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UFETA Newsletter ~ Summer 2009
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LoraKim’s Lore – A Message from UFETA President
There is change afoot. The long, slow, hard work of building the beloved community of all species shows a shifting of the sand that once seemed to swallow our foot steps as we slogged forward in the desert of this lonely work. Sometimes I have felt parched for companionship and support, with UFETA providing an oasis of comfort along the way. Perhaps this is familiar to you as you work towards interspecies caring, compassion, and justice in your own life and in your congregation? I wonder, too, if you are feeling the shift that I am speaking of in your own life?
There are many signs that the path of intraspecial and interspecial relationships is clearing and broadening as more people join us on this journey. I see this in my own congregation as the current UU Study Action Item, Ethical Eating, calls on the hearts, hands, and minds of so many. At General, too, there is more and more evidence that people are gaining the vocabulary and trust to engage in the difficult questions of how we shall care for one another across species boundaries that like those of racial boundaries, are cultural constructs. Cultural constructs means that how we understand what constitutes a species depends on the cultural and linguistic orientation of a group of people in a particular time in history. There is no biological determination that ultimately answers the question of how groups of beings relate to one another. Where do we exactly draw the line that says the “other” person or being is “not me?” If we are all interconnected and are one, then how do we decide to use our own resources and those of the earth to care for the complex cultures and communities of all beings?
I am not sure that we as a religious community are closer to answering these questions with any more clarity or consensus, but at least more of us are willing to engage in the process of moral deliberation, and for this I am grateful. As Unitarian Universalist minister Theodore Parker once said, “I do not pretend to understand the moral universe, the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways. I can calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. But from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice."
Like Parker, I do not, and I suggest that we as Unitarian Universalists do not understand the moral universe. I do feel that together we are bending the arc towards justice in Unitarian Univeralism – through “all being rights,” through ethical eating, through environmental justice, and through the difficult process of mourning our losses and making room and time to celebrate existence in the midst of so much suffering.
I invite you, no matter where you are on the path of interspecial understanding, to stay the course, to reach out your hands and grab the messiness of morality, and bend it towards justice. Do not give up. We overestimate what we can accomplish in five years and underestimate what we can do in 20 years.
Following General Assembly I experienced an example of staying the course. While hiking in Zion National Park in Utah, I rested on a mountain saddle when a great wind came up threatening to blow me off the ridge. I grabbed onto a pine tree, holding on to dear life. In that blast of sand and rain, a California Condor soared on an updraft that took her mighty wings almost within my reach. She seemed impervious to the steep cliffs and powerful winds, as if she knew she belonged to this land. As a bird veterinarian, I had briefly worked with others when that bird was extinct from the wild, only existing in captive propagation centers. The attitudes of hunters, ranchers, farmers, and the general public did not offer much hope that we could change who we were as a species to make room for this endangered bird. The biologists and wildlife managers though did not give up. They kept to the course for over two decades and now the Condor soars freely over several Western states. It is still frightfully endangered and with the uncertainty of climate change and diminishing earth resources, there is no guarantee that this species or others shall continue to exist, let alone thrive. But we know more and more that we belong to this land.
We may not be assured of the outcome, but we know that we belong to one another too. If we promise to one another to walk and work together in all the ways of love, we may yet, like the Condor, soar over the deserts of the hard trodden paths of our longings to live in a world abundant in biodiversity and compassion. May it be so!
Rev. LoraKim Joyner
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General Assembly 2009 Supports Compassion
Jennifer Greene pictured here talking recipes with two UUs choosing a cookbook.
Salt Lake City’s surrounding mountains, spaciousness, and sunshine in June suggest a world of possibility and promise. But there was more than geography at this General Assembly (GA) to give UFETA members and friends cause for optimism and celebration.
The Ethical Eating Study Action Issue (SAI) adopted at last year’s GA has drawn noticeable attention around the UUA. This rise in visibility was especially evident in the programming at GA 2009.
The Commission on Social Witness sponsored Wayne Pacelle – CEO of the Humane Society of the United States – who spoke with eloquence and compassion on a topic potentially prickly for many UUs: “Principles in Mind, Fork in Hand: Ethical Eating”. His replies at the end to challenging questions from the audience are a model of constructive communication, and alone worth the cost of the recording. And so is Pacelle’s introduction by Rev. John Millspaugh, which includes an historical and enlightening overview of Unitarian Universalism’s longstanding concern and action for animals. (Ordering details at bottom.)
