Marginalized Groups

In our movement, as well as in our society, many minorities feel that they are not heard in the public sphere. These minorities are not only racial and ethnic. Other minorities are those who hold religious beliefs outside of the mainstream of their congregations. They may also be young adults, or parents with small children. The report raises many issues and suggests how our values can help us address them.

1. "A prevailing assumption among Unitarian Universalists—one that reflects cultural assumptions among the mainstream in the United States—is that marginalized groups should or will be integrated or assimilated into the mainstream."
    
2. ". . . There remains a need for a deeper understanding of intentional congregations whose raison d'etre is to express an identity that differs from the Unitarian Universalist norm."
    
3. "Conrad Wright. . . states that 'congregational polity is wedded to homogeneity'—that the more heterogeneous the group, the less likely it is that consensus will be reached on deeply held ideas."

Questions

• Recognizing that, in spite of our professed desire for greater theological and ethnic diversity, many groups feel marginalized and excluded, what steps can individuals and congregations take to achieve a greater sense of community, diversity and acceptance within congregations?