Your generous gift of over $1400 will take care of the annual rent for a burgeoning Unitarian community in Burundi. Back in December, we learned that a Unitarian congregation in Rutana, Burundi is now growing and rebuilding after a governmental change. Previously, practicing Unitarianism was very dangerous in Burundi. The prior government had a narrow definition of sanctioned religions, and Unitarianism was not on the list. Now, a new government is much more open to religious diversity, and a community of Unitarians is now growing and regaining strength.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland went above and beyond in support of our Rutana siblings by ensuring that they will have a place to gather for the next year. With concerns about rent alleviated, the Burundi congregation is able to put resources into building a place of their own. They intend to break ground and lay a foundation in April.

It is still dangerous for many Unitarians in Rutana. The congregation seeks to provide a safe place for people who identify as lesbian, gay, or transgender, but these identities are still persecuted throughout Burundi. Being a place of belonging and relative safety is very risky for the congregation.

They are also focused on training a robust lay leadership that can foster sustainable covenantal practices, and they are learning about Unitarianism and the breadth of our shared faith tradition. In addition to its germinal relationship with UUCC, the congregation in Rutana receives guidance and support from Unitarian Universalists in South Africa, France, and Canada, as they establish strong roots for a meaningful and lasting presence in Burundi.

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