UFETA president Rev. LoraKim Joyner’s presentation “Ethical Eating: Talking with Mouths Full of Compassion” combined LoraKim’s passion for all beings with her expertise in the field of Compassionate Communication, generating much audience participation, laughter, and insights.
The Commission on Social Witness also sponsored “Ethical Eating: What are UU Congregations Doing” with a panel discussion that included Rev. Dr. Paul Johnson, Rev. LoraKim Joyner, Rev. John Millspaugh, Rev. Bob Murphy (whose congregation initiated the Ethical Eating SAI) and Ministry for Earth representative Vicky Talbert.
Rev. Alison Cornish presented a thoughtful and challenging sermon, “What Can’t You Eat?” winner of the 2009 Social Witness Sermon Award, given by the UU Ministers Association.
Other related workshops and presentations included “Four Keys to a Sustainable Future”, “Environmental Work is Justice Work”, “Closing America’s Food Gap: Sustainable Food for All”, and several others signaling that issues long important to UFETA are gaining more attention and action from all Unitarian Universalists.
Increased interest in ethical eating was also seen at the UFETA exhibit (one of about seventy at GA). Its sign-ups, cookbooks, brochures, Salt Lake City veg restaurant guide (thanks SLC First Unitarian!), and displays attracted many passersby seeking information and conversation. The activity around our exhibit was at a record level in the estimation of volunteers who have been at the last several GAs, despite comparatively low attendance at GA this year, attributed by the UUA to the recession. Thanks to all who helped arrange the exhibit, supply it, staff it over five days and take it down: Sue Eakins,
Marion Erickson, Jennifer Greene, Chris Holbein, Rev. Beth Johnson, Rev. LoraKim Joyner, Trish Kirk, Gretchen Ostrander, Tressa Stitley, Charlie Talbert, Vicky Talbert, and LeeAnn Williams.
(Recordings of the programming at General Assembly can be purchased at http://www.softconference.com/uua/slist.asp?C=2994 )
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UFETA Members Meet with Wayne Pacelle, CEO of The Humane Society of the United States
Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS, has lunch with UFETA members and others (here pictured with Gretchen Ostrander).
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Spirit of Life
The Spirit of Life dwells in all beings, which we may recognize as divinity in every being or as the inherent worth and dignity of every being. These are faith statements, or an expression of how we experience life. The question then arises as life calls out to us, how shall we live in response to our understanding of life? The answers are complex and changeable, and also simple and immutable. Ultimately the answer to how we shall live is in the stories of our shared lives. So then, I offer this story of how the Spirit of Life moves in Unitarian Universalists as a prequel to asking you, how do you understand the Spirit of Life and how do you live in response?
At the end of this past June I attended the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association in Salt Lake City. Thousands of us gathered in a beautifully landscaped bowl ringed by snow-topped mountains and infinite sky. Even from the city’s center we were reminded that we are one with all that is. Centering moments abounded in vista and in worship, and also in the day-to-day acts of hearts willing to see the suffering of others.
Early in the week Rev. Beth Johnson (UFETA Board Member and President Elect) called me on my cell phone from the streets around Temple Square. She had found a recently fledged pigeon in a parking lot and she wanted to know what to do. I spoke with her on the phone as I coached her on the possible decisions to make. My stance is it is better to leave a bird in the wild, especially as parents take care of the fledged chicks even when they can’t fly. Beth guarded the chick while I called around to see if there was any one who could take the young bird, such as a wildlife rehabilitator. I found that someone would take the bird, if indeed it were best to take the bird into captivity.
I met her on the sidewalk; the bird hunkered down between her legs. I quickly discerned that the bird was very thin, weak, and dehydrated. The night was coming on and no parents were in sight. So I took the bird for the evening to try to feed her so she wouldn’t die in the night. She ate voraciously, regained her energy, and kept me company for the next 18 hours with her peeping song. The next day Beth and congregational member Barbara took the bird to a sanctuary where the owner said, “Of course I’ll take care of the bird, I love pigeons!”
This seems to me a faith statement, a universal vision that I long for that applies across species and cultural categories, “Of course I will take care of my neighbors, I love life!”
