Benedictions and Closing Words

These Bodies

by Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Settled Minister, The Unitarian Society, Brunswick, NJ

We, Unitarian Universalists, who have long been known to be a bit too much in our heads, have been moving towards a more authentic recognition of our bodies, a more genuine relationship with our bodies and in our bodies. Hallelujah and blessed be.

These bodies. These bodies our homes. These bodies our being.

These bodies without which, we can neither have inherent worth, nor recognize it in others. These bodies, without which, we cannot experience the interdependent web of all existence, for it is through our bodies that we are a part of the selfsame web.

Let us pledge ourselves, the whole of ourselves, to the great collective liberation of all bodies.

Let us pledge ourselves, the whole of ourselves, to do the all that we can, to protect against gendered violence against all bodies, known and unknown, near and far, stranger or friend.

Let us pledge ourselves, the whole of ourselves, to inhabit these bodies; to honor these bodies; to celebrate these bodies; to defend these bodies.

So be it. See to it. Amen.