I am a Unitarian Universalist.

Seven years ago, I knew nothing of this religion but was intrigued by the beautiful historic church in town that flew a rainbow flag. A few years later, I became a member of this church. Without a doubt, our congregation has some of the most accepting, friendly, open-minded and caring people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

I am now a Sunday school teacher in our church’s RE program. I love these kids—their innocence, curiosity and ability to drive me crazy—they make me happy I decided to volunteer even when my practical self said, “I have no idea what I’m doing!”

When I heard about Sunday’s shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist church my first thought was of the children. About 25 of them were in the front of the church, performing the musical Annie, when a disgruntled man walked in and opened fire, all the while shouting hateful things at the petrified people in front of him. One congregant, a 60-year-old church member and usher who had recently taken in a foster child with his wife, placed himself in the line of fire to protect others. He and a 61-year-old retired teacher died from the shootings.

The gunman apparently hated the liberal movement and the church’s support for gay rights.

There are times when I am at church and I look at the people around me–old, young, black, white, straight, gay, male, female–and I think how great things can be when we accept people for who they are instead of what they are.

Unfortunately, we still have so far to go.

My thoughts are with all of you.

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