When we can see the beauty of life in one another, I believe our species has a chance to bring justice to our world. In a lecture that was part of Unitarian Universalist University during General Assembly, Galen Guengerich quoted Elaine Scarry, “the experience of beauty has a built-in consequence: fairness - refers both to loveliness and to the ethical requirement to be fair, play fair, or distribute fairly. Beauty issues a call to symmetry and equality, a call to be just.”
I bow deep in gratitude for witnessing the beauty of others who see beauty in pigeons. Thank you Rev. Johnson, bird rehabilitators, and the citizens of Salt Lake City who adorn their streets with pigeon art.
I now ask you dear beautiful reader, how do you understand our Unitarian Universalist First Principle – the inherent worth and dignity of all beings? How does this understanding play out in the art of your life? I’d love to hear all about it as it would connect me to you as we learn together who we are and what we can be. Would you be willing to respond to either me, or even better, on our UFETA email list serve (go to http://lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/ufeta if you are not yet a member of this list serve).
Rev. LoraKim Joyner
(The picture of a rainbow over one of the many pigeon sculptures was taken at GA in Salt Lake City. Click picture link for Rev. LoraKim Joyner's 'Liberating Wings'.)
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Rev. Beth Johnson Holding Rescued Pigeon
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UFETA Member Spotlight
New Dawn MT Farm Sanctuary in Stevensville, Montana was opened by UFETA member, Susan Eaton, in October 2007 and exists as a safe, life-long haven for farm animals. A variety of farm animals reside at the Sanctuary, which provides a permanent home to: cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats etc., commonly used in food and additional commodity production. Please visit New Dawn MT Farm Sanctuary and see what an amazing place Susan has created for rescued animals!
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UFETA Chapter News
From Susan Thomas, Roanoke UUFETA Chapter President: "Our UUFETA chapter in Roanoke, VA has been very active over the last year, our first year as an organized part of our church. We kicked off the year by bringing Will Tuttle to the church, who gave a fabulous talk about the benefits of a vegan diet based on his hugely successful book, World Peace Diet. We also began a vegan potluck series in partnership with the Roanoke Chapter of the Vegan + VegCurious Eatup Meetup group. We have held 6 very successful vegan potlucks, sometimes combining them with book discussions, vegan product gift exchanges and guest speakers. This spring we sponsored a 3 part series, "Ethical Eating," which included lectures and a vegan cooking demonstration. In July we will host our first vegan picnic in the park. We also raised some money from a yard sale which we donated to Rikki's Refuge, a peaceful, 300-acre, no-kill sanctuary for abused, abandoned, unwanted domestic and non-human farmed animals and wildlife.
So, I am happy to report that we are working very hard to help the non-human animals in every way we can."
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The World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle, Ph.D.
The World Peace Diet has been called one of the most important books of the 21st century: the foundation of a new society based on the truth of the interconnectedness of all life. It is the first book to make explicit the invisible connections between our culture, our food, and the source of our broad range of problems—and the way to a positive transformation in our individual and collective lives.
The World Peace Diet is an award-winning book as a recipient of the Peace Abbey Award.
“Will Tuttle, the author of this eloquently written book, challenges our thinking about our relationship to non-human animals with respect, sensitivity, and grace. His understanding of the human psyche is deep. His use of language is divine, and his compassion reaches out and jumps off each and every page. I highly recommend this book, and I dare you to not be moved by its gentle power.” Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Author and host of Compassionate Cooks
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For Compassionate Kids of All Ages
That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things by Ruby Roth
"This book successfully tackles the tough subject [of veganism] with grace and clarity. This is a great addition to any compassionate kid’s library and will make a wonderful gift for any parents in your life who want to talk to their kids about animals but need a little help getting started."
—PETA Living
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Recommended for Every Library
Earth Day: An Alphabet Book by Rev. Gary Kowalski
Children and adults will delight in Earth Day, a litany of gratitude that celebrates earth’s diverse species, from apricots to groundhogs to junebugs, from quahogs to zinnias, zucchini and zebras with bright and whimsical illustrations. In alphabetical order, the wonders of nature arise from the page, reminding readers that every day is a reason to give thanks and that miracles are as simple as ABC.
