After working with congregations on multiculturalism for over 15 years, Paula Cole Jones, UU Central East Regional Director of Racial & Social Justice, realized that a person can believe they are being a “good UU” and following the 7 Principles without thinking about or dealing with racism and other oppressions at the systemic level. Evidence: Most UU congregations are primarily European-American in membership, culture (especially music), and leadership, even when located near diverse communities. She realized that an 8th Principle was needed to correct this. At her suggestion Bruce Pollack-Johnson and others put together an initial draft in 2013. Bruce’s congregation (the UU Church of the Restoration in Philadelphia) incorporated it into their Covenant at that time. Then in May 2017 they formally adopted it for themselves and recommended that the UUA adopt it.
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