UniteBoston

Nurturing Relational Connections Across Boston's Christian Community

A Call to Moral and Ethical Leadership: Uniting Around the Way of Jesus – Beginning Lent 2025

In this pivotal moment of political polarization and social upheaval, UniteBoston is issuing a call to moral and ethical leadership, inviting all Christians to repent from how we have strayed from the Way of Jesus and return to the core ethical and moral Biblical principles of love, justice, integrity, equity, and peace.

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal, calling us to turn from sin and realign with God’s will. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness preparing for His ministry, we are invited to examine our lives, confess where we’ve fallen short, and commit to change our ways. This is an opportunity to do the deep inner work of upholding the morals, ethics, and character of Christ, that we can individually and corporately be the people that the world needs right now and build up our common life together.

Local Christians brought this idea to our attention based on the divisiveness and harm they have seen taking place in current events, and we feel compelled to respond in this critical hour. In response, UB leadership has collaborated with them to draft and extend this invitation to the wider UniteBoston community and beyond. We see strong alignment between this call to moral and ethical leadership and UB’s efforts to strengthen the foundations of our Christian witness. This initiative builds on our Church & Civic Engagement gathering, where 70 leaders committed to Keep in Step with the Holy Spirit, and aligns with our current Fortify campaign. 

In spite of our political differences, join us to recommit ourselves to the following twelve principles interwoven in the overall message of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

By signing, we pledge to:
✅ Repent of ways we have strayed from the Way of Jesus (Eze. 33:7-16)
✅ Realign with Christ’s prayer for the unity of His believers (Jn. 17:20-26)
✅ Renew our commitment to public integrity and moral leadership, which begins with each of us (Isa. 58:1-14) 

Our goal this Lenten season is to gather 500+ signatures from a politically diverse Greater Boston Christian community to personally and publicly repent, receive God’s forgiveness and recommit themselves to moral and ethical leadership.

To follow up from these commitments, we are planning to form a team of diverse Christians from varying political backgrounds to discern next steps, such as:

  • Hosting kingdom conversation gatherings across political differences to foster more fruitful, challenging, and curious conversations in our church communities
  • Calling our community leaders, including church, business, and elected government officials, to exemplify this type of moral and ethical leadership
  • Taking action together to support those most vulnerable among us, such as the poor, widow, orphan, and immigrant (Zec 7:10) and supporting grassroots initiatives to address systemic inequities that are preventing the flourishing of all neighbors in our beloved city.

We pray that these opportunities for inward reflection, repentance, and outward action taking will plant the seeds of reconciliation and forgiveness that is needed to address the division and polarization harming the Church. Our hope is that we might offer an authentic, Christ-centered public witness, full of God’s truth, grace, and love (Jn 13:35).

Join us to rise above political division and stand together in the Way of Jesus.

👉 Sign the petition on Google Forms here

A Call to Moral and Ethical Leadership Through Confession and Repentance

1. Love my neighbor as myself.

True leadership begins with love in action—a love that transcends political and ideological divides, embracing compassion and solidarity with all (Lk. 10:25-37). To love our neighbor is to act for their well-being, to listen with humility, and to seek peace over polarization  (Jer. 29:4-14). Love does not harm and is the summary of all God’s commands to His people (Rom. 13:8-12).

I have acted believing that I’ll take care of my needs first and foremost, and other people can take care of themselves. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

2. Steward responsibly the authority entrusted to me.

Leadership is not about power for personal gain but about stewarding influence for the flourishing of all (Acts 14:8-18). Leaders recognize that authority is a trust, not a weapon—one that must be exercised with wisdom, justice, and accountability (Mt. 25:14-30).  Stewardship acknowledges that everything is God’s and we are to work and take care of all of God’s creation, recognizing that what affects one of us ultimately affects us all (Gen. 2:2-15).

