Leslie’s Logos – September 2025

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

Not a poem, this confessional reflection, written by a Christian minister after the horrors of the Holocaust had been revealed has been echoing in many of our heads in 2025. I’ve heard it all my life, or at least I can’t remember a time when I have not known these words. And even as a young child, I wondered what I would do as an adult if faced with the world or the rights of others were being brutally violated.

And now, I live in that world.

This is what I believe with all my heart: that there are many ways to be part of resisting what is happening in our country. That each of these ways matter, and that everyone must find their own path through these traumatic times. I also believe that we can continue to imagine the world that will emerge after these times which, just as with the post-Covid world will be forever changed. I feel scared and sad about the lives affected by what is happening—and glad that some of the skills I am sure we will need is firm commitment to our values, resilient joy, solidarity and a true ethic of mutuality and interdependence.  I so look forward to these focuses for our community.  

Over the years. I have seen a version of these words on so many refrigerators and so many homes of people of faith. Now we need to make them more than a phrase. Now we need to make them commitment exercised day-to-day. 

In faith and resilience,

Rev. Leslie Takahashi

Rev. Leslie serves as Lead Minister. She can reached at leslie@mduuc.org or (925) 934-3135 x2. 

To make an appointment, please try one of these ways or use https://calendly.com/revlesliemeet