In the month of October, we begin more deeply exploring a reframing of our shared values. There are several places we could begin, and none of our values exists in isolation. All of our values are in relationship with one another. For our exploration, though, we’re starting with justice.

Justice has long been an outward expression of Unitarian Universalism, as well as both of our parent traditions. We recognize that our vision of a more just world doesn’t begin with us. We build on the work of previous generations, and we potentially discover the need to unbuild a few practices and ideas we’ve inherited from the past.

We’re trying on a specific definition of justice, and we’re invited into a clear promise that embodies this value. As a faith tradition that embraces justice, “we work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations and the society at large.”

Our commitment to democratic processes is interwoven with this value of justice. This Sunday (October 1) we’ll unpack our understanding of the relationship between justice and democracy. Democratic processes in a spiritual setting might require a vulnerable way of listening to and beholding one another.

The exploration continues October 8, acknowledging that our predecessors provided a foundation for the work we do today, just as we are building something that future generations will rely on. October 15 will be devoted to the Spirituality of Queerness, led by our Pride for All Ages group. (They’ve already invited some mindful preparation for that worship experience with some evocative questions on Facebook!)

We bring our focus closer to home on October 22 as we consider the history of Shaker Heights. How does the community’s history influence our work toward a more just and equitable world? And how does our passion for justice call us to influence the neighborhoods where we live and work and play?

Finally, our October 29 worship time will invite reflection about personal ancestors and the heritage we carry as individuals. What do we do with the complex histories we inherit? And how do we fully inhabit our own unique places in those stories?

This value is expansive. It might feel tough to get our arms around it fully. It invites a communal promise that can engage each of us, and we also might have infinite ways of putting that promises into action as individuals. Throughout the month (and on into the future), I invite you to consider: What do you find inspiring about this framing of justice as a Unitarian Universalist value? What do you find challenging about it? And why do you feel challenged and/or inspired?

We’ll also have our first Listening Circles of the year in the month of October. The online Listening Circle on Monday, October 16, will give us a chance to hear from others and share our personal responses to this value. You can register for either October Listening Circle at bit.ly/OctCircles