Pluralism & Freedom: Reflections on Challenging Texas’ Ten Commandments Classroom Law

With Chloe Kempf, Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Texas

September 7, 2025

Reflections on our current struggle to maintain religious freedom and pluralism in Texas, with a case study of Texas’ Ten Commandments classroom law. A discussion of what is being done in the courts, and, more importantly, what can be done in our communities. Chloe Kempf is a staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas. She seeks to defend and expand the rights of LGBTQIA+ Texans, to end censorship and secure inclusive education in Texas schools, and to protect the freedom of expression and religion for all Texans. She grew up in San Antonio and is thrilled to be back after starting her career in Dallas and Houston.

Sounding of the Bowl                             

Prelude – Jaime Ramirez             

Welcome, Greeting & Introduction of Guest Speaker – Mary Barad

Opening Words – Excerpts from Our Composite Nationality, by Frederick Douglass (1869), read by Chloe Kempf

Chalice Lighting                                                                          

Opening Hymn – #368 Now Let Us Sing

Now let us sing, sing, sing                      Sing to the power of the faith within.
Now let us sing, sing, sing                      Sing to the power of the faith within.
Lift up your voice, be not afraid;             Lift up your voice, be not afraid;
sing to the power of the faith within.     sing to the power of the faith within.

Sing to the power of the hope within …

Sing to the power of the love within. …

Sing to the power of the joy within. …

Covenant                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Anthem – “Times They are A Changing” by Bob Dylan, arranged by Adam Podd, performed by the First UU Choir

Stone Ceremony                                                             

Music for Reflection                                                 

Reading the Community Book of Life 

Story Wisdom – “Hats of Faith” by Medeia Cohan-Petrolino, read by Tim Versteeg

Children’s Recessional  

Reading – A reading from the First Amendment to the US Constitution and West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette

Sermon – “Pluralism & Freedom: Reflections on Challenging Texas’ Ten Commandments Classroom Law”

Invitation to Generosity                        

Offertory Music                                                                                

Closing Hymn – #6 Just As Long As I Have Breath        

Just as long as I have breath, I must answer, “Yes,” to life;
though with pain I made my way, still with hope I meet each day.
If they ask what I did well, tell them I said, “Yes,” to life.

Just as long as vision lasts, I must answer, “Yes,” to truth;
in my dream and in my dark, always that elusive spark.
If they ask what I did well, tell them I said, “Yes,” to truth.

Just as long as my heart beats, I must answer, “Yes,” to love;
disappointment pierced me through, still I kept on loving you.
If they ask what I did best, tell them I said, “Yes,” to love.                   

Extinguishing the Chalice/Benediction

Postlude