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8th Principle Overview

As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, UUCW covenants to affirm and promote the Seven Principles:

• 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

• 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

• 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

• 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

• 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

• 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

• 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

In June 2023, our Congregation adopted the 8th Principle:

8th Principle: We covenant to affirm and promote: 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.

The 8th principle developed as a grassroots movement to bring greater focus on the need to explicitly address racism and oppression in our faith.  As of June 18, 2023, 274 congregations have adopted the 8th Principle. 

For more information about the 8th Principle movement, please visit: www.8thprincipleuu.org

The 8th Principle at UUCW

In June 2023, after 2 years of study and discussion, the Congregation voted to add an 8th Principle to our set of values. Click here to read a press release announcing UUCW’s adoption of the 8th Principle.

After establishing a taskforce to bring the 8th Principle under consideration at UUCW in 2021, taskforce members sought to facilitate opportunities for learning, reflection, and engagement:

8th Principle Moment

UUCW’s 8th Principle taskforce aims to educate and inspire our community to incorporate anti-racist and anti-oppressive commitments as part of our faith. The 8th principle moment is a monthly opportunity to think more deeply about how racism and oppression manifests in our everyday lives and to continue to hold such issues in the forefront of our hearts and minds. 
Have you had an experience of racism or unconscious bias, from the giving or receiving perspective?  The 8th Principle Taskforce wants you to share your story (approximately 5 minutes) with the intention to raise awareness about systemic racism in our society.  These stories will be shared during services, which are now recorded, so your narrative may be read anonymously, if you prefer.  You can submit your stories by completing this form. Please let us know if you have any questions at 8thprinciple@uucworcester.org.

Accomplishments for Accountability:

• Conducted a survey among members and friends of our congregation.
• Held listening sessions to create safe spaces for individuals to discuss the 8th Principle, racism, other oppressions.
• Hosted dinner and discussion nights to discuss films exploring racism and oppression.
• Networked with other congregations that have adopted or are working towards adopting the 8th Principle.
• Joined the 8th Principle UU Learning Community, led by the drafters/founders of the 8th Principle.
• Held a church-wide summit, with the leaders of each group and ministry within our church to learn more about the 8th Principle and to provide resources and support, along with suggestions on how to serve all of our members and community better.
• Developed a toolkit to offer UUCW groups and ministry some resources to support their work and to incorporate an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens to their work.
• Incorporated “8th Principle Moments” into monthly worship services to raise awareness about systemic racism in our society. 
• Hosted a church service exploring the 8th principle, with Paula Cole Jones, founder of the 8th Principle movement sharing the sermon via Zoom. 
• Organized a Confronting Racism discussion group with members of our congregation.

Next Steps:

• Continue to support the congregation to learn about systemic oppressions and explore how to take action to dismantle racism and other oppression
• Serve as resource to church staff and the board to review church policies and practices as it relates to addressing racism and oppression
• Creating a ongoing forum for individuals and groups to share their accomplishments
• Engage and support local organizations
• Continue to bring in members and groups into learning and action

Contact:

Questions? Interested in joining the taskforce? Email: 8th principle@uucworcester.org

Members of the UUCW 8th Principle Taskforce:

• Rachel Keyo
• Mara Pentlarge
• David Schowalter
• Karen Stephenson
• Evan Wilson