“We are a sanctuary people.”

“What I do know, beyond any reasonable doubt, is that we are a sanctuary people. We can make that claim. From the powerful efforts of our elders in the middle of the twentieth century through to our congregations and communities offering shelter to migrants today… These are times that will be defined by the continued and increased need for organizing, and a faithful commitment to mutual aid.” — Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt


Last week, our Board unanimously voted to adopt a share-the-plate model for #GivingTuesday 2024. We will donate 25 cents of every dollar donated via our GivingTuesday collection to the Pink Haven Coalition.

Four Bills of “Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity Bill Package” Advance

This Monday, October 28th, four bills in the Reproductive Freedom and Health Equity Bill Package, endorsed by our Thrive NJ coalition, were approved by the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.

The Committee advanced four bills:

Where I look for hope…

“A vote is a kind of prayer for the kind of world we desire for ourselves and for our children, and I think our prayers are stronger when we pray together.” — Rev. Raphael Warnock 


Next Tuesday is Election Day.  It is a pivotal moment for our country, and a day that likely carries some combination of hope, anxiety, and grief for our country.

UU Monmouth County Sends 50 PAC Kits to Local Planned Parenthood

Congregants of the UU Congregation of Monmouth County, after months of collecting supplies, assembled 50 Post Abortion Care kits this past Sunday!  The care kits will be donated to Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey, in Shrewsbury.

Thank you to Judy Stevens and her team for coordinating this effort!  Post Abortion Care Kits are a greatly-appreciated expression of our UU values of generosity and LOVE.

“The Case for a Second Look” New Video

I want us all today, no matter what perspective you’re coming from… that we try to hold two things in the same space and at the same time: that people could have caused harm, at the same time that people are capable of redemption and rehabilitation beyond our imagination.

—  Jennifer Sellitti, New Jersey Public Defender

Watch and share this powerful new video from Second Look New Jersey, highlighting remarks made by NJ Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti at the Second Chance NJ Conference held on June 3, 2024 at Montclair State.

Environmental, Climate Justice Groups Rally at Statehouse for Passage of Climate Superfund Act

Press release by Food & Water Watch
Video by NJ Spotlight News, presented by THIRTEEN PBS
September 30, 2024


This morning elected officials joined 75 concerned residents and grassroots groups from around the state to rally in support of the Climate Superfund Act, a bill before the state legislature that would make the largest fossil fuel corporations pay for the damages caused by climate change. The bill was introduced by Senators McKeon and Smith, and Assembly Members. Allen, Hall, and Collazos-Gill. The groups participating were part of EmpowerNJ, a coalition fighting fossil fuel projects throughout New Jersey and for a rapid and equitable transition to a renewable economy.

Virtual Press Conference: “State of Solitary” Report Launch

Virtual Press Conference
“State of Solitary” Report Launch
October 1st, 6 PM



Next Tuesday, October 1, our NJ Prison Justice Watch coalition will release our new report: “Isolated Voices: The State of Solitary in NJ 2024.”

Join us for this important press conference, and bring critical attention the ongoing affront to human rights in New Jersey prisons.