Member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) covenant to affirm and promote seven principles:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

About eight years ago, several UU anti-racism activists began an effort to add an eighth principle that addresses racism and other oppressions. This initiative calls for UU congregations to formally adopt the 8th principle in advance of a denominational vote in 2023 at General Assembly.

 On June 13, 2021, First Parish in Cambridge voted to adopt the proposed 8th principle:

• Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

How was this decision made?

Before the vote, First Parish in Cambridge engaged in a nearly year-long discernment process led by the Racial Equity Teamthat included:

• Two dedicated worship services: one in fall 2020 and one in spring 2021
• Meeting with Ministry Team leaders to discuss what adoption of the 8th Principle would mean for their work
• A workshop with Paula Cole Jones, one of the authors of the 8th Principle
• Three open congregational conversations

The motion to amend our bylaws with the text of all eight principles passed nearly unanimously.

What happens now?

While adopting the 8th Principle was one important milestone in the work we have done over many years to become a more anti-racist and anti-oppressive community, it was by no means the end of the process.  We have declared our commitment to work to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community; now we must continue to live into this commitment by embedding principles of racial equity in everything we do.  This involves educating ourselves and each other, examining how we operate as a congregation, and continuing to work for justice in the community.

Over 140 Unitarian Universalist congregations and groups have adopted the 8th Principle as of December 2021.  The UUA’s Article II Study Commission is charged with reviewing the Principles and Purposes, including the proposed 8th Principle, and any recommended changes will be voted on at the 2023 General Assembly.  Our delegates to the General Assembly will have strong backing from the congregation to vote in favor of the 8th Principle. This will be one of the ways First Parish can be part of this important denomination-wide conversation and process.