Reprinted from Elderberries.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are themes that my wife (Lyn Dalzell) and I have embraced in our community ministry. We know that systemic racism, with the other forms of oppression, prevents many people from enjoying good health. We encourage new alliances so that people in different communities can care for each other. Lyn and I started our community ministry during the 1990s, when I was a circuit rider on the coast of North Carolina. Lyn and I moved to Florida in 2015. Officially, we’re both “retired”, although that label is inappropriate.
We’re baby boomers in the American South, which means that we’re senior citizens in a region that has lots of seniors. We minister to congregations and communities from Key West to Pasco County with special attention given to health equity and environmental justice concerns. Much of our time is spent with Gray Panthers and Raging Grannies, and with other activists who are past the age of 60. We help with holiday celebrations, with pastoral care, and with wellness education, and we do a lot of community gardening. We exchange recipes. We’re involved in advocacy work.
The health equity concept is explained in an Action of Immediate Witness, Organizing for Health Equity, that was endorsed by the 2023 General Assembly. The document mentions topics that have been mentioned before by political reformers. It expresses support for a strong Social Security program. Once again, there’s a call for a medical insurance plan that will cover all people in all places in the United States.
What’s significant is that the Health Equity statement moves beyond lobbying and into some deeper waters. The statement begins with the understanding that some groups are being kicked aside or exploited in health and safety programs. Individuals want to have more control over their bodies. People want to live in communities that are safe, welcoming, and sustainable. Wellness requires sense of personal responsibility, and there’s always a need for social action. People of faith can join in multicultural efforts to reduce suffering and to overcome injustice.
The health-equity movement has developed with significant support in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities. Historically, the BIPOC communities have had a holistic understanding of health and healing. The religious leaders who are part of the different communities have been among the healers and teachers. White people have much to learn from the BIPOC traditions. BIPOC communities know that pollution and disease are often the products of imperialism.
The Organizing for Health Equity statement ends with some comments about accountability. To whom or what, if anything, are people accountable? The question is important in organized religion. It was discussed at the 2023 General Assembly, and the question will be raised again in future years. There will be long debates. While the debates continue, people will shape the environment and social arrangements for future generations.
Good religion stays grounded. It’s organic. It bends towards justice, and it’s sustainable. Elders in some of the Native American communities have said that 7 generations and more will hold today’s people accountable. They’re right. If you’re involved with health equity and environmental justice ministry, keep this bit of wisdom in mind. Plant the trees that others will need because each summer is hotter than the last, and the sea level keeps rising.
Note: Elderberries is the newsletter for retired UU ministers and their partners. Reprinted by permission of the author. Robert Murphy is in fellowship with the UUA. Lyn is a physician’s assistant (retired) and a former social worker from West Virginia. They live in a retirement community in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
