Like you, your board members and ministers have been astounded by events that took place on Jan. 6, when an overwhelmingly white mob attacked the US Capitol in an apparent attempt to derail the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the incoming president and vice-president. We became aware of other UU congregations that were issuing statements in response to the attack. Yesterday, all board members who were available met via Zoom for several hours to discuss how we might respond to these events, in keeping with UUC's foundational commitment to social justice.
The statement that follows below is the result of a deeply collaborative discussion that was grounded in our UU principles of the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the interconnected web we share. It was circulated to all board members and agreed upon unanimously last night. The co-chairs of the Social Justice Council also have read the statement and support it.
This statement is being distributed to the US Congress and Cabinet, as well as the UUA and the UUA Southern Region, the Tampa Bay Times and other congregations. It will appear on UUC's website and Facebook page. We do not expect every response to be affirming. A volunteer is in place to monitor Facebook and respond as needed.
Your board and ministers take our role as leaders in representing UUC's commitment to social justice seriously; we hope we've done you proud with this statement of principle opposing mob violence and the attempts to destroy American democracy not only by extremists but by officials who are elected to protect and defend the US Constitution.
You are invited to share the statement with others as you deem appropriate. Our ministers, Rev. Dave Franks and Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, and I are the contacts for questions you may have as well as media inquiries. We are honored to serve on your behalf.
Onward together in faith,
Susan
