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Community Dialogue Resources: Exploring “Where You Go I Will Go”

April 25, 2024
Posted by: Rachel Rott
Posted In: News

This community dialogue will take place on Sunday, April 28 at 1 p.m., in person at church

Click the thumbnail above to watch a video message from Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout.

As we approach our community dialogue concerning the use of Shoshana Jedwab’s song “Where You Go I Will Go,” it is essential that each of us comes prepared to share and listen thoughtfully. This dialogue is not only about a piece of music but about how we, as a Unitarian Universalist community, align our rituals and worshiping traditions with our deepest values—especially in contexts of conflict and peace.

Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, our Director of Worship Arts Ministries, has curated a selection of resources to enrich our understanding and enhance our discussion. These materials will provide essential background on the issues at hand, including perspectives on peace and conflict resolution from our UU principles, insights into the role of music in our spiritual and communal life, and reflections on the broader implications of our choices.

We encourage each of you to review these resources before we meet. You will find them linked immediately below this message.

  • Reflections and insights from Glen Thomas Rideout on the integration of music, worship, and social justice.
  • An overview of the Gaza conflict, to better understand the context mentioned by the composer.
  • Statements from Shoshana Jedwab herself, discussing her intentions and feelings about the use of her song.

These readings and videos are designed to prepare us for a meaningful and informed conversation. By engaging with these materials, we can ensure that our dialogue is not only informed but also empathetic, respecting the diversity of experiences and views within our community.

We look forward to a vibrant and thoughtful exchange as we explore together how our choices reflect who we are and aspire to be as a community committed to justice, peace, and love.

This community dialogue will take place on Sunday, April 28 at 1 p.m., in person at church.

Resources

Message from Shoshana Jedwab 

Read an article detailing Shoshana Jedwab’s comments and views regarding the current conflict and her song ‘Where You Go I Will Go’. This personal insight can help inform our conversation and understanding of the song’s impact. 

Read More: Shoshana Jedwab – Where You Go I Will Go 

Reflections with Glen Thomas Rideout 

Dive into a profile of Glen Thomas Rideout, our Director of Worship Arts Ministries, featured in UU World. In this article, Glen Thomas discusses his approach to integrating music, worship, and social justice, shedding light on how these elements enhance our spiritual practice and community engagement. 

Read More: Glen Thomas Rideout: Music, Worship, and Justice in UU Practices

UUA Resources on Peace and Conflict Resolution 

The UUA offers specific resources and position statements regarding peace and conflict resolution, which can provide valuable insights into how UUs might view and respond to the Gaza conflict. 

Read More: UUA on Peace and Conflict

The Gaza Conflict: An Overview 

For a comprehensive and balanced background on the Gaza conflict, BBC News offers an updated overview that helps contextualize the current discussion around the song ‘Where You Go I Will Go.’

Read More: Gaza Conflict – BBC News

The Role of Music in UU Worship 

Music plays a crucial role in our spiritual expression and community bonding. This article from UU World magazine delves into the spiritual power of music within Unitarian Universalism and its impact on our congregational life. 

Read More: The Spiritual Power of Music in Unitarian Universalism

Understanding Unitarian Universalist Principles in Context 

Explore how our Unitarian Universalist principles guide our responses to conflicts and promote peace and justice. These principles are foundational in understanding our approach to complex social issues. 

Read More: UUA Social Justice Principles

Why We Cannot Turn Away: Resources for UUs Engaging Palestine & Israel

Explore comprehensive resources from Side With Love that provide context and guidance for engaging with the complex issues surrounding Palestine and Israel. This collection is crucial for understanding broader international concerns that relate to our dialogue.

Read More: Why We Cannot Turn Away: Resources for UUs Engaging Palestine & Israel  

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