The Arc of the Universe is Long
Unitarian Universalists, Anti-Racism and the Journey from Calgary
The recent history of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) journey toward becoming an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural movement is captured in this careful and thorough study. Covers the fourteen years that begin with the passage of the racial and cultural diversity resolution at Calgary, in Canada, in 1992 and traces developments through General Assembly 2006. Using interviews and written records, the authors bring to life the voices and stories that represent many perspectives, all addressing issues of race and ethnicity in our congregations and our association.
Leslie Takahashi Morris, a founding member of the Thomas Jefferson District Anti-Racism Transformation Team, served as moderator for All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Durham, NC, an intentionally multicultural anti-racist congregation. She is co-minister at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, CA.
James (Chip) Roush co-founded “Undoing Racism at Meadville-Lombard: a Committee for Honesty, Education and Reconciliation” at the Unitarian Universalist seminary in Chicago. He serves as the senior minister to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, in Traverse City, MI.
Leon Spencer’s work on behalf of anti-racism and anti-oppression efforts for Unitarian Universalist congregations began in 1985, when he helped establish the Black Concerns Working Group. He has participated in the Jubilee Working Group, the Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Team, and the Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries, known as DRUUMM.
Praise for The Arc of the Universe is Long
"Takahashi-Morris, Spencer and Roush have written an essential book, a brave and compelling account of the history that we must ponder and understand as we continue our work for racial justice, healing, and reconciliation."
—Sharon Welch, provost, Meadville Lombard Theological School
"If you want to understand what transpired in the UUA at the turn of the century this is the only place to start. The authors tell a tale of transformation that is as encouraging as it was difficult; it is an invitation that beckons us forward."
—Mark Morrison-Reed, author, Black Pioneers in a White Denomination and In Between: Memoir of an Integration Baby
For more information contact bookstore @ uua.org.
Last updated on Monday, July 20, 2009.
