DaytonDailyNews.com

The Rev. Amy Russell and members of Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, were "shocked and saddened" by the deadly assault by a lone gunman at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 27.

"Our churches are safe havens where everyone is welcome," said Russell, who assumed her duties last October.

"To have this kind of hatred unleashed in one of our congregations is tragic. But it only strengthens our resolve to stand for the equal rights of all, including those hurting and alone in the world, as this shooter seemed to be."

Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 8690 Yankee St., Washington Twp., is the spiritual home for more than 240 congregants.

Like the other 1,040 congregations in the Unitarian Universalist constellation, Miami Valley has a compassionate concern for issues of justice, equality and human rights.

"Unitarian Universalism is non-credo," Russell said. "We stand for an open, accepting, liberal religion. We encourage diversity and work to ensure social justice."

The Unitarian Universalist Association combines two faith traditions: the Universalists, formed in 1793, and the Unitarians, founded in 1825. They consolidated into the UUA in 1961. Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has been certified by the UUA as a "Welcoming Congregation."

"Our church has Buddhists, Christians, Jews, pagans, atheists and agnostics," Russell said. "They come from many different paths. But we agree on one thing. We agree that all people are welcome and accepted as equals in our congregation."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or kmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.