Author Archives: Sonya Schryer Norris

“We affirm that your gender identity and sexual orientation is perfect the way it is.”

“We affirm that how we treat one another is more important than what we believe about God.”

“Joy D. has been placed on bed rest for the duration of her third trimester. She welcomes afternoon visitors.” “David W. is having rotator cuff surgery on the 13th and we’re organizing meals for his first two weeks of recovery.” One of my characteristics that my mother is most proud of is my kindness. IContinueContinue reading “A faith community and my personal kindness quotient “

When I made my shahadah, or conversion to Islam, I stated these words in front of God and the Muslim community at the Islamic Center in Ann Arbor: I believe that there is no God but God and Muhammad is His Messenger. It was that simple. I became a Muslim in that moment with allContinueContinue reading “The Oneness of God”

I’ve now attended two UU services in my hometown on two consecutive Sundays. I’ve read one book about the faith by a pair of UU ministers and started two more. I’m signed up to attend an “Intro to UU” class later in the month. I’ve collected information about circle suppers (the monthly church potluck) and book clubsContinueContinue reading “Unitarian Universalism II”

It’s very tricky to talk about being in the minority when you are a white person and so clearly a part of the larger power structure. But it’s something that white converts to Islam, particularly women, have to deal with. It’s something that I’m dealing with and the facts of it are driving me awayContinueContinue reading “On being white, and female, and an outsider, in Islam”