregation in multicultural and interfaith collaborative work with other local, national and international organization and faith bodies, including the UUA and UUSC, on matters of social justice. This will include creating volunteer opportunities for the congregation and community-building activities. The Council is made up of five standing committees: Human Rights Economic justice Environmental action Welcoming congregation Peace and Justice If you are interested in joining one of these committees, call Wendy Cooper, the Social Justice Coordinator, at 233-7429 ext.25 or email at wendyc@fusmadion.org. OUR CONTINUED ACTION FOR DARFUR IS IMPERATIVE Escalating violence in the western part of Sudan has put the Darfur conflict in the headlines. The Khartoum government is again arming local militias, known as janjaweed, to help carry out its brutal counterinsurgency campaign. Over the past weekend, the local militia attacks on refugee camps in Darfur killed scores of civilians, including 27 children under the age of 12. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) describes Darfur as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. Since the fighting broke out in April 2003, at least 200,000 people have been killed in Darfur and violence has forced 2.5 million people to flee to poorly protected camps. The primary international initiatives intended to bring security to Darfur--the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), and the decision to deploy United Nations peacekeepers--have all failed so far to stem the violence, which means the marginalized civilian population of Darfur will suffer more. The United Nations Security Council authorized a peacekeeping mission to Darfur (UNSC R.1706, passed in August 2006), taking over from the poorly-equipped and restricted African Union force there, but it has been stymied by opposition from Sudan's government. Approval from the government of Sudan is a prerequisite for the peacekeepers to enter Darfur. To date, the government of Sudan continues to refuse to grant permission to the UN. The ongoing bloodshed and continued destruction of lives in Sudan, including violence against women, compels urgent action. The international community must not stand by as the killing continues in Darfur. An international peacekeeping presence is essential, and governments must continue to aggressively work to persuade the government of Sudan to accept their deployment. However, the conditions in which a peacekeeping mission is established will dictate the quality and durability of the peace that follows. A large segment of the population, which is currently excluded from the peace process, has to be included in the peacebuilding process. We particularly think of UNSC R. 1325 (passed in November 2000) on Women, Peace and Security, stressing the importance of including women's groups in the peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes. The international community, including the U.S. and Canada, should also engage in active and high-level diplomacy to promote a political peace process as the primary means to end the violence. Resolving the crisis in Darfur will require a political commitment from the government of Sudan, the rebels and other non-state actors in Darfur, other political forces in Sudan, and other international actors to create the space for dialogue to bring all parts of Sudanese society into an ongoing peace process. A UN Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan will enhance this process. Take Action Congress and the Bush Administration must now work with global partners, including the European Union, the Arab League, and the African Union, along with China and Russia, to end the violence and work toward a lasting peace. The U.S. and other members of the international community need to continue to invest considerable diplomatic and financial resources in both immediate and long-term aspects of an ongoing peace process: providing human security, meeting humanitarian needs, and sustaining high-level political engagement. To send a message to your members of Congress encouraging them to take action for Darfur, go to: Save Darfur Coalition at http://www.savedarfur.org/pages/lobby_congress, where they have created advocacy materials. Another useful source is the Friends Committee on National Legislation at http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=9100146&type=CO. Recommended Readings: Grim New Turn May Harden Darfur Conflict By Lydia Polgreen, New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/23/world/africa/23sudan.html On October 22, Lydia Polgreen reported on the surging violence in Darfur. She writes of a region flush with weapons that is descending further into a complex, connected set of conflicts. She also highlights the challenges associated with the ultimate goal of a renewed political peace process. Getting the UN Into Darfur By International Crisis Group http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4442&l=1 The latest briefing on Darfur from the International Crisis Group examines ways out of the impasse over deploying a major UN peacekeeping force in Darfur. Some of their recommendations include: targeted sanctions on key figures in the ruling National Congress Party, maintaining the threat of International Criminal Court prosecutions for atrocity crimes, building African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) capacity in the immediate-term, and reviving the political process. Minority Rights, Early Warning and Conflict Prevention: Lessons from Darfur By Minority Rights Group International http://www.minorityrights.org/admin/Download/pdf/DarfurMicro2006.pdf This October 2006 report from Minority Rights Group International proposes that the international community can "learn from the Darfur conflict and provide insights as to how better incorporation of minority rights can strengthen the work of institutions mandated with conflict early warning and prevention," and points out that there is a strong link between marginalized and oppressed populations and contemporary conflicts. The United Nations at a Crossroads: Debating the Use of Force in an Evolving World By Mark Malloch Brown, UN Deputy Secretary-General http://www.brookings.edu/comm/events/20061012.htm On October 12, Mark Malloch Brown, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, spoke at the Brookings Institution in Washington. His speech was the keynote address of the conclusion of the Brookings Project on Force and Legitimacy -- a global dialogue exploring when and how the use of force might be legitimized in dealing with weapons proliferation, violent extremists, and grave humanitarian crises. How to Support the UU-UNO Make a membership contribution to receive updates of our two-way advocacy work of UUs at the UN and to support the Internship Scholarship Program. Also, work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals through additional contributions to the UU-UNO Every Child is Our Child Program. Please make contributions using our online donation form or mail a check to us at the address below (or through the Canadian Unitarian Council for Canadians). Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office 777 UN Plaza, Suite 7-G New York, NY 10017 OTHER NEWS SOULFORCE COMMENTS ON REV. HAGGARD AND THE NAE In response to the news that Rev. Ted Haggard has been dismissed by New Life Church and resigned as President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Soulforce Executive Director Jeff Lutes urged the gay community to be compassionate and simultaneously called on the leaders of the NAE to claim responsibility for their role in the crisis. "Rev. Haggard is just one more tragic example of how lives are destroyed by the lies about gay and lesbian people perpetuated by the NAE, the Religious Right, and both the Protestant and Roman Catholic Church. Taught by the church to hate himself, the only option from his point of view was to lead a psychologically and spiritually damaging double life marked by denial and self-destructive behavior. Rev. Haggard is a victim of religion-based bigotry that regularly demeans and demoralizes gay and lesbian people and refuses to acknowledge that we are part of the American fabric, and that many of us form loving families and practice a deep faith in God." The NAE holds that "homosexuality is a deviation from the Creator's plan for human sexuality." In a 2004 policy statement, the organization opposes legislation that would protect gays and lesbians from hate crimes or employment discrimination on the grounds that "such legislation inevitably is perceived as legitimatizing [sic] the practice of homosexuality and elevates that practice to a level of an accepted moral standard." Haggard submitted his resignation as President of the NAE on Thursday, shortly after allegations of homosexual activity were aired on Denver talk radio. On Saturday, Haggard was removed as pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs. In a letter to his congregation, Haggard wrote "there's a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all my adult life." He also wrote that the church's overseers have required him to "submit to the oversight of Dr. James Dobson, Pastor Jack Hayford, and Pastor Tommy Barnett. Those men will perform a thorough analysis of my mental, spiritual, emotional and physical life. They will guide me through a program with the goal of healing and restoration for my life, my marriage, and my family." In reaction to the unfolding events, Lutes said "Our community's anger at Rev. Haggard's hypocrisy is completely understandable. However, my hope is that our community will take the high road and extend an olive branch of friendship and support when he is ready to fully come out as a gay man. Dobson and the others will counsel him to bury, deny, and repress his sexuality even deeper than before. They will wound his spirit, and he is going to need our prayers and our compassionate message that God loves him, affirms him, and calls him to live his life openly with honesty and integrity." [The goal of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.--Ed.]