We are a congregation who seeks to build beloved community. As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and seek justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
We believe we live in inter-connected relationship in this world, especially with those who are historically marginalized and discriminated against.
We believe in the power of love and community to confront the brokenness of racism, sexism, classism, ageism, homophobia, economic disparity, religious intolerance, violence, hatred, and fear. We believe in love.
Standing on the Side of Love:
Social and Environmental Justice at WBUUC
Social Action Committee Mission Statement:
The mission of the Committee is to promote, facilitate, and directly engage in social and environmental action in accordance with Unitarian Universalist Principles and the Mission of the Church, which calls for “service to the broader community and the world.”
Download the Social Action Committee Brochure
To take part in one of these programs or in others not listed here—contact the church office or email the Social Action Committee at justice@wbuuc.org
Racial Justice:
Our church supports racial justice in a variety of ways, including small groups, workshops, education, public witness, and personal reflection. Members of our church have been active with the #BlackLivesMatter movement, locally in Minneapolis and beyond. After a anniversary trip to Selma in 2015, our church is moving toward establishing a Racial Justice Advisory Team to help our congregation reflect on and engage issues of privilege, oppression, and collective liberation.
Homelessness
Finding Home
Finding Home is starting a Host Home program to connect homeless youth with caring adults who open their homes and their hearts. Also under exploration is the creation of a youth drop-in center in the East Metro. Read more
Project Home
One month a year WBUUC shelters homeless families. Hundreds of church and community volunteers provide meals and comfort to these parents and children in this initiative organized by the Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul. Read more
Hope for the Journey Home
WBUUC volunteers assist at an over-night homeless shelter at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Woodbury.
Habitat For Humanity
WBUUC members donate funds and thousands of volunteer hours to build affordable housing in the East Metro area.
Environment
Global Climate Change
Educates the congregation, urges action, and collaborates with other organizations to address climate change. Hosts meetings, initiates advocacy projects, and attends rallies at the State Capitol.
Green Sanctuary
WBUUC members are working to certify the church as a Green Sanctuary by UUA standards, which touch on environmental justice, sustainable living, religious education, worship, and celebration.
Read the December 2015 Phenology Report
Special Collections
Two Sundays a month WBUUC gives away the offertory collection to a nonprofit chosen by the Social Action Committee. In 2013 over $63,000 went to over 15 different organizations and programs. Read more
Other Programs
Service Trips
The Committee organizes trips to distant locations to experience the reality of people in dire need and to develop friendships.
Twin Cities Pride Festival
WBUUC members and friends march in the annual LGBT Pride Parade in Minneapolis.
People, Inc.
Once a month WBUUC volunteers serve meals at People, Inc. in St. Paul. The facility serves homeless people who suffer from mental illness.
Martin Luther King Breakfast
WBUUC hosts the largest remote breakfast site in the Twin Cities to celebrate the MLK holiday in January each year. Read more
In 2012-13, a paper chain of over 1000 links was gathered at WBUUC. Each link represented a conversation a member had with another about marriage equality.
Peace Vigil Downtown White Bear Lake
There has been a member of WBUUC on the corner of Hwy. 61 and 4th St. from 4-5pm every Monday (almost), since our church voted against the Gulf War. The signs we hold up are FOR PEACE and produce a healthy number of honks. This is not a media event, but a reminder of how many die, or are seriously maimed by war (soldiers and innocent citizens). None of us make it every week, but together we support each other and keep the message out there. Join us if you can, when you can, as you will.
Our congregation has a history of confronting injustice:
- 1990 Vote to oppose Gulf War One.
- 1995 Vote to become a Welcoming Congregation affirming gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights.
- 2003 Vote to oppose the impending war against Iraq.
- 2003-5 Our Lead Minister, Reverend Victoria Safford, testifies to the state Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of marriage equality.
- 2004 Board supports minister’s refusal to sign marriage certificates until same-sex marriages gain legal recognition.
- 2006 Vote against a proposed state constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage.
- Members donate over $25,000 to set up microbanks in Nicaragua.
- 2008 Vote to make poverty and economic justice the church-wide focus for social action.
Come and join us as we grow our souls and serve the world!
WBUUC shows up!