The 8th 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 multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
In adopting the 8th principle, we have pledged that we are committed to be anti-racist. This pledge calls us not only to say the right words but to do new things in new ways including the following:
Center and prioritize non-dominant voices
Recognize and suspend privilege: those most advantaged (white people, males, financially advantaged, etc.) are accustomed to having the “final say” or making their mark and we recognize this may be at the expense of others
Acknowledge that comfort is a privilege: we are asked to willingly move to the edge of our comfort zone, and accept that there are needs more important than being comfortable with every word, and that comfort sometimes means protecting a status quo that is harming others.
As best as we are able to, we agree to prepare for, attend, and participate in meetings, and to be compassionate and understanding to ourselves and others when our circumstances will get in the way.
