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I had an opportunity recently to attend a gathering at a young adult spiritual community in Berkeley. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, relaxed and homey. In many ways I fit right in. Over dinner the question of “what I do” came up, and I shared about Unitarian Universalism and Beloved Café. The leaders in the community were interested in the project, and eager to find ways to collaborate. There was an exciting synergy in the air. One young woman was confused about one part though: “What’s social justice?” she asked. I was surprised by the question, and it was the perfect reminder for me of one of the critical elements of our faith that I take for granted.

The evening was filled with sweet prayers and the delicious energy of people being present in community. The spacious time for the spirit was nourishing, but it was clear that the primary path for bringing change to the world in that community was through prayer, and not necessarily action. We have not imagined the power that we could leverage as progressive spiritual people if we were able to collaborate on action with more communities like this. I believe it will require us to think ever more of our social justice work as spiritual practice, and widen our theological comfort zones to joyfully work with those who would otherwise be happy to “just pray about it.” May we have the humility and the flexibility for more and more collaboration in the work of justice.