Mandy Beal

justice work

Justice work is a cornerstone of my ministry.  I believe deeply that the work of any church is to be the Beloved Community (or Kingdom of God) on Earth.  That means working outside of the social and culture norms to create more equitable and loving relationships in our churches.  It also means bringing what we can of these radically different relationships to the rest of our lives.  If we're willing for the work we do in church to change us, I think that means we have to invite different ways of being into every aspect of our lives.

There are many levels of justice work, such as awareness-raising campaigns, fundraising efforts, and direct-action efforts (e.g. demonstrations and protests).  I think all of these are worthy and holy callings for Unitarian Universalist congregations.  I also think that these efforts are most effective when they are undertaken together.  For example, if a congregation is going to join in a protest, I think it's a good idea to give people an opportunity to learn about the issues at hand and how they intersect with our Unitarian Universalist faith.

Justice work in my internship at the First Parish in Lincoln (MA) included Adult Religious Education and some direct action work.  I co-created and facilitated an eight-part Adult Religious Education series called Unpacking Racism, which was loosely based on Debby Irving's Waking Up White.  I taught a four-part introductory series about Liberation Theology using a curriculum of my own design.  It was also with the First Parish in Lincoln that I participated in a demonstration of support for the Islamic Center of Boston.