Things that Make You Go Hmmm_5: Freedom of Religion-Unitarian Universalist Style!

An address by the Rev. Rob MacPherson - recorded on Sunday,25th August, 2019 in the Unitarian Meeting House in Adelaide.
Rob's address today is about religious freedom. In the context of the recent Israel Folau media controversy, Rob comments on recent claims by conservative Christians that they are being persecuted for their assertion that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/ transsexual, and asexual (LBTGA) folk are sinful and will "go to Hell". This is based on their "Christian" understanding of scripture (e.g. Leviticus 18). Today's reading suggested otherwise.

In contrast, Unitarianism was founded on religious freedom, originating from the 1568 Edict of Torda of Unitarian Transylvanian preacher, Francis David. It guaranteed "Freedom of the Pulpit" and "Freedom of the Pew".
Rob asserts that we Unitarians must proclaim and promote LBTGA and other (religious) freedoms. However we must first get our own house in order before being tempted to criticise others. While we may disagree from time to time, Unitarians must love those of us with whom we disagree and do this with mutual respect - and in celebratory, worshipful fellowship within loving communities.

While other churches may pore over the meaning of scripture before judging who is to be worthy of their love, we Unitarians must always put Love first before deciding the meaning of scripture.