Ohio-Meadville District Blogs

As I sit here at the 2008 Unitarian Universalist General Assembly with so many exciting things to share, I wanted to start by writing a welcome post to this new blog. I’m excited to be using this form of media to provide one more window into what is going on in young adult and campus ministry. Whoever you are–young adult, youth, religious educator, minister, lay leader, member, or parent of a young adult–you have a role in young adult ministry. You have a role in growing a truly multigenerational faith community where all are included, nurtured, and respected, where all are enriched by each other, and all bring their gifts to the whole. There is so much going on throughout Unitarian Universalism that it’s pretty much impossible for any of us to keep up with all of it. Check back here for updates on young adult and campus ministry throughout our district and beyond.

Ellen

Young Adult and Campus Ministry Consultant for the Ohio Meadville District

On May 14, I spent an extremely educational day at the third annual Lobby Day for Equality at the State House in Columbus.  The following day, the California Supreme Court overturned that state’s ban on marriage equality. Many of Californian Unitarian Universalists gave a great deal of time and effort to the movement to lift that ban.  This is great news for California.  In contrast,  I was truly shocked to learn that here in Ohio, members of the LGBT community have no basic protections in regard to employment, housing and public accommodations.   I heard stories that would surprise and shock many of you. Ohio is trying to pass a basic Equal Housing and Employment Act (SB 305)  The going is rough and it might very well not make it through the legislature this year.  Legislation guaranteeing basic civil rights for LGBT folk has been defeated in Ohio the last two years and might be defeated this year as well. As Unitarian Universalists, I believe that we need to confront this blatant bigotry. We must take a stand for basic civil rights in employment and housing.  We can not stand idly by and allow discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity to go on in Ohio. I hope you will urge others both in and outside our congregations to communicate with their state senators and representatives about the Equal Housing and Employment Act SB 305. Direct communication with the legislators, whether by card, email, phone or letter is needed.   I agree with the many proponents of this legislation that passing this legislation “really is the right thing to do.” Please visit www.dowhatsrightohio.com to learn more about these efforts.  Joan Van B.