By Joseph Plummer
Although Unitarian Universalists may disagree on issues of war and peace, as a denomination they support all active service people, veterans, and their families. As one UU military chaplain put it, “The United States is a nation that acts in the world. We have hundreds of thousands of good men and women serving us. Whether you agree or disagree with military actions is irrelevant. These people are defending us and we need to support them.”
On this Memorial Day Weekend, a time when we traditionally remember those who served in the military and paid the ultimate price, the Reverend Anthony Jenkins will speak about his experiences as a UU military chaplain. Once a rarity, UU chaplaincy is increasing because Unitarian Universalist clergy can look beyond one religious tradition and engage with soldiers who might be Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, or no religion at all. The military is widely understood to be the most racially, ethnically, religiously, and economically diverse institution in the U.S. and UU chaplains are uniquely positioned to address that diversity.
This fellowship’s minister, Reverend Tom Rosiello, will also offer his insights on the importance of military chaplaincy and on the significance of Memorial Day and the emotional responses that the celebration invokes.
Chaplain Anthony Jenkins currently serves the 59th Training Group located at the Medical Education and Training Campus, Fort Sam Houston, Joint Base, San Antonio, TX. Additionally, he supports the 959th Medical Group located at Brooke Army Medical Center on the base. Previously, he served for ten years in the U.S. Army. He commissioned into the Army Chaplain Corps in October 2014 and served the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and the 629th Military Intelligence Battalion, Ft Meade, Maryland.
Reverend Tom Rosiello became this UU fellowship’s first minister in January 2019. He is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and Suffolk University Law School and Minister Emeritus at the First Parish of Stow and Acton, located in Massachusetts.
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In addition to continuing live Zoom services, UUFSMA has returned to limited in-person Sunday services. Reservations are no longer necessary. Space permitting, guests who show their vaccination card can join in-person services and be approved for future attendance. Our fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Enjoy previous services at www.youtube.com. Enter UUFSMA in the search box.
*Joseph Plummer is the UUFSMA Board Secretary.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sunday Service
“Reflections of a UU Military Chaplain”
Speakers: Reverend Anthony Jenkins and Reverend Tom Rosiello
Sunday, May 29, 10:30am
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/414604040
Password: 294513
