A World Community?

The Sixth Principle of Unitarian Universalist congregations is “the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.”

I have enjoyed these two sermons by Unitarian Universalists reflecting on the Sixth Principle:

Our Sixth Principle: The Goal of World Community with Peace, Liberty, and Justice For All

Rev. Roberta Finkelstein explores this principle with a healthy sense of skepticism about its grand rhetoric. (Please note that this sermon may be a bit difficult to read due to the background image on the page.)

Our Sixth Principle

Rev. Henry Ticknor pushes readers to consider the ways in which a single person’s actions can have worldwide impact. One of the examples he gives is Rosa Parks. I have done significant research on Parks, whose role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott fascinates me. Parks was a trained civil rights activist with significant social networks that supported her protest. Ticknor recognizes the individuals who have made history as prominent figures, but it is also helpful to consider the friends and supporters who played a role.

Ticknor’s point is that any of us could be a lead actor who changes the world. I would add that we should keep our eyes open for the opportunities to play small but crucial bit parts in movements of social change that have worldwide impact.