Unitarian Universalists to meet Sunday
The theme for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s November services is “Yonder Come Day.”
The Gullah culture of the Georgia Sea Islands sings “Yonder Come Day,” which has a variety of meanings. One is to simply be glad for the day, but the song also has been sung by enslaved people. During November, the congregation will look more carefully for struggles that need attention.
On Sunday, the Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris will lead a service called “The Orchard’s Regenerate and So Do the Dead.” There will be an altar, and people are invited to bring a photo or memento of a loved one who has died to place on the altar.
The fellowship is located at 419 San Juan Drive. For more information, visit www.durangouu.org.
Cuba builds first church in 55 years
HAVANA – Catholic church officials say Cuba has allowed construction of the country’s first new Catholic church in 55 years. Experts say it’s a sign of improving relations between the Vatican and Cuba’s communist government.
The church is being funded by donations from Catholics in Tampa, Florida, and will be built in the town of Sandino in the western province of Pinar del Rio. The church publication Christian Life says it will have space for 200 people.
The Cuban Catholic Church had tense relations with the government for many years after the 1959 revolution, but relations have been slowly improving in recent years.
Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI visited Cuba, the government recognized a Christmas holiday and began allowing masses or homilies to be broadcast on official media.
Mexican in church seeks amnesty
DENVER – A Mexican man who has been living in a Denver church basement to avoid deportation says he is prepared to stay as long as it takes to gain the freedom to live in the U.S.
Arturo Hernandez, who is a contractor, has been granted sanctuary at the First Unitarian Society of Denver. Immigration officials say they do not pursue people wanted for immigration violations into sensitive areas like churches unless they have committed serious crimes.
Hernandez said the U.S. should welcome people willing to work hard, even if they are in this country illegally.
Hernandez acknowledges he got into a scrape with another contractor while laying floor tile. He was arrested and then acquitted when he went to trial. The deportation order came after his arrest, and he was ordered expelled from the country last month.
Hernandez left his wife and two children and moved into the church basement Tuesday. His family comes to visit almost every day.
Herald Staff & Associated Press
