As surveillance takes hold in our country in the form of flock cameras, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter asks, "Will we be people who simply talk about freedom or will we practice it?" In his sermon to kick off our "Liberating Faith" theme year, Rev. Kanter reflects on the work of John Stuart Mill and Harriet Taylor Mill. For our Unitarian ancestors, the defense of liberty was survival, not just abstract philosophy. In a year when our right to vote freely is in jeopardy, our rights of free speech are being questioned, and our neighbors' rights to religious expression are under attack, it is our turn to live a liberating faith. This year, let's continue the great Unitarian experiment of trusting ourselves and others to seek, question, grow, and become. Topics: On Liberty, John Stuart Mill, Harriet Taylor Mills , Unitarians, flock cameras, immigration, South Place Unitarian Chapel, Reverend William Johnson Fox, reproductive dignity, fighting Islamophobia, religious freedom, freedom of speech Liberating Faith Liberation begins with the belief that another world is possible. It takes root whenever people find the strength to resist injustice, as well as the willingness to continue learning. Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to live in ways that make freedom more real for everyone, everywhere. Our 2026–2027 theme year, Liberating Faith, opens the door to that sacred work. Throughout this year, we will develop the spiritual tools needed to break free from fear and assumption so that we can live more authentically, seek reconciliation where there is division, and help create communities where every person can flourish. We start on the path toward liberation by taking stock of what is true about who we are individually, but we do not stop there. As we grow into being more honest and courageous individuals, we will become better neighbors, better friends and better co-builders of beloved community. 💚 Consider making a one-time contribution to First Church today. Your financial support allows us to provide our weekly livestream, produce Tiny Pulpit Talks - our weekly podcast, pay our staff, and make our UU values real in the world. 💲Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 🌎 Join our global movement of truth, justice, and love. No matter where you are in the world, we invite you to be a part of our community. Fill out a welcome card at the following link and we'll be in touch with resources to get started: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/
