From the BOT: October 2, 2020
Update on the Anti-Oppression Task Force
As you may recall, late this summer, the Board of Trustees commissioned an Anti-Oppression Task Force at UCE. This task force was created in response to a call from the congregation, Evanston Interfaith leaders, the UUA through the Commission on Institutional Change, and Black Lives of UU to “engage in the struggle to dismantle white supremacy”1 and “to become more inclusive, equitable and diverse while… working…to be accountable to those most affected by injustice.”2 The purpose of this task force is to determine the ways in which this congregation might answer this call, making justice a reality both in our congregation and beyond.
Our call is to dismantle white supremacy, be inclusive, be antiracists, and be accountable. We can agree on these goals. However, how to accomplish these goals while working within the system of white supremacy is much more complicated. We realize that even the task of finding task force members needs to be scrutinized; we must be mindful of the power structures at UCE. We recognize the difficulties in trying to dismantle white supremacy culture from within. Consequently, we have contacted outside consultants to assist UCE as we begin this project. These consultants will be asked how best for us to move forward in accomplishing our goals and beginning this cultural shift for our congregation. We are beginning this journey with care and intentionality.
In the meantime, we, the congregation, have been asked by the UUA through the Commission on Institutional Change to read Widening the Circle of Concern. The Board of Trustees has read the entire book and will begin discussions, focusing on one chapter a month. In October we will focus on the chapter on Governance. The Board is considering our discussions to be a kind of continuing monthly retreat or a covenant group, as we work together to understand the information in the book and think about the ways it applies to UCE. Reverend Eileen has asked the congregation to read the Appendices and perhaps begin reading the entire book, in anticipation of further congregation-wide discussions starting in November. The Board of Trustees looks forward to being on this journey with you.
All members of the congregation are welcome at any of our monthly Board meetings, which happen on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00pm. Please contact the Board at bot@ucevanston.org to receive a link to our virtual Board meeting or to send us any comments or questions.