WHEREAS the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester condemns the rising tide of hate speech and direct acts of violence against minority populations in our country, which are in direct opposition to the Unitarian Universalist principles of the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and justice, equity and compassion in human relations; and

WHEREAS the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, in living by and practicing these principles, is concerned with the racial injustice and inequity that persist in our community and beyond; and

WHEREAS through slavery, Jim Crow segregation, mass incarceration and brutality, racism has been part of American society since its founding, with the impact evident in continuing racial disparities in housing, education, health care, the labor market, politics and criminal and environmental justice; and

WHEREAS we have arrived at a crucial moment in American history and Unitarian Universalist history, which offers the opportunity to renew our commitment to this challenge.

THEREFORE we, the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, explicitly and publicly affirm our commitment to racial justice and the alleviation of racial inequities.

Guided by the UUA’s commitment to racial justice, we will focus on the dual goals of raising awareness and reducing /eliminating inequity.

TO THIS END the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester will:

• through workshops, conversations and Sunday services provide ongoing opportunities to better understand issues related to racism and white advantage
• examine practices, policies and procedures within UCWC to eliminate the impact of implicit bias
• be mindful of the intersection of oppressions based on race, class, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, culture, religion, and language
• continue to work with other organizations and faith communities that support these goals

—Approved by UCWC Board of Trustees, November 19, 2019