Social Justice
"The prophetic liberal church is the church in which all members share the common responsibility to foresee the consequences of human behavior (both individual and institutional), with the intention of making history in place of being merely pushed around by it".
—James Luther Adams, "Taking Time Seriously," in The Prophethood of All Believers.
Congregational Best Practice
People's Church in Kalamazoo, MI is 2012 Bennett Award for Congregational Social Justice Winner: Ten years ago, after a Sunday Service, a newcomer asked about the People’s Church social action program and a long-time member answered, “Oh, we don’t do that.” Today, just a look at the congregation’s website reveals a vibrant social justice ministry, from community organizing and community service, to advocacy at the local, state and national level, and an international partnership. Now a Standing on the Side of Love banner hangs in the sanctuary, forty people from the congregation recently attended a faith-based community organization event where they brought a $1,000 donation they had raised, and fifty people–adults, youth, and children—helped prepare and serve a meal at an interfaith weekly program for homeless people. What has changed to make the congregation this year’s recipient of the UUA’s social justice award? Read the story including the action steps and resources these congregations used to strengthen their justice ministries.
Our Top Resources
- Standing on the Side of Love
- The Real Rules: IRS Guidelines on Congregational Advocacy, Lobbying, and Election Work
- Inspired Faith, Effective Action Workbook (PDF, 31 pages)
- Social Justice Empowerment Workshop and Handbook
- Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO)
Issue Priorities
We work on a number of social justice Issues, of which our top priorities are:
- Bisexual Gay Lesbian Transgender Equality
- Environmental justice
- Immigration Justice
- Reproductive Justice with a focus on Comprehensive Sex Education
Social Justice Statements & Process
Search the Social Justice Statements that Unitarian Universalist congregations have approved over the years, and participate in our ongoing Social Witness Process. The two current issues are Ethical Eating and Immigration; Creating Peace is in implementation.
More Ways to Connect
- Subscribe to our Justice Action News Lists.
- See our Justice Action News archives.
For more information contact socialjustice@uua.org.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors. Please consider making a donation today.
Last updated on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.
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