The 8th Principle:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
WHY NOW?
The UUA recently went through a crisis in accountability, having not carried out the promise to address racial inequality in meaningful ways. The focus of funding has shifted from “shallow diversity” to truly addressing multiculturalism and structural change. Over the past decade the New Jim Crow (racism in criminal justice, mass incarceration, police violence against indigenous, black, and people of color, political and court decisions to decrease voting rights, and more) has highlighted the increasing power of white supremacy and institutional racism. As the country has moved in the wrong direction, it is essential to address the problems with strong leadership from UUs and others.
The newly approved UUCUC Strategic Plan (SP) reflects the desire of members and friends to move toward resolution of these issues and concerns. The Dream for our congregation as expressed in the SP includes increased work in many aspects of social justice with considerable attention to racism and other oppressions. We have already heard from many indigenous, black, and people of color within the UUA, such as BLUU and DRUUMM, that this is very important, and we need to stand in solidarity with them. Now is, indeed, the right time.
To answer questions about the 8th Principle, we invite you to join a discussion on one or more of the following Zoom calls: Sunday April 11, 12:00-1:00 pm; Sunday April 25, 12:00-1:00 pm, and Monday May 10, 6:30-7:30 pm. Zoom information will be listed on specific events for each listening session.
We hope to see you there.