As many of you no doubt have heard in the news over the past few days, packages containing explosives were sent through UPS to two Chicago-area Jewish congregations. Recent news reports suggest that the packages were likely meant to explode in flight, rather than at their destinations. Fortunately, those packages were intercepted in Dubai and England.

We have no confirmed information about which congregations or organizations were the possible targets at this time. Congregation Or Chadash, which rented space from Second Unitarian for many years (until about 7 years ago), has identified itself in the media as one of the targeted congregations. I've sent a note to Rabbi Edwards of Or Chadash offering support, and have received a note of appreciation from him.

Although I was occupied with worship, I have been told that there were a number of conversations on Sunday about how our congregation's historic connection to Or Chadash may or may not have anything to do with the threats to the synagogues. Again, there is no confirmed information that's been put out by law enforcement about the synagogues that were targeted. Given our past connection to Or Chadash, I've contacted law enforcement to make sure that there is no cause for alarm at this time; they have assured me that they see no imminent threat to our congregation and that we would be contacted immediately if they had a concern.

We already are a security-minded congregation: We use our alarm system (I've even set it off once!) and we pay attention to who is in and around our building. In the interest of wisdom, staff will be implementing a suggestion from law enforcement to all religious communities that we accept only packages that are expected or from trusted sources. Others will be refused, turned over to law enforcement, or confirmed as legitimate before opening.

Harm intended for any faith community is harm intended for all faith communities. Whether the burning of churches, vandalism and threats against mosques, or attacks aimed at synagogues and temples, these forms of violence are intended to damage the freedom of people to practice their religion in safety and peace. As Unitarian Universalists, our covenants call us to affirm and promote

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

Therefore, we remain in solidarity with our broader faith community, resisting violence and seeking peace and justice. Our theology is based in our covenants that value a breadth of religious understanding, making interfaith cooperation and support one of the ways in which Unitarian Universalists live out our values in the world. We are each blessed with the divine gifts of compassion and action. Let us offer our prayers and our support to the Jewish community in Chicago at this time and continue also to work towards a world that is filled with peace, with safety, with freedom, with justice, with love.

If you have questions, please contact Rev. Adam Robersmith at minister@secondunitarian.org or (773) 549-0260 ext. 13.

In the Spirit of Life, we're ONE human family.

We love. We grow. We serve.

We seek to love all, bar none.

We become good to do good.

We make the world a better place for everyone.

So what's your personal faith statement? How do you define yourself as a Unitarian Universalist?

I invite you to work on your own statements. Discuss them with your church friends, and small group ministries. If you want to share them with the congregation, send them to me. I will collect them for an article in the next Anvil.

Good luck, and bright blessings.

Sincerely,

Rev. Rudra