Rev. Justine Sullivan (she/her/hers) is a guest minister from the UU Church of Brunswick, Maine.
Summary:
In this sermon, Reverend Justine Sullivan explores the moral responsibility of faith communities to address social injustice and human suffering. By reflecting on her experiences in Chicago, she argues that ministry must extend beyond internal rituals to include active community organizing and the dismantling of systemic oppression. Sullivan advocates for the adoption of a proposed eighth principle within Unitarian Universalism, which specifically commits to accountable anti-racism and collective liberation. She emphasizes that while the existing principles provide a foundation for individual dignity, this new covenant is essential for achieving the “beloved community.” Ultimately, the sermon serves as a call to action for religious groups to align their values with their deeds by confronting the history of white supremacy and working toward a more equitable world.