Reaffirmation of Commitment to Racial Justice
WHEREAS, Unitarian Universalist congregations and individuals covenant in our first and sixth principles to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person as well as work toward a world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
WHEREAS, the Unitarian Universalist Association lists as part of its primary purpose “to . . . extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles”;
WHEREAS, in our UUA Bylaws and Statement of Inclusion, we pledge to “replace widening barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect as well as striving to be an association of congregations that truly welcomes all persons and are committed to structuring congregational and associational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone’s participation”;
WHEREAS, the Action of Immediate Witness, “Support the Black Lives Matter Movement,” was passed by the General Assembly in 2015;
WHEREAS, the Black Lives Matter AIW has been frequently referenced as satisfactory proof of our progress towards racial justice;
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association, in their 2016 report to the Assembly, called upon the Association to “find the will and the way to do a better job” in the fight for racial justice;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we hold ourselves accountable to less witness and more action;
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees shall issue a multi-year report on the board, staff, congregational, and denominational responses to Black Lives Matter, and particularly examine the year-to-year growth in these responses, at General Assembly 2017, 2018, and 2019.