I have acted believing that what I have is mine, and I’ll do with it as I see fit, and I’ve neglected the common good. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

3. Live a life of holiness in a world yearning for wholeness.

In a society fractured by fear, brokenness and lies, leaders must embody the hope, integrity, and life that people long for (Isa. 61:1-11). Followers of Jesus are called to reflect the light of Christ in a world that often rewards deception and evil (Jn. 3:16-21). With Christ as our foundation, we are called to live moral and godly lives so people can see Christ through us (1 Pet. 2:4-12).

I have acted believing that I’ll do what’s right for me and what others do doesn’t concern me. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

4. Move out of my self-centeredness to live for the greater good.

A moral leader rejects personal self-interest as the highest aim, choosing instead to serve the marginalized, the vulnerable, and the common good, to God’s glory (Ps. 40:5-10). Leadership is not about self-preservation but about service and sacrifice for the sake of mercy and justice (Lk 4:14-20). Followers of Jesus live with purpose to proclaim and demonstrate God’s love for the world (Acts 8:26-40).

I have acted believing that the world and my purpose of life is centered around me. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

5. Admit when I’ve done wrong, then think and act differently to make it right.

A just society is not built on denial and deflection but on repentance and restoration (Eze. 18:25-32). Leaders must humbly acknowledge wrongdoing, whether personal or systemic, and take active steps toward restitution and repair (Lk. 19:1-10). We all must give and accept forgiveness to be agents of reconciliation in the world and bear witness to Christ’s reconciling work (2 Cor. 5:14-21).

I have acted believing that there is no right and wrong, and I’m accountable only to myself. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

6. Use wealth and power wisely, as these idols easily enslave us all.

God calls us to worship and obey Him alone and not be enslaved by the idols of this world (Lk. 16:9-15). The love of money and the pursuit of power have corrupted many leaders (1 Tim. 6:6-10). A moral and ethical leader rejects greed, exploitation, and economic injustice, opting instead to steward resources in ways that honor human dignity and promote the well-being of the community (Eccl. 5:10-20).

I have acted believing that money, power and status are the most important things in life. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

7. Respect and work with all people, especially those that differ from me.

Leaders are called to cultivate communities of belonging, respect and welcome, rather than giving in to the sinful tendencies of division and hatred (Rom. 15:7, Col. 3:1-15). As followers of Jesus, we are especially called to unity in diversity (Eph. 4:1-16) and to extend love not only to those who are like us but even to our enemies (Mt. 5:43-48). Our treatment of one another matters—we must put to death the desires of the flesh, including hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition, dissension, and envy. Instead, we are to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:16-25). 

I have acted believing that the people who look and think like me are the only people that matter. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

8. Fight to restore hope in the midst of our brokenness.

In a world plagued by cynicism and despair, leaders must point towards the heavenly vision of shalom: nothing broken, nothing missing, and everything in right relationship  (1 Pet. 1:3-12). This means standing against the brokenness by encouraging one another to build a future where hope is tangible and joy sustains us all (Amos 9:11-15).  We lead others to full and complete lives as we follow the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd (Jn. 10:9-11).

I have acted believing that the world is messed up and there is nothing I can do about it. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

9. Serve others with humility.

Jesus redefined leadership as servanthood (Jn 13:12-17). True leaders do not seek status or control but embrace humility, contentment, and a commitment to the well-being of others (Phil. 2:1-4). Followers of Jesus serve others with humility out of gratitude for Jesus’ service to us (Isa. 53:1-12). 

I have acted believing that my value is based on what people think of me and on the possessions that I have and need more of. Lord Jesus forgive me.

10. Show costly generosity even to those who are against me.

We are all called to generously love those who mistreat or hate us (Lk. 6:27-36) out of a recognition of the generous love that Christ has shown to us. We should sacrifice our own wants and desires for the benefit of others (2 Cor. 9:6-13), so there might be equality (2 Cor. 8:14). Followers of Jesus live sacrificially to honor God and point to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us (1 Chron. 29:6-17).

