There is a white elephant in the room. What room do you ask? Any room we occupy, especially when white people are in the room, and even if white people are not physically present at any given moment. What am I talking about? The presence and persistence of a culture of white supremacy. This issue has taken on renewed urgency within Unitarian Universalism after racist hiring practices were exposed at the Unitarian Universalist Association. The fact that systemic white supremacy has been exposed in the heart of our liberal religious movement has given many pause to consider the implicit water in which we all swim called white supremacy. This controversy has amplified a moral critique that has a long and significant history within our movement, exposing a history of pain and suffering that has been constitutive of Association since its inception, and which has evolved in significance for generations. It is discomforting, disturbing, anxiety provoking, and continues to be a cause of unfathomable suffering for many, especially the prophetic people of color and white allies who have consistently challenged this culture which values and supports white leadership while at the same time finding creative means to explain away (read devalue) the significant leadership of people of color. And this has continued to happen as we have been invited time and again within our movement to challenge dominant cultural paradigms, honor diversity, and seek ways to diversify.

This stark reality is hard to face, especially as a people whose principles and purposes would suggest we get this reality and are actively seeking to transform it. Part of the issue is the immediate posture of defense that has arisen in many quarters within our movement. "I'm not a white supremacist!" comes the response. Notice, however, that I am not referencing the actions of individual people. There is a difference between acknowledging the reality and continuing violence that is caused by systemic white supremacy and the overt racist actions of white supremacists. What we have failed as a movement and as a culture to address are the significant forces that are embedded in our systems of governance, community practices and dominant mindsets which we have that continue to elevate white people and marginalize people of color.

This Sunday, as part of a national #UUWhiteSuprmacyteachin we, along with over 400 other UU Congregations across the country will explore the issue of White Supremacy in order that we continue to expose and challenge the ways that white supremacy infects the community and life we share. In preparation for this experience I invite you to consider reviewing any of the materials listed below.   More important, I urge you to come to church on Sunday.   There is hope here. And hope is a process that begins with reflection, an acknowledgement of difficult and painful realities, and the vision that we do not have to perpetuate such. Let us find ways to use are powers to heal, not harm, help, not hurt, and serve the best possible vision of who we can be as a congregation, community, nation and world.

 

Blessings,

Resources to Consider: