Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network

06/08/2026

The Dept of Defense has dropped 180 faiths from the military's recognized religions list, including Unitarian Universalism. At least five U.S. presidents were Unitarians: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore, and William Howard Taft. The 31 faiths that were kept on the list include 21 different Christian religions. Even "Christian Non-Denominational" made the list. If you're not already aware of the Christian Nationalist movement, start educating yourself about it.

Defense Secretary Hegseth previously announced the change due to an "impractical" system.

05/22/2026

Last week UUs from four congregations participated in the largest LGBTQ+ Capitol Day in its four-year history; organized by Equality Michigan. Attendees participated in 53 meetings with lawmakers, sharing their personal stories and urging lawmakers to protect gender-affirming care and HIV research, prevention, and testing, and build a Michigan where LGBTQ+ people can live safely and openly. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

05/20/2026

SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME. Join our next Calling & Connection on May 27 at 7pm. Faith Saenz, Organizing Strategist for the ACLU of Michigan, will share why and how the ACLU has prioritized privacy and surveillance. She will discuss Michigan House bills 5492 and 5493 that intend to put controls on the use of automated license plate reader systems and the data they collect. Register to receive the Zoom link: tinyurl.com/muusjnaction

05/04/2026

Join the Permanent Mail Ballot List: mi.gov/vote

05/04/2026

May 5 is an election day for many Michigan communities. Click to check whether yours is one of them. You can register to vote at your city or township clerk's office on election day with proof of residency.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DXfNIHxlrE0/?img_index=1

04/30/2026

Join MUUSJN at 2026 LGBTQ+ Capitol Day on May 13; hosted by Equality Michigan.
1. Click for details and registration: equalitymi.org/events/2026-lgbtq-capitol-day/ Register by end of this week.
2. Let us know you're going: bit.ly/CapitolDay-MUUSJN

04/30/2026

May Day (May 1) events are being held in various areas of the state and nationwide. Find one in your town. We celebrate the importance of working people and the painstaking organizing it has taken for decades to build equity, fair pay, and appreciation for the value of workers. And we're not there yet, so the work must continue.

04/01/2026

Yesterday was the official Trans Day of Visibility. Every day is a good day to ensure care, safety, and dignity for all trans people.

On this Trans Day of Visibility, Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs invites us to widen the lens.

Visibility isn’t just about recognition—it’s about ensuring care, safety, and dignity reach all trans people, wherever they are.

We remember trans people living under surveillance.
We remember that trans lives are sacred everywhere—in detention centers, courtrooms, hospitals, schools, and churches.

And we remember: trans freedom does not stop when we look away.

Explore resources to deepen your understanding and take action at the link in the comments.

03/31/2026

"We cannot have any hope of resisting fascism and these harmful tactics and ideologies all on our own. But together, with collective action and with generous love — we might actually glimpse the world of justice and freedom that we still dare to dream of."
-Rev. Alex Jensen, Unitarian Universalist Minister

03/25/2026

UU ministers participated in a multi-faith clergy press conference yesterday in Lansing to demand that ICE end its presence in Michigan. Their demands include the closure of all ICE detention centers and stoppage of construction of new ICE facilities in the state, an end to local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, and the passage of a bill package in the Michigan Legislature that would limit federal immigration actions. At least three UU ministers participated: Rev. Greta Jo Seidohl from All Souls UU in Grand Rapids, Rev. Rudra Dundzila from Community UUs in Brighton, and Rev. Matt Cockrum from Grand Rapids. Click to read the full article.

A group of 100 faith leaders across religious backgrounds gathered on the steps of the Michigan Capitol building on Tuesday with three demands to counter the presence of ICE in Michigan: the closure of all ICE detention centers and stoppage of construction of new ICE facilities in the state, an end....