In “Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith,” the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is elected and declares the emergence of the first Galactic Empire. Palpatine is elected by the galactic senate and given absolute power to deal with what people assume is a threat to the Republic, but don’t realize that Palpatine is actually a Sith Lord (bad guy) and created the threat. Senator Amidala, who is mourning the death of her beloved Republic, whispers horrified, “So this is how liberty dies – with thunderous applause.”
I feel strongly that our liberties are dying – the erosion of women’s reproductive rights, the rise of rightwing populism, the hate and laws aimed at the LGBTQ communities, fears propagated around immigration – and for some, this comes with thunderous applause.
But I’m also reminded of Amanda Gorman’s words at the last inauguration: “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” Unitarian Universalists have always been about liberty – justice and equity for all. We haven’t always done it perfectly, but we strive forward anyways. Our country, our world needs us – and so does Liberty. It’s time for us to shine our light – to be the light!
Rev. Sian Wiltshire is Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's minister. Please feel free to reach out and say hello! She can be reached by email, revsian@ocuuc.org, or by church phone at (714) 556-2882 (x302).