As 2015 begins to recede and will soon be a nostalgic memory, let’s look forward to the coming year and what it might hold for us. Religiously speaking, 2016 is going to be about many of the same things we saw last year, just more of it; which is to say, if you didn’t believe it in 2015, then 2016 will confirm and give depth to what was started. Here are five stories to watch in the coming year:
- Exploiting religion
You’ve probably read what I have, the reports that say something like 80-90% of the civil strife throughout the world has a religious inspiration to it. On the surface, that seems clear: whether in the United States, middle eastern nations or on the African continent, we hear the language of religion. Where I disagree with the analysis is this: religion is often being exploited by political extremists; that is, politicians cloak their rhetoric and actions in religious fundamentalism as a way of inspiring their followers and terrifying their opponents. And it’s working (and has worked for centuries). I expect we’ll see more of it in 2016. But don’t blame religion; get past what you read and learn about the sources and people behind the venomous diatribes and actions.
- The Francis Effect
The visit of Pope Francis to the U.S. was like a love-fest. Everybody seemed to be talking about – what has been described as – “Popalooza.” I enjoyed it too; I especially enjoyed hearing from Roman Catholic friends (and ex-RC friends) who responded to Pope Francis in ways that reminded me of “Beatlemania.” Let’s hear it for Pope Francis, … and time will tell. The Roman church is still leaking members at a breath-taking pace, there’s already reports about conservative Cardinals who feel this Pope is out of line, the RC bureaucracy is overwhelming and will never keep up with the fresh breeze of possible change, and the troubles go on and on. I love some of the actions Pope Francis has taken; he has used his office and its authority to speak truth to power. We’ll have to wait and see if it gets past words.
- WARNING: You May Be Standing Next to a Millennial!
“Millennials, or America’s youth born between 1982 and 2000 (18-34 years old), now number 83.1 million and represent more than one quarter of the nation’s population. Their size exceeds that of the 75.4 million baby boomers, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in June 2015. Overall, millennials are more diverse than the generations that preceded them, with 44.2 percent being part of a minority race or ethnic group (that is, a group other than non-Hispanic, single-race white).” Another way to see this: There are now more Gen-Exers (35-50 years old) and Millennials than the previous two generations (51-92 years old). Boomers, you know the words we sang at our parents: “Your old road is rapidly agin’Please get out of the new oneIf you can’t lend your handFor the times they are a-changin’.” (Dylan) The generational switch is on and with each year we get a keener sense of the changes taking place. It’s happening as you read this.
- “Come together … Right Now”
For the first time in over three decades, leaders from different religious communities have been meeting monthly to discuss and shape plans for 
addressing racism in Anne Arundel County and Annapolis. There’s no disagreement on this: Racism exists – in the county, the city, in our communities (where we live and where we worship). No group is exempt. This ecumenical ministry is exciting, refreshing and challenging. And we have a long path to follow.
- “Whose Church is It?”
After the Congregational Meeting on December 6, I was speaking with a long-time member who was reflecting on the announcement of an eighteen month vision process where every person in the church will have to opportunity to contribute to a vision statement that captures where UUCA will be in three to five years. “I hope others realize just how vital this exercise will be in determining the future of our congregation,” the member noted. “I think I agree with you,” I said, “but tell me more.” There was a pause. “What I hear more of from other members, is ‘My church” talk. ‘My church this’ or ‘My church that;’ and, ‘I don’t want my church to do this’ or ‘I want my church to do that.’ I hear a lot of ‘my,’ ‘my,’ and more ‘my’ and not much about ‘our’ church.” The member ended by quietly saying: “The future of UUCA is not with those who speak about ‘my church,’ but of ‘our church.” I hope our vision reflects that we are about ‘our church.’”
There’s a lot to watch for and do in 2016. Let’s share this ministry. Take care and see you soon,
Fred