#279 | Tom Bjorklund | Don't Want to Become a One-Issue Denomination

2023 Article II Amendment Idea Submissions Amendment Ideas
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Submission 279
Tom Bjorklund
Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington (Farmington Hills, MI) 5315

What is your suggestion or idea?

The attempt to sneak in the Eighth Principle is completely misplaced. I can’t speak for my congregation, but I think there are reasons that principle hasn’t been more univerally accepted. Now, understand that we are all anti-racism. But we are also anti-other forms of xenophobia (and pro-other issues). As significant a problem as racism is, to highlight only one issue marginalizes the rest.

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

A concern that we don’t want to essentially become a one-issue denomintion.

Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?

no

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Thank you. Our national leaders want us to take “white supremacy” as our number-one issue, but UUs have a variety of views. According to the Commission on Institutional Change, “perhaps a significant majority” of UUs are opposed to the “white supremacy” narrative (blog post, March 1, 2019). Our national leaders should listen more.

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