Vote on the Adoption of the 8th Principle June 1!

All Souls' Social Justice team, headed by the Dismantling Racism team, has been working hard on bringing awareness, commitment, and action to our Beloved Community. 

Here are some reasons Why to adopt the 8th Principle:

• The 7 UU Principles and 7 Values of Article 2 do not commit us to specifically address racism and oppression of marginalized communities within ourselves, our community, and our society;
• We have no specific call to action against racism and other oppressions; and
• Adopting the 8th Principle will remind us of our commitment, and it will serve as a call to action in our striving for Beloved Community as individuals and as a congregation.

FAQ section:

What is the new expected administrative or financial burden associated with this change? 

None. We have been acting on this principle in our congregation through education and events for over a year. We have also engaged with community groups and events for the last three years.

What actions will be taken to hold us accountable?

The Social Justice Team is comprised of multiple groups, including the Dismantling Racism team, which has taken the lead in the adoption of the 8th Principle. Such a configuration supports an intersectional approach to actively dismantling oppression within the different areas our congregation is attending at the time. 

To hold ourselves to account with our community, we work with reputable community groups to expand our knowledge of marginalized communities and how to support efforts in the ways they ask us. We began a plate sharing program this year with those groups and have brought them in several times to educate our congregation.

In our congregation, we recently have been holding Dismantling Racism educational discussion groups, Trans Welcoming discussions, and we encourage the congregation to participate for education and awareness. We have provided speakers and other forms of engagement in Sunday services.

At the level of the Board and Council, members of these are expected to participate in education and other opportunities to live into this principle. 

Why is this change being proposed now?  

The past 10 years have shown that marginalized communities in El Paso County have been losing statistical ground in areas of healthcare, education, nutrition, housing, mental health services, incarceration, immigration, voter turnout, and wages. Any individual or congregational support in lobbying for legislation, financial assistance, food assistance, voting for candidates who support these communities, etc., can have a very personal effect on marginalized community members. 

For more history on why the 8th Principle was created and the timing, visit 8thprincipleuu.org.

Is this already covered in our 7 Principles and new values in Article 2?

No. There is no specific call to action on oppression issues contained in Article 2.  There are generalized statements of belief in equality, value of all beings, justice, and seeking of Beloved Community. The 8th Principle tells us a specific way to get to Beloved Community. The majority of our congregants wake up white, cisgender, and able-bodied in a society that reflects them. Most are educated, housed, fed, and can meet their financial needs. Members of marginalized communities do not have all of these privileges. We need to gain awareness of our roles in this system and ways we can participate in dismantling oppressive structures within our church and larger community.