Sermon by Rev. Lynn Harrison.
As the month of December begins, many people have been telling me they’re amazed we’re “still here”—that is, still in a state of isolation, still online, still smack dab in these “extraordinary times.”
As the challenges of the pandemic continue for each of us, so do the urgent global issues of injustice that existed long before Covid-19.
Sunday December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, when we honour and remember the 14 women killed in an act of violent misogyny at Polytechnique Montréal in 1989. As well, Thursday Dec. 10th is International Human Rights Day, when Amnesty International holds its annual Write for Rights actions around the world.
At First Unitarian, we mark both of these events each year, but now our services look and feel different as we meet in virtual space. Despite not being able to gather in person, we are still aware of the continuing impact of human rights abuses both in Canada and around the world, and we are still here to bear witness and take action.
On Sunday, we’ll affirm our shared commitment to work to end hatred and injustice, while reflecting on the challenge of staying awake in a world where heart-wrenching acts still take place. We’ll be supported by powerful poetry and beautiful music, to help sustain us through this uncertain season.
I’m grateful to be with you, as we are still here together.
Love,
Lynn
