This first week of Chalica, we lift up our shared value of PLURALISM, We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.
Chalica Candle Lighting – Blue Candle
As we light our blue candle for Pluralism let’s remember these words from Queen Poppy:
You have to be able to listen to other voices, even when they don’t agree with you. They make us stronger, more creative, more inspired. So whether your song is sad and heartfelt, loud and defiant, or warm and funky, or even if you’re a little bit of each, it’s all these sounds and all our differences that make our world a richer place. Because you can’t harmonize alone.
Reading/Song
UU Hymn:
Hymn #1023, Building Bridges, has the following lyric:
Building Bridges between our divisions,
I reach out to you, will you reach out to me?
With all of our voices and all of our visions,
friends, we could make such sweet harmony.
Much like singing this song today. Lord knows the divisions we face today seem nearly insurmountable, and a little Quaker song is supposed to make it better? And yet, this simple song with its haunting melody, written by Quakers in the face of nuclear proliferation, does make a difference. It does signal a call for something better. And if more and more people sing it, and mean it, maybe the divisions can be bridged. – Rev. Kimberley Debus on Notes From the Far Fringe
Exploring Pluralism With Others
Inspired by Trolls World Tour, these activities invite you and your friends and family to explore pluralism—the Unitarian Universalist value that reminds us we don’t all have to be the same to belong. If you haven’t seen this movie it is not just for kids. A great story and a lot of good music.
In the movie, different Troll tribes love different kinds of music. There are six main tribes based on music genres: Pop, Rock, Funk, Country, Classical, and Techno, all living in separate kingdoms. At first, they believe their way is the best or only way. Over time, they learn something deeper: difference isn’t a problem to solve—it’s a gift to listen to.
Noticing Difference – Every Troll tribe loves a different kind of music. What kinds of things do people in our family love that aren’t the same? – Did any character think their way was the only right way? Have you ever felt that way?
Belonging & Pluralism – What would the Troll world be missing if only one kind of music existed? – In our UU faith, we say many beliefs and identities can belong together. What does that look like in our family or community?
Repair & Growth – Poppy realizes she caused harm even though she meant well. Why is it hard to admit mistakes? – What helps people repair relationships after harm?
Download the Chalica activities and information:
Share this post: