The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Commission on Institutional Change is charged with supporting long-term cultural and institutional change that redeems the essential promise and ideals of Unitarian Universalism. Appointed by the UUA Board of Trustees in 2017 for a period of two years with an extension granted in 2018, the Commission was in place through June 2020 (audio version available)
“Unitarian Universalism is no stranger to movements that call for racial justice both within and beyond our institutions. Over and over again, pockets of people have worked to say racism is a problem, racism is a problem *for us,* and that we are committed to fighting racism and other oppression. In 1997, the General Assembly of UU’s voted to commit to intentionally becoming an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural institution. Yet, almost 25 years later, we continue to fall short of our commitments and promises.”
“As a UU youth I know that this commission’s work will impact the Unitarian Universalism that my generation inherits. Part of the commission’s charge involves the 8th Principle Project. As a person of color I am deeply moved by the conversations about anti-racism and anti-oppression that have resulted from the 8th principle movement, as are the other members of the commission. As a young person I am also excited to see the impact this project may have on the Unitarian Universalism my generation inherits. The values that the 8th Principle Project holds are important not just to Unitarian Universalism in the present, but the future of our religion as well. All of this is to say that the following statement, from the commission, excites me as a person of color and a youth because I see our religion working towards meaningful change that is sure to benefit the generations to come.
From Satya Mamdani: The Article Two Study Commission’s charge makes me think of one word: inheritance.