Dr. Jeffrey Victor Examines Extremism April 9, 2023, at UU Church

Jeff Victor

​Jamestown, N.Y. –  Racist, religious extremism: Why should we worry about it?

That is the question that retired Jamestown Community College sociology professor Dr. Jeffrey Victor will explore in his message at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) 10:30 a.m. hybrid service on Sunday, April 9.

Victor will discuss why racist and religious extremism is a serious threat to religious pluralism and democracy in our country. He will explain how such extremism has given rise to increasing hate crimes, such as the mass shootings of Black people in Buffalo and Jewish people in Pittsburgh; and to political violence, as in the January 6, 2020 attack on the Capitol.

The message most closely relates to the first and fifth of the seven Principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person, and the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.

A member of the UUCJ since 1966, Victor taught at Jamestown Community College for 52 years. He received the New York State University’s Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence and has been an invited speaker at conferences in Canada, France, Scotland, and the Netherlands. He has appeared on national television programs including Larry King Live, The Maury Povich Show and The View. His many publications include the book Satanic Panic: The Creation of a Contemporary Legend, a sociological research study of rumors and claims about secret criminal satanic cults and false accusations of such crimes.

A social time follows the service.

Participation can be either in person at 1255 Prendergast Avenue in Jamestown or online. To join virtually, use the link at UUJamestown.org/calendar.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is a progressive, liberal religious community serving the southern tier of Western New York and Warren County, Pa. The UUCJ’s mission is to support and celebrate each other, encourage spiritual and individual growth, and serve the wider community.

---