QC Times editorial on Unitarian Universalism

American terrorists strike again
QC Times editorial, July 31, 2008

American terrorism strikes again, this time in Tennessee. An unhinged individual fueled by hatred attacked a church congregation Sunday for no other reason than ideology.It’s no different than the terrorist attack two years ago on a women’s health clinic in Davenport. That terrorist wrongly believed the clinic performed abortions. He put his ideology above others — and the law — and drove 430 miles from Michigan to launch a terrorist attack Sept. 11, 2006, in our community.These terrorists may have suffered some forms of mental illness. But these planned attacks can’t be dismissed as the work of isolated, mentally ill individuals. Both cases, and many others, are rooted in intolerance of contrary beliefs. Neither the Tennessee terrorist nor the Michigan terrorist knew any of the individuals they targeted in their attacks. Yet they, like their roadside bombing brethren in Iraq, put their beliefs above the lives of people they didn’t even know.In addition to the lives and property, they also destroy the credibility of law-abiding Americans who respectfully, safely and democratically express some of the same beliefs. The fact that a pro-life individual chose to terrorize our community must not implicate thousands of pro-life Quad-Citians who respectfully express similar beliefs.Sadly, the hate-filled Tennessee terrorist targeted a denomination with an admirable history of cultivating tolerance, particularly in this community. The Unitarian Universalist denomination is a Quad-City leader in promoting tolerance, partnering with many other faiths for forums and other activities emphasizing respect. A cornerstone of the Unitarian beliefs is ethical living as the ultimate witness of religion.

That tenet stands up in any faith.Add our voice to those commending the work of the Quad-Cities’ Unitarian congregation, and all faiths that hold personal beliefs alongside an ethic of tolerance for individuals who think differently. The threat of terrorism on U.S. soil from intolerant Americans remains as serious in this country as any threat from intolerant foreigners.