President

A special message from Bill Sinkford: August 8, 2008 Dear Friends, We all mourned with the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist community after the tragic shooting at Tennessee Valley UU Church on July 27th. And we are all moved by the Knoxville congregations' determination to live out their missions even during a time of profound grief. Countless UUs have expressed a desire to honor and support our Knoxville sisters and brothers and to lift up their acts of love and courage. The terrible crime and the inspiring responses have put Unitarian Universalism under an intense media spotlight, and we now find ourselves called to publicly define who we are and what we stand for. Now is the time to let the world know that we will continue to stand on the side of love even, and especially, during these challenging times. Today I'm pleased to share the news that a full-page ad will appear in this Sunday's New York Times in the main news section. The ad will carry to a larger audience the message I brought to Knoxville when I went there immediately following the shooting. There are three main goals for the ad: 1) To express, on behalf of our larger Association of Congregations, our collective condolences to the family and friends of those killed and injured 2) To celebrate the bravery of the congregants who risked their lives to subdue the assailant 3) To convey that the UUA's commitment to social justice, inspired by the actions of those in Knoxville, will not be deterred by the actions of one troubled soul. This major public witness effort is possible because of the visionary commitment of generous Unitarian Universalists. I want to thank them for their contributions to this important outreach project. For others who are moved by this opportunity for public ministry, there will be additional opportunities to contribute in the days ahead. I would also like to thank all those individuals and congregations who have given to the Knoxville Relief Fund, a separate and vital resource dedicated exclusively to assisting with medical, pastoral and congregational needs for Knoxville Unitarian Universalists affected by the shootings. Your continued generosity during this time of urgent need is deeply appreciated. Please look for our ad in Sunday's New York Times. I think you will be inspired. In Faith, William Sinkford President Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations For more information on contributing to the Knoxville Relief Fund, please visit this page on the UUA' s website: _http://www.uua.org/giving/donatenow/117168.shtml_ (http://www.uua.org/giving/donatenow/117168.shtml) Mid-South District Office, UUA On the web at _www.msduua.org_ (http://www.msduua.org/) 9 County Road 1058, Oxford, MS 38655 Phone/Fax: 662-234-4423 Eunice Milton Benton, District Executive Email: _ebenton@uua.org_ (mailto:ebenton@uua.org) Connie Goodbread, Program Consultant Email: _cgoodbread@uua.org_ (mailto:cgoodbread@uua.org) Services joyously brought to you through our congregations' 'fair share' support of the UUA Annual Program Fund and Mid-South District and the generosity of Fans of Mid-South District. Thanks!