Reference Publications

Unitarian Universalists Against Slavery

UU World: The Magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Nov/Dec 2004

BARNEY FREIBERG-DALE REMEMBERS THE moment he learned that slavery still existed, and was in fact widespread throughout the world, as one of the most shocking of his life, similar to the news of President Kennedy's assassination or the 9/11 attacks. He has turned that shock into activism, founding Unitarian Universalists Against Slavery (UUAS) two years ago.

With about 90 members, the UUA-related organization's focus is to raise awareness about modern slavery. "The light of day is the best weapon," says Freiberg-Dale, a member of the First Unitarian Society of Newton, Massachusetts. UUAS submitted modern slavery as a proposed Study-Action Issue at the 2002 and 2003 General Assemblies, and it was one of five finalists in 2002. The group also assists UU congregations in putting together services, educational events, and social-action projects.

An antislavery workshop at the 2003 General Assembly galvanized Matthew Kesner, a college student and youth adviser for two congregations on Long Island, New York. In the last year, he has created an independent-study course for himself on slavery, written a pamphlet, and organized antislavery workshops and forums for church, school, and camp groups.

"When I first started researching, I asked, 'What can I do?' and people said spread the word," says Kesner, who plans to study for the ministry. "I've adopted it as my lifelong issue-to address the most dire need of society, people held against their will in slavery with torture."

Contact Unitarian Universalists Against Slavery, 68 Carl Street, Newton MA 02461; (617) 244-0664; www.fusn.org/slavery.>