Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Resistance and Transformation: An Adult Program on Unitarian Universalist Social Justice History

Faith In Action: Your Congregation's History in Working for Racial Justice

Materials for Activity

  • Materials from your congregation’s archives
  • Notebooks and writing materials
  • Optional: Audio or video recording equipment

Preparation for Activity

  • Examine your congregation's archived documents and materials from the Civil Rights era, focusing on involvement with and responses to the Black Power movement.

Description of Activity

Most congregations have stories about their involvement in efforts to build racial equality. What did your congregation do in the 1960s and 70s? More recently?

Research your congregation's history by visiting the congregation's archives and speaking with the minister and with long-time members. You may wish to record your interviews and add the recordings to the archive.

Conversations about race can be difficult, and at times volatile. Consult with your minister about your findings and how best to present this information to the congregation at large. The group might prepare a newsletter or website article, a small group discussion after coffee hour, or even part of a worship service.