Over the last several years there has been heightened attention and awareness about systemic racism and colonialism. The headlines continue to proclaim rampant inequality in major societal systems and treatment of Indigenous People and People of Colour. This is true as well in our UU communities. Our values and our principles call us to treat all people as inherently (and equally) full of worth and dignity. The reality is our congregations and communities are not yet the beloved, radically inclusive communities we yearn for. How can we get there? What barriers are in the way?
 
Rev. Shana Lynngood has been Co-Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Victoria with her wife Melora since September 2010. When not immersed in ministry Rev. Shana is busy with her two kids, 9 and 15, and likely being nourished by poetry, jazz, and dear friends and family—or all of the above.