Active AIW - Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism, a Call to Action: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom!

[fredvandeu (Fred Van Deusen)]

Larry, thank you for your assistance.

[clandrumcsw (Rev. Dr. Cynthia Landrum, Commission on Social Witness)]

@Sally

regarding the discussion of because and whereas statement, to me it is important to have reasons for a statement laid out, but I see because and whereas as synonyms that could be used interchangeably, but those clauses are important for defining the basis for making the statement.

Thank you for that feedback, Sally. On the CSW we no longer require the because/whereas/therefore format for the AIWs, but it is one of our options for how to craft it. I see the “because” as what the justice issue is, and “whereas” section as what stances we’ve taken as a faith on the issue, but they are somewhat interchanagable.

[fredvandeu (Fred Van Deusen)]

The latest version is now available on the delegate site.

[Codysam12 (Catherine Nancy Reid-McKee)]

The Commission on Social Witness will be in booth #413 in the GA Exhibit Hall. Each of the AIW and CSAI proposals has a time slot that they will be present at the booth so answer questions and tell you about their proposal. Here is the current schedule (subject to change!):

AIWs:
Bringing a Feminist and Womanist Lens to Resistance and
Activism- Friday, June 20 at 11:00 a.m.

Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity
Saturday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m.

Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom- Friday, June 20 at noon

Voter Justice, Racial Equity, and Local Autonomy = DC Home Rule and Statehood for the Citizens of the Nation’s Capital- Friday, June 20 at noon

We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights- Friday, June 20 at 4:00 p.m.

CSAIs:
Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation - Thursday, June 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Fat Liberation: Building Justice and Inclusion for Larger Bodies- Thursday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m.
Housing: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m.

[emd (Evan Davis)]

While I probably agree with most everything that is said, I got lost in the vast surplus of words. What a challenge it will be for any congregation to work through all that and respond meaningfully. Can’t someone just note that democracy has long been a core principle of UU – for ourselves and the world – and now it is gravely threatened in our own country and we will take such and such actions to defend it? This is not a time to wrap ourselves in great dreams of social justice; it is a time to save ourselves and our values. At the same time, the statement, like so many others from the UUA and, for that matter, the Democratic Party tiptoes around the core issue of Christian nationalism as the power behind the throne today and an existential threat to our religion and our society. The list of friendly organizations doesn’t even include Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Cowering from cancer among us will not make it go away.

[Rev_Dr_Tony (Rev. Dr. Anthony Burton)]

I believe this is a much-needed statement for the UUA, and wholeheartedly support it. But I do agree that we occasionally get lost in the fluffy clouds of social justice, and do not have our feet firmly planted in actually DOING something to forestall the growth of White Christian Nationalism.

The Democratic Party here in the US seems to have a similar issue, in that they talk a great game, but seldom do anything concrete to shut down the evil of this nationalist movement.