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
First Unitarian Church of Oakland Partners with the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights:
The First Unitarian Church of Oakland has begun exploring a new and dynamic model of social justice ministry by partnering with the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. Working together with members of the community, their partnership seeks to address pressing local concerns, including high rates of teen incarceration, increasing urban violence and the need for green jobs that support low income families and people of color. The growing success of this partnership results from strong congregational leadership at First Unitarian, which sought support from the whole congregation, not simply a few members. By gaining a church-wide commitment to the Ella Baker Center and its work, First Unitarian has emerged as a leading voice for justice in Oakland.
Most recently, First Unitarian Church of Oakland and the Ella Baker Center have been deeply engaged in the Occupy Oakland movement, which has drawn national attention for successfully closing the Port of Oakland and became a model for other Occupy efforts.
Read the complete story and see the Action Steps for Forming a Congregational Community Partnership.
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 Monday, January 16, 2012.
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