Leslie’s Logos – April 2025

Across generations, Unitarian Universalist faith communities have served as containers for values—both  to highlight and evolve them when those values were supported by mainstream society and containers for those values when they aren’t. For us those are shared values such as such as equity and generosity, interdependence, justice,  and pluralism. Communities like this one have put time and effort into transformation of our own lives and the structures which govern us and we have provided a place to practice being centered around Love. I read the headlines today and that seems…well, priceless.

In an era with rampant evasion of the truth and disregard for others, we also offer a place to focus on more basic blocks such as honesty, fairness and compassion for others which can feel countercultural in our times. 

Being a place that holds the values which have been passed down to us through the generations is something that I realize now is very precious. No matter what happens in a larger world, having a place where we can reinforce our vision of the way people should treat one another and the way that we also aspire to treat our planet is critical. Whether it is our elders discussing the value of honesty, our youth speaking their truths with integrity or our coming together to remember that others also yearn for a more peaceful and love-centered world, this place is a sanctuary and one that we need to keep strong in these times ahead.

In this month, may we not forget that we need all of us to be sure that we can continue to be a vessel for these precious values. I am grateful for all who will continue to make it so.

In faith and perseverance,

Rev. Leslie Takahashi

Rev. Leslie serves as Lead Minister and is best reached at leslie@mduuc.org or by the church phone.  Schedule an appointment with Rev. Leslie at https://calendly.com/revlesliemeet