Passed on Jan 17, 2021!

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.

UUA proposed 8th principle

The UUCP Racial Justice Task Force proposes our congregation approve a resolution that clearly states our desire to promote justice, equity and compassion and to denounce and work against racism and other oppressions. The resolution provides background regarding our intent and a commitment to the future.

Based on feedback from congregants, we have revised the April draft to recognize that the language in the UUA’s proposed 8th Principle may continue to evolve. Thus, we want to emphasize that we are approving the spirit and intent as it is now stated, not the literal version provided to us at this point in time.

We also want to recognize several suggestions to craft something shorter — that can be recited by children and understood by all. After the congregational resolution is passed, we recommend that we re-visit other key covenants and documents the UUCP has, such as our covenant to right relationships, and that we consider revising them to reflect this new commitment, as well as to create a short statement that we can all reference – and maybe even remember.

The resolution below includes language the UUA used in their 1997 anti-racism resolution, approved at the General Assembly, and the proposed 8^th Principle.  Here is a 21 minute video interview with Paula Cole Jones, who started the 8th principle resolution.

Sharon Copeland, Kevin Trayner, and Megan Innes, RJTF Co-Chairs

Resolution

(Revised Nov. 16, 2020, vrsn 7 – final)

WHEREAS our Unitarian Universalist principles call us to affirm and promote “justice, equity, and compassion in human relations” and “the goal of world community,” and

WHEREAS racism and its effects, including the deep divisions in our world caused by inequitable and unjust distribution of power and resources, are embedded in all social institutions as well as in ourselves and will not be eradicated without deliberate engagement in analysis and action and undertaking personal and institutional commitments to end racism;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton (UUCP), denounce racism and pledge to work to eliminate racism.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we carefully examine our own conscious and unconscious racism as participants in a racist society, and the effect that racism has on all our lives, regardless of our color. Further, we must uncover our links and complicity with the genocide of native people, with enslavement and the slave-based economy, and with all types of racial, ethnic, and cultural oppression past and present, and act accountably through acknowledgment, apology, repair, and reconciliation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we enter into relationships of sustained engagement with all people of color, within and outside of UUCP, with the goal of opening up authentic dialogue that may include, but is not limited to, race and racism and will also include how to appropriately honor and affirm the cultural traditions of all people of color.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board and Executive Team of the UUCP support an ongoing process for the comprehensive institutionalization of anti-racism and multi-culturalism work, understanding that whether or not we become multi-racial, there is always the opportunity to become anti-racist. Steps towards being anti-racist and engaging in multi-culturalism include deepening awareness and education throughout all age groups and taking action to dismantle white supremacy and racism structures and practices in our congregation. Further, we resolve that the Board ensure we hold ourselves accountable and regularly review our progress in this work and annually report to the congregation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we approve the spirit and intent of the proposed 8^th Principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association 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,” recognizing that our denomination’s goal of promoting sustained action to repair racism and oppression may evolve into new language or revisions such as making this a preamble to our Principles. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we will unite with local, national and interfaith organizations that are working to dismantle racism, including UU Faith Action NJ and the Unitarian Universalist Association, to work towards the transformation of racist institutions within our Association, in our communities, and in our nation.