Martin Luther King Jr. 1961 Speech
The Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. gave in 1961 at the Temple Emanuel synagogue in Worcester, Mass. It was preserved in a cassette recording that was forgotten for many years. The recording was rediscovered in Las Cruces, remastered in 2017, and made available to our community radio station, KTAL-LP, for broadcast.
King spoke as the civil rights movement was picking up steam. It followed the successes of the Montgomery bus boycott, the lunch counter sit-ins, the Brown v. Board of Education decision, and shortly after, the inauguration of Pres. John F. Kennedy.
The challenge of racial injustice is still with us. Dr. King’s words still ring true today.
https://www.lccommunityradio.org/archives/martin-luther-king-jr-1961-speech
Letter to UUCLC Community on Civil Disobedience
January 6, 2021
The events we witnessed today at the U.S. Capitol were shocking; an affront to U.S. democracy. As a person who loves this country and its ideals, watching insurgents climbing the Capitol walls, breaking glass, and breaching the congressional chambers, I kept faith that the U.S. Congress’s work would continue. I didn’t hope in vain.
Unitarian Universalists are not strangers to civil unrest. Our forbearer, Henry David Thoreau, wrote “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience.” His essay was a blueprint for standing up to unjust governance. The protests today were against just government. We Unitarian Universalists must demand accountability for the attempted disruption of Congress’s constitutional duty.
I encourage you to stand up against the insurrection and political grandstanding. Such efforts undermine our democracy. Take time and write to our newly elected U.S. Representative, Yvette Harrell. Express your views regarding her decision to protest the Electoral College certification process.
We should remember today for a historical event: the State of Georgia electing its first African American U.S. Senator, the Rev. Raphael Warnock. Instead, we’ll recall the violence, death, and disruption of the democratic process. We Americans must do better. We owe it to ourselves and the world to model fair, transparent, and lawful governance that protects its citizens.
Let us maintain faith in our elected leaders and hold them accountable. Let us keep faith in our Unitarian Universalist principles and values. Let us encourage UU leaders to continue speaking truth to power. And may we unite, as people of faith, as one nation, one with the other, in love, compassion, and justice.
Ashe, Amen, and shall it be,
Rev. Xolani Kacela
Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces
Join Us for Worship on Sundays at 10am via Zoom
Please join us for our Sunday Morning worship service, which will be held through our Zoom on-line meeting app. The app requires you to download Zoom before you can link in. Click on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/571282353 which takes you to the app and on-line worship. More Here >
Quick Reference for Recurring Meetings. Click here.
Meet our new Director of Religious Education, Kellie Ingram on this video.
This is How We Side with Love

January 24 – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Faith and politics have a long history together. In fact, America was born on the political theory. The Founders guaranteed freedom of religion in the U.S. Constitution. As we anticipate the changes, in American politics and society, with a new chief executive in office, let’s … read more.
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Spirituality
Connection

Connection
Involvement

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UU Services
January 31 – Time for a New Vision
This year, like no other, holds promise for a new vision. What is needed to do the work of Unitarian Universalism? Let’s see. First, many are waiting for things to go back to “normal.” However, as forward-thinking people, we how can we re-direct our attention? … read more.
January 24 – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Faith and politics have a long history together. In fact, America was born on the political theory. The Founders guaranteed freedom of religion in the U.S. Constitution. As we anticipate the changes, in American politics and society, with a new chief executive in office, let’s … read more.
January 17 – Joint service with the UU Congregation of Las Vegas – Re-Imagining King
We celebrate the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Decades after Dr. King’s death, we continue struggling to make his vision of peace and racial harmony a reality. Let’s examine the progress we’ve made and explore how far we have to go.
Also:
We all … read more.
Testimonials
Pledge Drive 2021 is On!
Hello everyone,
Our pledge drive is up and running. Please respond to the materials you receive as soon as possible. That helps us finalize your church budget early in the process. We appreciate your awesome generosity that keeps our ministry rockin!
That’s all, folks,
Rev. xk
Congregational Finances During the Covid-19 Pandemic
My friends,
Just a brief reminder that we, at the UUCLC, will continue to maintain full staffing.
Please see this post for more details from the UUA on best practices.
I pray that you are continuing to take good care of yourselves … read more.Covid-19 Update
Rev. Xolani KacelaYour UUCLC staff is working hard behind the scenes to keep our ministry strong and connected. You’re receiving more communications from us than usual, we know. We want you to know that we’re holding you in care and trying to keep you abreast … read more.
The Gadfly Papers
The Gadfly PapersThis is a 30 page response to a book book entitled The Gadfly Papers: Three Inconvenient Essays by One Pesky Minister by Todd Eklof, which has stirred up significant controversy in the Unitarian Universalist Association over the last two years. Todd Eklof is … read more.
Who Isn’t Reading Books
Who Doesn’t Read Books In America?About a quarter of American adults say they haven’t read a book in whole or in part in the past year. Who are these non-book readers? Read the article.
Church Property
Church Property and Buildings
This article highlights the importance of congregations being deliberate about how they manage their real estate assets. Read the article.Senior Deductions
The Secret Way Seniors Can Keep Deducting Gifts to Charity.Millions of Americans will no longer get tax deductions for their charitable donations this year. But givers age 70½ or older often have a great way to get around this change. Read article.
Why-a-Black-Pastor-Feels-Called-to-a-White-Church
Why a Black Pastor Feels Called to a White ChurchThe Reverend Christopher Lee is the first black clergy member Avondale has ever hired. He believes that being the only black person in the room is part of his calling. Read article.
Leadership Communications
Sharpening Your Communication SkillsMany of our church leaders have told me that they want to improve the communications process at the church. One way is to listen to the podcast on this page.
The Journey of Your Money at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces
Your Money and Our ChurchRev. Xolani explains the journey of your money at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. Read the article.
14 Traits of Effective Church Leaders
14 Traits of Effective Church LeadersThe term leadership is defined as “the ability to lead; an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction.” Church leadership is about how we behave, communicate and manage others. This article lays out 14 desirable traits for church leaders. Read the … read more.
What I Learned from Steve Jobs
What I Learned from Having Steve Jobs Swear at MeThis article shows the power of feedback. Read the article.
Sunday Activities
Upcoming Activities
- Caring Conversations
- Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM
Fellowship
Virtual Event Via Zoom
- Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM
Calendar
Add an Event to the Calendar
January 24 – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Faith and politics have a long history together. In fact, America was born on the political theory. The Founders guaranteed freedom of religion in the U.S. Constitution. As we anticipate the changes, in American politics and society, with a new chief executive in office, let’s … read more.
Spirituality

Spirituality
Connection

Connection
Involvement

Involvement
Sunday Activities
Upcoming Activities
- Caring Conversations
- Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM
Fellowship
Virtual Event Via Zoom
- Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM