Hopefully before the 8th principle is adopted by UUCT, all members of the congregation will have become familiar with what the principle means. If it is well known to everyone, discussed within the congregation, and talked about in church services, then it can become owned by every member of the church. That’s why the Allies for Racial Equity (ARE) group is devoting a canvass-like effort to bring everyone up to speed on the 8th principle. 

It is that important.

One factor that determines sustainability is the amount of resources in time and effort spent on these issues. Six months from now will 8th principle ideas be mentioned in every service? Will our congregation be doing meaningful work as part of the Capital Area Justice Ministry? Will we still offer antiracism training opportunities? In other words, is our antiracism work sustainable? 

Racism is a very ingrained thing, and it is easy to forget about it when you are not on the receiving end. On a long term and continuing basis, we must understand our own whiteness and privilege and help others in our church community do so. We must unlearn and re-evaluate white supremacy in ourselves and in our church community, and we must continue to challenge white supremacy wherever we encounter it.