It’s been 18+ years since I stumbled into a “stringer” job with a staunchly progressive newspaper. The religion contributor just stopped contributing, so I emailed the editor to see what was up.

Turns out the writer gave no notice. Did I know anyone who might fill the gap?

Having long fantasized about a career in journalism, I asked if I could give it a go. The first batches of columns were hit and miss, a little too folksy. But over time I found the paper’s groove. What an opportunity.

I tell you this story because America’s honest media sources are in peril: A free press can no longer be a given. Rather than face inconvenient truths, this administration and it’s allies continually resort to intimidating responsible media. From late-night talk show hosts, to venerable news outlets, the formula is obvious and effective: Conform or be canceled.

This is not just a political reality, friends. The democratic principle – fragile and often complex  – lies at the center of our liberal religious tradition. Democracy is a nonnegotiable value, part of our identity and vision for a better world.

As you and I make our way through these perilous times, there are things we can do: Support credible organizations that advocate/lobby for a free press; Explore credible legal firms that have taken to the courts; Support alternative news outlets.

We know from experience there are times when the political and the religious intertwine, and this is surely one of them. Hold fast, friends of the liberal religious way of life. We are in the company of the Universalists, Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists who came before.