Because Unitarian Universalists are committed to promoting world peace and affirming the worth and dignity of all people;

Because we support programs to meet human needs for food, shelter, health care, a sustainable environment, education, and fulfilling work in a stable world economy; and

Because successive General Assembly resolutions have spoken to issues relating to economic conversion, defined as the orderly redirection of resources now employed in all aspects of weapons manufacture to the rebuilding of civilian industries and the infrastructure to support them; and

WHEREAS human experience has shown that national security requires social justice and a productive economy as well as an adequate national defense force;

WHEREAS excessive military spending is economically unproductive and a major component of government budget deficits;

WHEREAS an economy driven by the military-industrial complex exacerbates world tensions and increases the possibility of accidental warfare;

WHEREAS the war economies of nations divert intellectual and material resources from basic human needs, medical research, educational programs, and transportation systems;

WHEREAS abrupt, unplanned cessation of military spending or closing of military bases in a community or region results in immediate economic dislocation; and

WHEREAS planned economic conversion will stimulate the world economy, strengthen communities everywhere, and stabilize the work force, thereby enhancing global security;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Unitarian Universalist Association endorses national, provincial, state, and local policies and programs that will promote economic conversion by eliminating unnecessary or excessive military expenditures, both at home and abroad;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States and Canadian governments be urged to work through the United Nations to provide the interchange of information and experience as to how such conversion can best be accomplished; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the resources made available by this conversion be directed toward creating a more productive and environmentally responsible industrial economy, restoring adequate social programs for all, and achieving global peace; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Unitarian Universalist Association:

1. Encourages local Unitarian Universalist congregations to study the ways and the extent to which Unitarian Universalists as individuals, and congregations through their investments, are dependent on military funding; and
2. Suggests that Unitarian Universalist congregations and area councils stimulate community or area study and planning mechanisms in cooperation with other interests in the community with a view to local planning for economic well-being, reducing the vulnerability associated with excessive reliance on the military economy.