Reflections on the TVCUU tragedy

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Our hearts are breaking for our fellow UUs of the Tennessee Valley UU Church. The acts of one can affect so many. The needless waste of lives, the suffering brought to innocent families, and the trauma of the precious children who will forever carry the burden of this memory. Who could do such a thing? 

And who could defend it? I am amazed, though I suppose I shouldn't be, by the overwhelming backlash against our faith. Those who, instead of mourning the tragedy, claim that our UU churches deserved this, or brought it on ourselves. Because we believe that every person has worth, that Love you Neighbor means ALL your neighbors? Because we believe in a search for truth that does not dictate, demand or lay guilt? Because we believe that peace is worth working for? If this is the so-called "liberal movement" that the shooter referred to, I fail to see how it makes us worthy of a slaughter. 

Our beliefs may be different, but our congregations are filled with loving, open minded people who give so much of themselves to their families and to the community. Hate has no place in our churches, and the fact that hate would therefore be directed at us is more than ironic, it is a sign of a deep-rooted problem in our society. If you don't like our message, go to a different church. Or stay home. But don't resort to violence against innocent people to let us know that you disagree. And don't condone those who do - there is no excuse on this green earth that can justify it.