Position Statements
Statements About Recent Events
Like everybody in Texas, indeed any person who has heard of the terrible loss of life along the Guadalupe River, we are shocked and saddened by the enormity of our loss. Our core values include a belief in the interconnected web of life and the value of every individual. Thus, we find ourselves in mourning.
We are aware that a person who is affiliated with our church, but not a member or on our staff, has made offensive remarks on social media about these deaths. She was not speaking for the church, but only for herself. Indeed, her comments contradict the core values of our church, and we are horrified to be associated with these comments. We extend a hand to this person to try to help her recognize the insensitivity of her behavior while we extend our other hand and what help we might provide to the families who have been devastated by these deaths.
Joan Waddill
Board President
My partner Sadé Perkins has made comments on social media regarding the horrific flooding that devastated Camp Mystic. I want to be clear that I disavow her comments. While she was not speaking on my behalf or on behalf of my congregation, I recognize that her comments have caused harm to many who are experiencing terrible loss and anxiety. I believe strongly that all people have inherent worthiness and dignity. Her comments were not in the spirit of the Unitarian Universalist values centered around love that my congregation and I share.
I am deeply sorry for the harm that this may have caused to the Camp Mystic families and the members of the community of Central Texas and along the Guadalupe River who are grieving or anxiously awaiting word about their loved ones. I apologize to my congregation who has experienced harm because of her comments.
I will continue to pray for all who have been impacted by the flooding and for the many lives lost during this tragedy. I will continue to work to repair the harm this incident has caused.
Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen
Senior Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston
