2022

Sarah and Jane will introduce our theme with an overview of what it might mean to be in ‘right relationship’ with self, others, and God. How can we live together on this small planet in ways that are loving, peaceful and just? In this first talk we will consider a few basic principles and rules of thumb we might employ to discern what is ‘right’ in any given relationship, situation, or context (and we’ll acknowledge how complex and messy it can be to relate to others despite our best intentions).

Thinking outside the box: How do we build a right relationship with the people outside the door? Nicola and Lizzie will be using their personal stories to explore the ways in which we can cultivate ‘right relationships’ with those people who are not currently members of our Unitarian and Free Christian congregations. Drawing on examples from their own spiritual journeys, Lizzie and Nicola ask how generational differences help explain why so few younger people and millennials are active members of faith groups. Together they reflect on how we might better address the needs of those who are ‘not in the room’ through nurturing congruent and empathic spaces that meet people on their own terms and conclude that one of most important ‘right relationships’ we can establish is our collective relationship to change.

“The body isn’t a thing we have but an experience we are.” – Christine Coldwell. Arek and Laura will be reflecting on the importance of right relationship with our physical selves. The rational roots of our denomination often point us towards our mind and intellect in practicing spirituality, while often downplaying the incarnational aspect of our being. They will talk about their experiences of engaging in embodied spiritual practice and offer examples of how simple practice of bodyfulness can be beneficial for us as individuals, contributes to building richer relationships with one another in community and helps us to be aware of our place in the great web of life.

Eugene and Alex will centre their talk on cultivating right relationship with those who are different from ourselves in various ways, focussing particularly on three key areas: gender and sexuality, disability, and being neurodivergent. Talking from their own lived experience in these areas, they will reflect on how these dimensions of their lives have shaped their spirituality, and how they have adapted their own religious practices to take into account the insights they have gained. They will also offer practical suggestions as to how we might engage in more reflective practice in our communities, to deepen our awareness of those whose life experiences might be very different to our own, and in so doing foster right relationship.

Cody and Winnie examine how 'right relationships' cannot form without a reflection on ‘repair’ or ‘reparation.’ Examination of life experiences, structures in society and the place of faith. Cody reflects on relationships with and within the church and congregation, exploring the dynamics and means of restoration when boundaries are crossed. Whereas, Winnie considers what it means for Unitarians to be in right relationship with the principles of the inherent worth and dignity of every person when reparation of racial injustice still has yet to be achieved. Both envision ‘repair’ as the catalyst to cultivating wholly, right relationship with the self and the world.