I have acted out of a scarcity mindset, believing that everyone else is looking to take from me and that I need to look out for myself first. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

11. Stand in solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable.

Jesus will judge all of us on how we show mercy to the hungry, the foreigner, the naked, the sick and the prisoner (Mt. 25:31-46). Moral leadership demands that we defend the cause of the oppressed while also working to repair the harm that we have caused to the most vulnerable among us (Deut. 10:14-19). We must show mercy to others because God has shown mercy to us (1 Tim. 1:12-16).

I have acted believing that people deserve their bad circumstances, rather than seeing the structural systems that advantage some over others. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

12. Act with integrity and treat every person equally.

The Christian faith is built on the equal dignity, belovedness and worth of every person (Gen. 1:26, Jas. 2:1-13). In a world where inequality and discrimination persist because of our sin and sinful structural advantages that value some over others, leaders must stand for truth, integrity, and justice for all groups and individuals (Isa. 58:1-14).

I confess that I have failed to honor the dignity of all people as God’s beloved children and that I need to use any advantage I have to keep myself ahead and others down. Lord Jesus, forgive me.

List of Signatures

Below is the list of people who have signed this commitment publicly so far, updated every day or so.

J. Garciano (Winchester, MA)

D. Saff (Arlington, MA)

G.F. Hicks (Stoughton)

K. Fassett (Boston, MA)

S. Gautier (East Boston, MA)

M. James (Chestnut Hill, MA)

D. Scott (Newton, MA)

M. Lietz (Boston, MA)

S. Rice (Arlington, MA)

J. Marcucci (Medford, MA)

M. DeJong (Waltham, MA)

B. Pierce (Brighton, MA)

R. Lutjohann (Cambridge, MA)

K. Hampson (Quincy, MA)

S. DeBonis (Quincy, MA)

H. Ho (Winchester, MA)

S. Brill (Worcester, MA)

O. Aarons-Martin (Brockton, MA)

S. Richardson (Reading, MA)

E. Gaskin (Randolph, MA)

M. Priest (Boston, MA)

J. Stanton (Medford, MA)

We invite you to share this call to moral and ethical leadership via email or through social media, as our goal this Lenten season is to gather 500+ signatures from a politically diverse Greater Boston Christian community to personally and publicly recommit themselves to these Biblical principles.

Lent with Irenaeus of Lyons

“We need to be more self-reflective than ever.  Marketing has long drawn us into greed.  Algorithms now draw us into fear and outrage.  Politics draw us into viciousness. But those vices feed a foe within us — one more subtle and terrible than any foe without (Romans 7:14 – 25).  How will we – as Christians in Greater Boston – endure the change and hardship coming while relating more deeply with Jesus? “

Lent is upon us, a season of spiritual discipline, reflection, and self-examination. In this week’s newsletter, we’re featuring Lent with Irenaeus, a new book by local author Mako Nagasawa, who is also an elder at Neighborhood Church of Dorchester.

Irenaeus of Lyons, a second-century bishop, confronted distorted beliefs and emphasized the wholeness of body, soul, and creation in the Christian faith. Read an excerpt of his book below to explore his timeless insights on spiritual formation to deepen your faith from the darkness of Lent to the light of Eastertide.

Lent is the forty day period before Easter — that is, Resurrection Sunday. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when Christians often mark our foreheads with ash to remind us that we are mortal and will return one day to the dust. Lent ends with Holy Week – we recall Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as king, confronting the powers, only to face anguish at Gethsemane, be crucified on Good Friday, and then, at last, be raised on Resurrection Sunday into an immortal life.

During this period in his life, Jesus journeyed to give and to gain. He went to give something up – his very life. He also went to gain something infinitely valuable — his humanity purified and perfected, and a way for us to share in what he accomplished. The letter to the Hebrews says Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before him (Heb.12:2).

