Whereas our congregation is named after the civil rights martyr, the Rev. James Reeb;

Whereas member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote the principle of justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Whereas member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote the principle of respect for the interconnected web of all existence of which we are a part;

Whereas our congregational mission includes encouraging social action in the name of liberty and justice;

Whereas racial disparities are prevalent and tenacious in the United States, and in Dane County, Wisconsin in particular;

Whereas the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families’ 2013 Race to Equity Report describes the “exceptional magnitude of Dane County’s black/white disparities,” especially as relating to the criminal justice and educational systems;

Whereas more than 74% of African American children live in poverty in Dane County, despite our region having a “comparatively high level of economic vitality and stability;”*

Whereas, out of 40 indicators of well-being and life status, there is not a single indicator where Blacks are on a par with whites in Dane County;*

Whereas we see unarmed people of color being made victims of state and other violence at a disproportionate rate compared to white people;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation stands in support of and in solidarity with communities of color in Dane County in their efforts to decrease violence in their communities; and to promote improved economic, educational, health, and wellbeing outcomes in their communities;

Therefore, be it also resolved, that support can include educating ourselves and others, particularly white people, about institutional racism, white privilege, and white supremacy; financial gifts; donations; use of building space; public support by our minister; the use of our name in the media; public witness; providing food or child care; and participation of our members in direct actions as we are called to be of service by our community’s people of color.

Adopted on May 17, 2015

* Statistics are from the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families’ 2013 Race to Equity Report