It is hard to believe this is America. And it is easy to believe it.

As some of you know, I have just begun my summer vacation in New York state–but the whole length of the trip here, I have been refreshing my Facebook feed, checking the news on my phone, and worrying about my friends and colleagues who were in Charlottesville today. Worrying, actually, about our country, and about the hate that lives so often under the surface and which made itself visible today, leading to the deaths of a counter protestor, killed in an attack by car, and two state troopers, killed in a helicopter crash.

Like you, my heart is breaking for America, and for the people of Charlottesville, and for the way that white supremacy continues its stranglehold on our nation. If you want to turn your heartbreak into action, there are ways to help immediately–I invite you to consider donating to a bail fund for anti-racist activists. Or you might join on of several candlelight vigils planned in front of the White House and elsewhere on Sunday evening.

Perhaps like you, my heart was also filled by the images of the faith community (including Unitarian Universalist ministers and lay members), activists, and simply neighbors coming together to provide a counter protest, both last night and today. Facing real threats, which proved deadly, those gathered held strong. They lived their faith that love is greater than fear and hatred, that our America is one where all are welcome.

It was hard not to be there myself today, and it is hard not to be with you now. Tomorrow morning, I will speak at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Chautauqua, NY. What I had planned to say seems less important, now, than sharing a message of love, strength, and commitment to rooting out white supremacy wherever it lives. I invite you to join me in sharing that message, to talk with your friends and your family, to continue your commitment to justice. As a community dedicated to creating a world with more good, we come together to mourn, to comfort, and ultimately to work. On this heartbreaking day, coming at the end of a scary week, I am so grateful to have all of you as companions in that work.

with deep care,