GNUUC Board Statement In Support of Black Lives and Collective Liberation
Consistent with GNUUC’s Public Statement Policy, the Board of the Greater Nashville UU Congregation has issued the following statement.
To the Children of Greater Nashville UU Congregation -
Sometimes the world is really scary. Like now. And sometimes when the world is really scary, grown-ups have trouble remembering to tell you how amazing, strong, creative, intelligent, and beautiful you are. The crazy thing is, that’s probably when it’s most important for grown-ups to do those things!
So this group of grown-ups wanted to say to you:
We see you. We love you. You are precious to us. You are truly amazing people. Your strength of character inspires us. Your creativity brings us joy. Your intelligence is dazzling. Your beauty takes our breath away.
We are infinitely grateful for your presence.
To the Youth of Greater Nashville UU Congregation -
We can only imagine the depth of your rage. Your commitment to a brighter future and your refusal to accept anything less is humbling. Through your years of work and study and self-reflection in RE you have learned the skills needed to help bring about a more just and more peaceful world. You are already mentors and shelter to others. Care for yourself. Care for others. Do what is in front of you.
To the Greater Nashville UU Congregation of Today -
The lives of Black people matter. The lives of the Black people in our congregation matter. This is not only an imperative for the broader community. This is an urgent matter for the Black men, women, and children right now in our own congregation.
The work of building the Beloved Community, a world free from poverty, racism, and militarism is underway, but make no mistake, it is difficult work that requires sustained effort.
If you have the privilege of wealth, we urge you to take this time to understand its origin. If you have the privilege of whiteness, we urge you to deepen your understanding of why our society has created a hierarchy of race. If you have the privilege of a peaceful neighborhood, we urge you to reflect on the oppression that makes that possible.
For further reading:
On Dr. King’s Beloved Community, King Foundation
On Poverty: Universal Basic Income, Stanford UBI Lab
On Racism: How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
On Militarism: The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale
If you are moved to take direct action, we urge you to consult these resources:
Email our Social Action Team at srg@gnuuc.org
Visit The Movement of Black Lives Week of Action Website
Learn More about The UUA Love Resists Campaign
To our Future Better Selves -
Each year, the Board gathers in retreat to reflect on the progress of the congregation and our goals for the coming year. From that retreat, the Board publishes a vision of ministry for the coming year. (You can find our current and past visions of ministry at: https://www.nashvilleuu.org/vision-of-ministry.)
This year, the GNUUC Board will gather in retreat in June. Newly elected board members will join the current sitting board.
Expect a Vision of Ministry that directly addresses our goal of collective liberation and an end to poverty, racism, and militarism.