Lent is like a spiritual fitness routine. In order to more fully appreciate the significance of Jesus’ journey during Lent, Christians typically give something up — often a comfort item: meat; sugar; coffee; video games; social media. We let ourselves feel a physical or emotional pang of desire. We let this desire remind us of a deeper desire: the desire for a deeper connection with Jesus. Lent is, therefore, a season where we hope to gain things: a deeper hunger and thirst for Jesus and his righteousness (Mt.5:6), and strength over our lesser cravings – even if those lesser cravings help us cope with pain or loss. Perhaps especially if so.

Irenaeus is an outstanding guide in this Lenten journey. He was a Christian leader in the second century. He had been mentored by Polycarp of Smyrna in western Asia Minor, the region where Jesus’ apostles – his earliest followers – had spent the most time investing in new communities. Polycarp had been mentored by the apostle John, so Irenaeus’ pedigree was impressive. He might have died as a martyr, but certainly he was ready to, as his predecessor Pothinus of Lyons and mentor Polycarp of Smyrna both died by martyrdom. How did he come to love Jesus that much?

Irenaeus defended the Christian faith against “gnostic” influences — those who believed the body was evil or worthless or didn’t matter as much as the soul and the mind. So-called “gnostic Christians” then argued that Christian faith was about simply believing certain ideas while giving up on changing much of anything. It would have been the easier way to live, frankly. But Irenaeus knew that our journey with Jesus had to be more fully embodied, and involve a retraining of our whole being. For we are, as Irenaeus understood, human becomings.

Most of these reflections come from the fourth book of Irenaeus’ five volume work, Against Heresies. In this book especially, Irenaeus connects the stories and practices of the Old Testament to Jesus. The gnostics wanted to disconnect Jesus from the ancient Jewish story and community. Irenaeus points out that Jesus’ physical humanity was dependent on the Jewish community from which he came. God had shaped and trained ancient Israel in certain ways, with their partnership. Jesus embraced that training and journeyed further.

I hope Irenaeus’ reflections on this journey with Jesus helps you this Lenten season. For this early Christian leader – Irenaeus – believed it was a journey of becoming truly human.

Reflection 2:  We Ascend to God or Descend to the Animal

We often think of Lent as a season where we give up something, which is often a comfort item:  meat; sugar; screen time; chocolate.  We let ourselves feel the loss or lack of that thing.  We let this lack lead us to feel desire, and this desire reminds us that our deepest desire is for Jesus.  So during Lent, we hope to gain things:  a deeper hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Jesus (Mt.5:6), and strength over our lesser cravings – even if those lesser cravings help us cope with pain or loss.

Irenaeus speaks of this training of our desires.  He says we either ascend towards God, or descend towards the animal – or, at least, certain types of wild animals.  As finite beings created and loved by the infinite God, we are meant to grow infinitely in relation to God… Yet, the apostle Peter said that those who sin without repenting eventually become “slaves to corruption, for people are slaves to whatever masters them” (2 Pet.2:19).  Peter, quoting King Solomon in Proverbs 26:11, says that such people are like dogs that return to their vomit or pigs that return to mud.  Irenaeus, citing Peter, explains it in terms of desires and longings: “Now, spiritual men shall not be incorporeal spirits; but our substance, that is, the union of flesh and spirit, receiving the Spirit of God, makes up the spiritual man.  But those who do indeed reject the Spirit’s counsel, and are the slaves of fleshly lusts, and lead lives contrary to reason, and who, without restraint, plunge headlong into their own desires, having no longing after the Divine Spirit, do live after the manner of swine and of dogs; these men, [I say], does the apostle very properly term “carnal,” because they have no thought of anything else except carnal things.”  (AH 5.8.2, italics mine, quoting 2 Pet.2:12 – 22; Prov.26:11; cf. AH 4.4.3, quoting Ps.49:12)

Consider how we might “live after the manner of swine and of dogs” as Peter and Irenaeus mention, unpleasant as that might be.  We can make our habitats – our families, friendships, and organizations – morally and spiritually unhealthy.  For example, if we make a home for toxic favoritism or disdain, allow gossip and conflicts to fester in our presence, or get defensive when we are wrong, then we are like those pigs who sit in the mud and their own excrement.  If we are in leadership and allow sins to go unaddressed, we contribute to an unhealthy environment where other people suffer.

