The 8th Principle

of 

unitarian universalism

The 8th Principle is a NEW Principle which was created by a group of Unitarian Universalists in 2017 to address systemic racism and other oppressions. It has been adopted by more than thirty UU congregations with many more planning to adopt it soon. 

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The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) adopted the existing Seven Principles in 1985 as a faith movement covenant. When approved by the UUA, the 8th Principle will join the other statements of UU shared values, which are seen as dynamic and subject to change over the years. The statement includes a commitment to ongoing education and to taking actions to address structural racism.

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The 8th Principle Statement

“We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley, 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.”

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The UUCHV 8th Principle Task Force will suggest valuable articles, videos, books, and workshops for you to learn at your own pace.

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8th Principle Task Force Learning Opportunities:

• Read about the 8th Principle - Why Now?  Background and History

• Read the January 14, 2021 Board Announcement 

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8Th Principle Task Force: Betsy Tomic,

Sheri Brown, Jim Russell, Eddy Fried,

Ginny Stillman, and Leah Nelson

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Native Land Acknowledgment

Beginning in January you may notice a small but important change to our welcome during Sunday morning worship.  We have developed an acknowledgement that our church building and grounds rest on land once the home of Native American tribes.  This is a history of our nation that is too often forgot.  Part of what we do in worship is religious education.  With that in mind, we will begin to correct the blind spots of history with the spiritual practice of remembering.  Listen carefully for our new acknowledgement.  Also if you would like to learn more about the history of Native people in our area click HERE to learn more. 

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Thank you to the tireless work of our Social Justice Committee and

our Director of Religious Education, Jane Podell.

uua common read

Start Reading the nationwide UU Common Read:  

Breathe, A Letter to my Sons

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In March,  Ginny Stillman and Jane Podell will hold zoom sessions  to discuss this "Emotionally raw and deeply reflective challenge to society to see Black children as deserving of humanity." 

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March 19, 7pm Book Club Meeting (for members only)

and

Sunday, March 28, 12:15-2:00

(for anyone)

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12 books available 3/1/2021 at the Ossining Public Library, use Libby App for eBook,

or 

buy for $18 at the UU Bookstore, In Spirit