The UUA’s former second principle called for justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. While the principles may have changed, compassion is still an important value that we, as UU’s, are called to act on. But what does compassion look like, especially in the context of human relations? What does it mean in the state of the world that we find ourselves in, where callous disregard for the other is the norm?

Originally raised as a Catholic, Pauline E. Nijander eventually found her way to Unitarian Universalism in 2012 by way of the UU Congregation of Princeton, where she would become a member in 2013 and would serve in various leadership roles at the congregation. In 2018, she entered the Drew University Theological School in Madison, NJ, where she studied for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, and would complete Drew’s Master of Divinity program in January, 2025. While studying at Drew, she received an award for excellence in homiletics (sermon writing and preaching) and for excellence in leadership. Additionally, as a proud trans woman and lesbian, Pauline has spoken often to different community and student groups for over 15 years about her perspective and life in hopes of educating people through honest and engaging conversation about trans* life and issues. For this work, she was awarded the 2017 Triad House LGBTQ+ Champion Award from LifeTies.

Topics: Beginnings