- Rev. Charles Perry
What We Stand For
2016 was as contentious a year in the life of this nation as I have experienced, at least since the late 60’s/early 70s, in the waning days of the Vietnam War, and the waxing days of the Civil Rights and Women’s Movement. We appear to be as polarized a society as we have ever been, and unlike many inaugural years following election years, there does not seem to be an end in sight. There is not a sense of “Well, now we’ve all agreed on a government, so let’s get to work” as there has been as the normal course of democracy in America. I think it is fair to say that a large number of the Americans who cast votes in the last election, perhaps even the majority, were not casting votes for something or someone, but against something or someone. And that againstness is now woven into the fabric of our democracy. So, before we go any further, I’d like to remind us all of something.
Unity Worldwide Ministries and Unity World Headquarters at Unity Village some time ago issued a joint Statement for Peace. It is as timely today as it was when it was first published.
Unity stands for peace in the presence of conflict; for love in the presence of hatred; for forgiveness in the presence of injury. Unity honors the many names for God, the many paths to God, the many ways to worship God; for there is only one power and presence of God and that God loves each one of us equally. It is therefore the position of Unity Worldwide Ministries and Unity World Headquarters at Unity Village to urge all nations, their leaders and their people to turn to God by whatever the name for guidance during these challenging times and pursue peace, not war, for this is what honors the God of all our faith traditions. Unity stands for peace in our lifetime.
I think it is safe to say that the peace Unity stands for is not merely the peace between nations or religious traditions, but also the peace within nations and religious traditions, within states, within cities, within families, and indeed, even the peace within our own hearts. Which is, in fact, the peace it all must begin with.
So today, this week, this month, this new year, and in particular, this January 20th, what I ask you to examine is not what you are against, but what you are for. What are the things you most value? What are your highest goals and loftiest aspirations? What are your greatest gifts, and your most lavish dreams to express them? And when you have some answers, next ask, “Now, what am I going to do?” What positive step will you take towards the peaceful world for which we in Unity stand?
On January 20th, at Unity of Birmingham, we will be looking ahead to how we can make a positive impact in our emerging world using some of Unity’s most cherished tools: the 12 Powers. That night, at 7:00 PM, we will be screening the new movie in the Sounds of Unity series, “The 12 Powers - celebrating the Charles Fillmore classic”. This film, directed by James Twyman, looks at the continuing impact the 12 Powers have on our lives, as it chronicles the power of prayer to unite people for peace in one of the most war-torn places on Earth.
Let’s make 2017 a year filled with all of the things we’re for. It begins in consciousness, and we can’t let it stop there. Join us each Sunday this year at 11:00 AM, and Friday, January 20th at 7:00 PM for the 12 Powers movie. We can make a difference. Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with each and every one of us!
In peace and gratitude,
Rev. Charles
PS: You can view the trailer for the 12 Powers movie at https://vimeo.com/180227942