Unitarian Universalist National Teach-In Sunday: White Supremacy

Dear members and friends of Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation,

This coming Sunday, April 30, our congregation will join more than 600 other UU congregations across the country in an action of Justice education. It's called the Teach-In on White Supremacy. During our usual Sunday gathering time, we will do something a little different, and maybe a little challenging. Together, we will reflect on the system of white supremacy that permeates our society, including some of our own institutions, such as the UUA, and even our congregations.

You may have some questions. We will try to answer them in this email.

Why are we doing this? We believe that hundreds of UU churches signaling to their own members and to the larger community that “our faith takes racism seriously, especially within our own walls” will push our faith toward the beloved community we all seek. We changed our worship plan because we know that large shifts require work and can challenge our comfort levels. That’s precisely why we feel it’s important.

What will happen? The service will look much like it usually does. Our ministers, with help from Board Member Rachel Maxwell, will help us understand the meaning of the term White Supremacy, and help us examine our own experiences in that system. At the end of our service, we will share in our annual Flower Communion.

What will children do? Children will begin in the service with families, and then younger children will be invited to participate in a special, separate lesson led by Rev. Cecilia Kingman. Older children and youth will stay in the service. The younger children will return for the Flower Communion and closing of the service.

Note for People of Color and/or Indigenous People: Caucusing space will be provided in Room 5. Anyone who identifies as POC/I who wishes to gather for conversation in this space is invited to do, throughout the morning. This space will be available from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

How can I prepare? There's nothing you must do to prepare. We ask that you come with a spirit of curiosity and an open heart. If you would like to do some advance reading, you might find the following link helpful. This is the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/04/martin-luther-kings-letter-from-birmingham-jail/274668/

These are tumultuous times we live in, but these days are also providing new opportunities for new ways of being human together. Dismantling White Supremacy is a monumental task, indeed, and one Sunday will not accomplish that goal. But one Sunday can give us some new tools, new understandings as we seek to live our vision of a more just and sustainable world. We hope you will join us this Sunday, as we move more deeply into this important work.

In hope,

Eric and Cecilia

P.S. Some of our denominational leaders are seeking more data on how UUs look at race within and beyond our walls. If you are willing to help with their research, please fill out the survey at this link: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6DbIb0S2VaVVMgt