"There are few people who walk this Earth with a fully open heart. Gary Kowlaski is, without doubt, one of them: exceptional author, philosopher and human being. What an outpouring of love he offers us in this luminous book; each page shines with his joy and gratitude for the sacredness of all beings. He, and his writing are a gift to us all and I will be giving Earth Day to everyone I know."
Rita M. Reynolds author of Blessing the Bridge and Ask the Cow: A Gentle Guide to Finding Peace
About the Author
Gary Kowalski is an activist for the ethical treatment of animals. He has written numerous books, including The Souls of Animals and Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet. Kowalski is a minister at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont and is the past President and Treasurer of UFETA.
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The Inner World of Farm Animals - A Must Read!
by Amy Hatkoff (Author), Jane Goodall (Introduction), Wayne Pacelle (Afterword)
Chickens can count. Pigs are smarter than poodles. Cows form close friendships. Turkeys know one another by their voices, and sheep recognize faces—of other sheep, and of people. Far from lacking thoughts and feelings, barnyard creatures demonstrate sophisticated problem-solving abilities, possess rich social lives, and feel a wide range of emotions. In other words, they’re much like humans in countless ways. And, like us, they suffer physical pain and mental anguish.
In The Inner World of Farm Animals, Amy Hatkoff combines the latest research on the emotional and intellectual capacities of farm animals with touching—and often surprising—stories to bring their inner world to life. Soulful photographs of cows, goats, lambs, and other barnyard animals complement the text, and add to the belief that these creatures deserve our attention. In this heartfelt book, Hatkoff joins the growing call for treating these sentient, aware beings with compassion and respect.
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MAD COWBOY: The Plain Truth from the Cattle Rancher Who Won
In this shocking and powerful book, Howard Lyman uncovers the dangerous and potentially deadly practices of the cattle and dairy industry. 'MAD COWBOY' is a passionate manifesto for change from an industry insider whose firsthand experiences will alter the way you think about your food, and the people who produce it, forever. "Sure, I used to enjoy my steaks as much as the next guy," writes Lyman. "But if you knew what I know about what goes into them and what they can do to you, you'd probably be a vegetarian like me."
Studs Terkel: "Howard Lyman is fighting not only for our health but for our nation's sanity as well. He challenges not only mad cows, but a mad system."
John Robbins author of Diet for a New America: "Buy ten copies; give them to people you love. This is the real thing."
Dave Bowman, The Seattle Times: Digest the facts in Mad Cowboy, and you may never look at prime rib in the same way again.
'Mad Cowboy' is available in BOOK and DVD Format
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UFETA Items at CafePress
Siggs, shirts, hats, buttons, bumper stickers, tote bags and more! Check out the UFETA items at CafePress.
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Special Thanks to Rev. Gary Kowalski
When I was but an aspiring ministerial candidate I met Rev. Gary Kowalski for the first time in 2000 at the General Assembly in Nashville Tennessee. He had already been UFETA President for several years and has served as a UFETA Board of Trustee Officer ever since (President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer). This means he has served diligently, faithfully, and compassionately with others for the hope of building the beloved community of all species. He has done this while also publishing books and serving as a parish minister in Vermont. We on the Board, and on behalf of the UFETA membership, are deeply grateful for his past service, as well as his willingness to stay on the Board as a Trustee at Large. As you read this, why don’t you offer Gary a deep bow of gratitude (or express gratitude in your way, perhaps by emailing him? - gary@uusociety.org).
Rev. LoraKim Joyner
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Our Nominated Board of Trustees
Stay tuned for a letter in the mail asking UFETA members to vote. Election to be held late July 2009.
UFETA Board of Trustees 2009-2010
Executive Committee/Officers: (elected for two year term).
President: Rev. LoraKim Joyner
Vice-President: Rev. Lee Devoe
Treasurer/Secretary: Mr. Charlie Talbert
Vice-President/President Elect: Rev. Beth Johnson
At Large: (elected for 4 year term )
Canadian Representative: Mr. Jim Sannes
Newsletter Editor/UFETA Chapter Coordinator: Ms. Trish Kirk
Rev. Gary Kowalski
Ms. Jennifer Greene
Rev. Bob Schaibly
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| MEMBERSHIP: If you are renewing your UFETA membership or joining to support our efforts, please note the new address for membership application and dues:
Charlie Talbert
9205 Lakeshore Drive
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
Membership Form: http://www25.uua.org/ufeta/join.htm
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