Fred Hulting, Board President

The UUA is currently reimagining Article II of its By-Laws. This is the article that contains the formal statement of our seven UU principles. As part of this effort, the Article II Commission is seeking to include stronger language on anti-racism and anti-oppression. UUCM has an opportunity to engage and influence this work, consistent with our stated commitment to anti-racism and the actions that have been led by our Racial Justice Team.

First, we can join other congregations in endorsing the work of the 8^th Principle Project, whose efforts have heavily influenced the Article II Commission.  We would make this endorsement by adopting the project’s proposed language for an “8^th Principle” on anti-racism:

“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.”

By endorsing and adopting this principle “as-is”, with no amendments, we reaffirm our commitment to anti-racism and add our voice to the many congregations that have also supported the work of the 8^th Principle Project.  The Board will bring this to a vote at our annual meeting and will hold information and discussion sessions in the weeks leading up to the meeting. Details will be communicated shortly.

Second, we can actively participate in the multi-year process to revise Article II of the UUA By-Laws. The proposed language of the 8^th Principle will likely not be included in Article II in its current form. So, it is important that we help influence the final wording. This work will happen over the next two years, with discussion and action happening at the General Assemblies in 2022, 2023, and 2024. As a UUA member congregation, UUCM delegates may formally engage in the discussion and voting, guided by the input of the congregation.

For more details, please refer to this document.  We hope you will take part in this important opportunity to shape our UU principles.