We need to be more self-reflective than ever.  Marketing has long drawn us into greed.  Algorithms now draw us into fear and outrage.  Politics draw us into viciousness.   But those vices feed a foe within us — one more subtle and terrible than any foe without (Romans 7:14 – 25).  How will we – as Christians in Greater Boston – endure the change and hardship coming while relating more deeply with Jesus? 

Kelly’s Corner: A Day in the Life

What does a “typical” day at UB look like? Well, no two days are ever quite the same! But I’d love to take you through one particularly unique day last week—one that was especially full of meaningful conversations and Spirit-led moments.

5:30am – Coffee with Jesus. I’m an early riser, waking up before the sun most days to pray, reflect and read the news before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. 

6:57am – Cross country ski in Franklin Park. I start most days with exercise, as I find that when my body moves, then I can think much more clearly. Contemplating God’s word for today with the “Pray as you Go” devotional and the Holy Post podcast. Jamming out to the song “Kingdom of Jesus” which has been hitting me deep these days: “He’s chosen the small things to outlast the great, the meek and the merciful to shine through the hate… Oh say can’t you see we have one allegiance? It’s to the Kingdom of Jesus.”

10:34am – Coffee and pastries with Rev. Arrington Chamblis at Homestead Bakery. So meaningful to hear about her own personal journey meeting Jesus and following in his footsteps, now at Episcopal City Mission. One thing she shared that I’m holding onto is that, “Personal and social transformation must go hand in hand—without a change of heart, nothing will truly change.”

12:17pm – Lunch with Liza Cagua-Koo at Fresh Food Generation. Liza has a deep understanding of systems practice. Her perspective on bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to collaborate and drive meaningful change is so inspiring to me and crucial to UniteBoston’s ministry.

2:35pm – Meeting with Jerome Garciano from Highrock Church, where we brainstormed and schemed about a collective call to moral leadership. Our hope is to invite Christians from across the political spectrum to reconfirm ourselves and call our leaders to a higher standard—one that reflects the hope, faith, and love at the heart of the Gospel.

Lots of administrative work in the afternoon, including planning an upcoming cohort case study and ordering supplies for a UniteBoston gathering, followed by dinner with my family!

 I crashed early this night, and then woke up the next morning to coffee with Jesus again… the slow, rooted, connecting work of UniteBoston continues. 

Move slow enough to notice
Wherever God shows up today,
may I not be too hurried to notice,
nor too aloof to care.
When the Sacred surprises me
like an unexpected guest,
may I not hesitate to greet Them with open arms.
Let not my bias be a barrier,
to embracing The Holy’s mysterious ways.
May I be hospitable to God enfleshed
in even the dullest circumstances,
and the hardest situations,
and the strangest of places.
I am open
to encountering Love,
to meeting with Justice,
to being held by Awe.
May it be so.

– Rev. M Jade Kaiser, enfleshed

Uniting Boston and the Power of Dialogue

We are honored to share a podcast episode with Jennifer Nassour, Boston resident, former chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republical Party, and host of Political Contessa. She welcomes Shelton Oakley Hersey, a local Spiritual Director and Dialogue Consultant passionate about fostering fruitful conversation and the reconciling presence of Jesus through UniteBoston and beyond. 

With a Master’s from Fuller Theological Seminary in Intercultural Studies and extensive experience in interreligious and community dialogue, Shelton shares insights from her work in both South Africa and the U.S. Together, she and Jennifer explore how structured conversations with clear ground rules can transform heated conversations into opportunities for deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and even God. And, how it can and must include each of us embodying the Fruit of the Spirit with one another in our daily lives.

