Commission on Religion and Race 1963 General Resolution

WHEREAS, the Unitarian and Universalist movements have historically affirmed the supreme worth of every human personality, the dignity of man, the use of the democratic method in human relationships, and the ideals of brotherhood, justice and peace; and

WHEREAS, refusal to welcome persons into membership in any of our churches or fellowships because of race, color or national origin would contradict our historical testimony and the declared constitutional purposes of our Association;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That all member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association be charged to declare and practice their faith in the dignity and worth of every person and that all member congregations of our denominations are hereby strongly urged to welcome into their membership and full participation persons without regard to race, color, or national origin; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That, to implement the declared constitutional purposes of our Association:

  1. The President, with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees, be instructed to appoint a Commission on Religion and Race, composed of at least seven members, whose duty shall be to explore, develop, stimulate and implement programs and actions to promote the complete integration of Negroes and other minority persons into our congregations, denominational life, ministry and into the community;
  2. This Commission be adequately financed within the budget of our Association; and
  3. The report of the action and future program of the Commission be conveyed to the 1964 General Assembly; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That all groups applying for membership in the Association be informed by the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association before being accepted into membership of the Unitarian Universalist Association on the stated policy of the Association, which welcomes all qualified persons, regardless of race, color, or place of national origin, into the membership of the churches, fellowships and organization.