Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

25 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, USA       The Rev. William G. Sinkford
(617) 742-2100         FAX (617) 367-3237                       President
http://www.uua.org

November 19,2002
Rev. Larry Hutchison
First Unitarian Universalist Church
4605 Cass Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201-1256

Dear Larry,

What a pleasure it is to offer congratulations and thanks to you for seven years of good Unitarian Universalist ministry in Detroit. As you have throughout your ministry, you have reached out to the community and made our faith a partner in the making of justice in Detroit.

Urban ministry is your passion. It is desperately needed in our movement. In too many metropolitan areas, we have no church presence in the center city. Too many of our congregations decided to move to safe, suburban locations. Too few of our ministers were called to labor in the urban vineyards. This leaves our faith with few anchors for relationship to the problems of urban America. This is not true in Detroit. And though I know it has not been easy for you or your congregation, the fact of your ministry there is a source of hope and possibility for us all.

In this season of thanksgiving and prayers for peace, may your ministry remain a beacon of hope.

Enjoy your celebration. There is so much work ahead.

In faith,


Rev. William G. Sinkford
President
Affirming the Worth and Dignity of All People