At the congregational meeting in June 2021, UUCLV adopted 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 and multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
Thousands of Unitarian Universalists across the country have become part of the real, fundamental work of anti-racism and anti-oppression in our own communities (click here).
In the UUCLV Social Action Committee, members have participated in numerous opportunities to learn more about systemic racism. Activities and events have included a Black Lives Matter Flag-Raising Ceremony with speakers. Even though we currently do not have a physical building on which to display our flag, we hold the symbolism of this event in our hearts.
A number of members have participated in local and national virtual webinars and trainings about systemic racism. In 2021, the 8th Principle Reading and Discussion Group began their study with WHITE FRAGILITY by Robin DiAngelo and CASTE: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS by Isabel Wilkerson.
To participate: email 8thPrinciple@uuclvpa.org
Social Action Committee Statement on the Death of George Floyd and Racial Injustice
UUCLV supports the Bethlehem Interfaith Group (B.I.G.) statement denouncing systemic racism evidenced by the violent death of George Floyd and numerous other people of color. We support peaceful demonstration and protest against the many social injustices that plague minorities in the United States, and we denounce inequality and systemic racism and call for social change.
We stand by the B.I.G. pledge to break the pattern of accepting discrimination in law enforcement and in our criminal justice system by speaking out and taking action for change. We urge legislators on all levels of government to reform practices that spring from systemic or personal prejudices and move towards adopting methods that de-escalate confrontation and build positive community partnerships.
During this time of social unrest and reflection, we ask our congregation and community to be alert to prejudices that have contributed to systemic racism in so many aspects of our society, and to work to eliminate it. We stand with the Bethlehem Interfaith Group, which professes, “We refuse to give up on our sacred values of justice and freedom for all, and will never relinquish our belief that the bonds of affection between and among us can be repaired and replenished.”