On the Local Front
Unitarian Universalists are noted for their social concerns. Racial justice, liberation movements, international peace, community health and welfare, separation of church and state, civil liberties, the environment-these are but a few of the earthy issues that arouse lively interest and participation in our circles. Wherever a committee gathers to tackle a project for the improvement of human living, Unitarian Universalists are likely to be present. It is a hallmark of our religion that service to the community, the nation, and the world is one of the surpassing privileges of life. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the activities of members of any typical Unitarian Universalist congregation.
We hope to reflect our religious convictions in dynamic contributions to a better life and a better world. We note with humility and gratitude that we have no exclusive claim to social concern and service. We try increasingly to face our weaknesses and shortcomings with candor. For example, we are still overwhelmingly a white association. As UUA Moderator Denise Davidoff told President Clinton at a White House interfaith gathering to discuss church burnings, "We whites need to recognize, acknowledge, and understand what is going on and commit ourselves to the work of dismantling racism in our country." We make progress toward racial, ethnic, and economic diversity in our congregations, but that progress is not as rapid as we wish. People of all ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds are welcome in our congregations, and we hope that the day is dawning when our movement will be more truly representative of the population as a whole.
Find out more about Emerson's ministries.
