As part of our Welcoming Congregation process, we will show the movie “Tig,” a documentary about  the lesbian stand-up comic Tig Notaro and her personal journal of facing crisis with honesty and grace. Join us at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 26.

At the heart of our Welcoming Congregation status is the first principle – affirming the inherent worth and dignity of each person. Language plays a big role. In the UUCS Welcoming Congregation recertification process we are examining the language we use to assure our words are inclusive.

The UUA website advises us to use non-gendered words for the divine, and to understand and respect the difference between sexual orientation and gender identities. We are urged to recognize that not all families and marriages are the traditional make-up of a man and a woman

Language is, of course, integral to communication and to conveying respect. Inclusive language is one component of being a Welcoming Congregation to the LGBTQI community. On the UUA website Rev. Barbara Pescan says “Examining and extending our language gives us a chance to broaden our definition of the word ‘we‘.”

Language has the power to shape our reality, and allow us to include and acknowledge many in our fold. Through words we can open our minds and hearts to others.