Tune in as they discuss the necessary culture shift from fear-based motivation to values-driven mutual respect of one another, the essential role of adults in modeling and teaching skills like humility, curiosity, grace in action, etc., and how community-level conversations can create lasting change. Whether you’re navigating tough discussions at home, work, or in your church community, this episode will equip you with practical tools to foster respect and a sense of unity in a divided world.

Listen now and join the movement for healthier conversations, meaningful engagement, and one way to embody Christ in these polarized times!

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Six Ways to Celebrate Boston’s Black History

UniteBoston celebrates Black History Month by honoring the rich legacy of Black leaders, churches, and communities who have shaped Boston. We recognize the pivotal role of the Black Church in the Civil Rights Movement, whose faith and resilience followed in the footsteps of Jesus Christ to champion racial justice, equality, and shalom.

This month, we invite you to join us to celebrate Boston’s Black History with the opportunities below.

1. Dive into EGC’s Fact Friday series, where Jaronzie Harris explores the church’s history and legacy in Boston, one short video at a time. Click below to watch their Instagram videos!

  • Did you know that the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill was co-founded by Cato Gardner, a formerly enslaved man born in Africa? 
  • Or that Twelfth Baptist Church was the spiritual home of Wilhelmina Crosson, a pioneering Black school teacher in Boston, who also was instrumental in launching the precursor to Black History Month? 
  • Why is a church on Warren Street in Roxbury called “The Historic Charles Street AME Church?”
  • How about this gem? The founding pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Rev. Peter Randolph, led a group of 66 freed slaves from Virginia to Boston before the Civil War and also obtained a lawyer to win their rightful freedom! His autobiography is available online!
  • And Union Methodist Church was a stop on the Underground Railroad as well as the home church of David Walker, author of one of the most important early attacks on slavery, Walker’s Appeal. 

2. Take a Black Theology course, part of the Theology Lab at Highrock Church! This course, which features scholars, musicians, and church leaders, including Prof. Tom Baskett (Highrock; Berklee College of Music), explores how the faith experiences of Black Americans open up distinct ways of reading Scripture, shed light on the gospel’s liberating power, and model the importance of social engagement for all Christians. Central to this class is the theological claim that the faith of Black Americans is a gift to the whole church. There are six videos and a discussion guide is available here.

3. Reflect utilizing this Black History Month Cheat Sheet compiled by Minister Ed Gaskin, Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. Ed encourages you to take a few moments to first write down the books, movies, music, speeches, events, etc. that have shaped your view on race and racism, before looking at the chart. Then look at the chart and decide, discuss who you would keep, replace or add. Did you learn anything new? What do you wonder now? Download the PDF here.

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4. Go on a self-guided tour of Boston’s Black History:

  • Use this guide from WBUR to experience the history firsthand in downtown Boston, Cambridge, or Roxbury
  • Use this Map to go on a Boston Greenbook Tour, compiled by Rev. June Cooper, Sankofa cohort member and Theologian in the City at Old South Church. The Boston Green Book was part of The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide published from 1936 to 1967 that listed safe businesses for Black travelers during segregation. Featuring hotels, restaurants, and social hubs along Columbus Avenue and Tremont Street, it highlighted key establishments like Slade’s Bar and Grill and Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe, which remain cultural landmarks today.
  • Use this guide to discover places associated with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in Boston.

5. Join us for our “Stories from the Boston Sankofa Journey“ event

Join us as our Boston Sankofa Journey members reflect on nine months of exploring Boston’s historical landmarks tied to the legacy of slavery, the Black freedom movement, and the role of churches in both supporting and resisting slavery. Through personal stories and creative storytelling, we will share transformative moments and how they are carrying these experiences forward. REGISTER HERE

6. Dig deeper into the history:

Black history IS Boston’s history! As each of us take steps to learn and experience Boston’s Black history, we discover how remembering the past can help us pursue racial justice, reconciliation, and shalom in our city today.



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