Unwise Silence: When Speaking Truth is Necessary
Led by Rev. F. Vernon Wright V
I spend a lot of time honoring silence and listening. It’s a practice grounded in the Christian mystical tradition of contemplative prayer, and in Buddhism. But some silence is unwise. Some silence is the silence of death.
In this era where truth is under attack, where open racism is rewarded, and the inherent worth and dignity of people of color is denied, the truth should never be silenced. We say each Sunday that we “seek the truth in love,” but we should also speak the truth in love!
This Sunday, join us as we explore the complexities of silence and speech, exploring the delicate balance between honoring quiet reflection and the urgent necessity of speaking truth to power. We’ll examine how our Unitarian Universalist values guide us in navigating this balance, challenging us to be both seekers and speakers of truth in a world often shrouded in silence.
Silence can be a powerful tool for introspection, for deepening our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. But silence can also be a weapon, used to suppress dissent, to maintain the status quo, and to perpetuate injustice.
As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to be more than just passive recipients of truth. Our value of Pluralism compels us to actively engage in the “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” This search is not confined to the walls of our sanctuary; it extends into the world, demanding that we confront injustice, challenge oppressive systems, and speak out against those who would silence the voices of the marginalized.
Speaking truth to power is not always easy. It requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. It requires us to be mindful of our own biases and to approach others with respect, even when we disagree.
But the risks of remaining silent are far greater. When we fail to speak out against injustice, we become complicit in its perpetuation. We allow those in power to continue to oppress and marginalize those who are most vulnerable.
This Sunday, we’ll explore the following questions:
- Where in your life are you being called to speak truth to power?
- What truths are you holding back from sharing?
- What are the risks of speaking out, and what are the risks of remaining silent?
- How can you speak your truth in love, with compassion and respect, even when addressing difficult issues?
- How can we, as a community, create space for courageous conversations and support one another in speaking our truths?
Join us as we grapple with these questions, seeking to understand how we can best live out our values in a world that desperately needs our voices.
With thoughtful reflection,
Rev. F. Vernon Wright V
Service begins at 10 a.m. This is a hybrid service. Join us in the sanctuary or log on to Zoom from the comfort and safety of your own home to be a part of our worship experience. Service ends at 11 a.m. followed by coffee and fellowship.
We are a certified Welcoming Congregation and Green Sanctuary
