by Yvette McDonnell, M.Ed., MASC
Congregational Life Coordinator
Ministerial Intern
Over the past two Sundays, we gathered in fellowship around the core values of love, justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity. These principles are inseparable and guide us in building a faith community committed to the greater good. Living into these values requires us to actively engage with diversity and pluralism, embracing both our differences and our commonalities with respect and curiosity. One way we can do this is by listening to the experiences of historically marginalized UU communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ members. Then we can transform our work to counter oppression and foster meaningful connections within and beyond our congregation.
Widening the Circle of Concern, a 2020 report by the UUA’s Commission on Institutional Change, challenges us to deepen our commitment to anti-racism and build more open, multicultural communities. As a predominantly white congregation, it’s crucial for us to recognize the often-unseen patterns of white (ideology) culture and understand how they impact both those in power and those harmed. True progress requires us to listen to and learn from those most affected by these systems, as emphasized in the report’s introduction.
The offer and invitation are to deepen our covenant and to take some time to read Widening the Circle of Concernand become familiar with the experience of historically marginalized voices within the UU faith. (The report can be read on-line and listened to.)