The Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation (UUWF) wholeheartedly and unequivocally supports anti-racism as central to our spiritual practice and our faith. We believe that Unitarian Universalism calls us to actively confront racism and white supremacy in our communities, institutions, and congregations. As such, we support the adoption of the Eighth Principle: “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse and multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
Furthermore, the UUWF rejects the resistance to anti-racism that is alive within our faith community. This counter-movement threatens our ability to fully realize all of the principles of Unitarian Universalism. For without anti-racism, we cannot claim to affirm and uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Without anti-racism, we cannot promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. Without anti-racism, we cannot accept one another and encourage spiritual growth in our congregations. Without anti-racism, we cannot create a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. Without anti-racism, we cannot pursue a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Without anti-racism, we cannot uphold the right of conscience and the use of democratic process in our congregations and society at large. Without anti-racism, we cannot respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Without anti-racism, we cannot be true to the tenets of our faith tradition.
At the 2022 General Assembly, delegates will vote on candidates for seats on the UUA Board of Directors. Two of these seats are contested by candidates who chose to forgo the UUA Nominating Committee Process and instead run by petition. Both of these candidates have publicly stated their direct opposition to the UUA administration and Board’s commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression work—work that has the overwhelming support of groups and individuals across our faith, as reflected by 2021 GA Delegates in their vote on the Statement of Conscience “Undoing Systemic White Supremacy: A Call to Prophetic Action.”
The UUWF enthusiastically endorses the slate of candidates put forth by the UUA Nominating Committee and, in particular, we endorse the contested candidates Reverend Justine Sullivan and Reverend Suzanne Fast, both proven UU leaders who have demonstrated deep commitment to our faith and the necessary work of anti-racism. We call on all GA delegates to join us in supporting these candidates and embracing our call to the critical work of racial healing and justice.
