Glenn Beck, and Powell Davies, at the Washington Mall

[E_Pluribus_Unitarian]

Recent coverage of television huckster Glenn Beck's rally at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial reminded me of another extraordinary "national celebration" that occurred over fifty years ago...and how very much times have changed. From (Rev.) George Marshall's book "A. Powell Davies and His Times," the author describes the work of Davies in planning and coordinating a "national Unitarian celebration" at the Jefferson Memorial on the occasion of Jefferson's birthday. Davies worked with Unitarian Association president Frederick May Eliot to get the necessary permission from the U. S. Interior Department to hold this service. A special choir was put together for this occasion, composed of members of Davies' All Souls Church, of several other Unitarian societies, and of Howard University. It was reported that several thousand people attended this two-hour service. Attending "were U. S. Congressmen, Senators, three Supreme Court Justices, and many other influential government figures."

Davies spoke at this service about Jefferson's role in establishing the paradigm of individual freedoms and inherent, unalienable rights which have flowered so profusely in the ensuing generations. He described Jefferson's leanings toward the same general "freedom-spirituality" to which the Unitarian faith was dedicated, and how (late in his life) Jefferson described himself as a Unitarian, and confidently predicted that the liberal faith of Unitarianism would "ere long become the religion of the land from North to South."

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=15777&uid=93420550235

Imagine, in today's age of communications, the kind of hoopla and media chatter that such an unusual event--a celebration of the "religion that says freedom_ -- would cause! Now, I'm not necessarily suggesting that it be replicated exactly as it occurred at this particular location, but maybe it's the KIND of thing that we religious free-spirits should at least consider. If held on the Washington Mall, perhaps it could begin at the Jefferson Memorial and end with a march (past the new MLK Memorial) to the Lincoln Memorial, from where we could go our separate ways..."continuing our march of faith," each according to his/her own direction and way (to signify that the march of freedom itself continues). Wherever this event may occur, it would be the focal-point for additional local "satellite" celebrations by UU's all across the nation, and possible local "open house" events to share the "Faith of the Free" with the larger community.

I first made this proposal several years ago, in a letter to then-UUA President Bill Sinkford. I closed that letter with my (still quite strong) belief that such a gathering--both literal and symbolic-- coordinated with a major regional or national publicity campaign and possibly those local "open houses" -- would provide for us the kind of pride and sense of historical rootedness and focus for our liberal-religious movement, that could take the "Faith of the Free" to a new level of positive name-recognition and relevance in American society.

Has the time finally come for a "coming out party" of our own? Whether you're a Unitarian Universalist or not, I welcome your thoughts and comments on this.

[cleanhippie]

1. Im a strong atheist, and I recently started attending a UU fellowship.

It was my understanding that like-minded people could be found there. Not sure if I have found what I am looking for, but after seeing the poster made by the kids one day that said "This little light of mine... powered by the sun!" I think I may be on the right track.