Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism, A Call to Action: 

Reaffirming Our Covenant for Democracy and Freedom

 

We, as members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley (UUCHV):

​

Hold sacred the free exercise of democracy as a part of our shared religious values, and promote the use of the democratic process in our society at large.

​

Recognize that democracy in the United States is currently endangered by rising authoritarianism. This is seen in efforts to undermine free and fair elections, to suppress the vote, to spread disinformation and misinformation, to erode civil liberties, to concentrate power in the hands of the few, to use the military against our own people, to defy the rule of law, to weaponize the system of justice, to suppress the freedom of the press and free speech, and escape accountability. 

​

Understand that the imposition of authoritarianism and denial of due process, threaten the worth and dignity of all people, scapegoating particularly those already marginalized by systemic racism, xenophobia, misogyny, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, economic injustice, immigration or refugee status, or religious differences. 

​

Believe that our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to act in solidarity with those defending democratic norms, institutions and rights;

​

Therefore, we, the members of UUCHV:

• Affirm our commitment to democracy as a moral and spiritual imperative and as essential to the realization of justice, equity, and compassion in human society;

• Protect democratic institutions, defend voting rights, protect public civil servants, defend the judiciary, and support democratic institutions; 

• Take nonviolent action in defense of democratic values, and actively resist authoritarian encroachment through legal, ethical, and peaceful means;

• Support local, state, and national efforts to protect and expand voting rights, to ensure election integrity, and to hold leaders accountable to the rule of law; 

• Encourage education and civic engagement within and beyond the congregation by hosting forums, supporting nonpartisan voter registration efforts, engaging in public witness for democracy, including civil disobedience, boycotts, protests, and strikes, as needed; 

• Partner with other faith communities and civic organizations in our local area, to build a broad-based movement to uphold democratic principles and resist authoritarianism, one that can help feed a national movement of similar character; 

• Support our ministers and social justice action leaders within UUCHV as they guide, coordinate, and report on these efforts, ensuring that our actions remain grounded in our Unitarian Universalist values and inclusive of all members of our community.

This resolution may be shared with other Unitarian Universalist and faith-based organizations that share our moral concern for inclusive democracy and our freedoms. Our congregation remains steadfast in love, courage, and commitment as we work to build a just, democratic, and compassionate society for all. 

​

​

Suggested Actions - Ways & Means [This section is not included in the AIW Resolution draft.]

 

Here are some suggested ways for how we can act as individuals or as a member of the UUCHV congregation, at this period in time (2026). These are not part of the AIW resolution to be voted on by the congregation.

​

• Attend Rallies/Protests - Support non-partisan boycotts of companies, attend non-violent and non-partisan rallies and protests  

• Support Legislative advocacy (NYS & federal) for pro-democracy acts and laws, through letter writing, post carding, and phone calling.

• Support Local and state LWV (League of Women Voters) efforts to protect and defend the right to vote. 

• Create a Working group (DAT = Democracy Action Team) to communicate and collaborate with other UUCHV Social Justice groups, such as ARE, 4th Fridays, Welcoming Congregation, etc.

• Publicize and support UUSJ Democracy Action Team (DAT) Action Alerts, and other timely calls to action.

• Collaborate with other UU initiatives, including local Westchester/Rockland UU congregations, NYS Action Network, and National UUA efforts, Side with Love, and UUSJ (DAT). 

• Collaborate with pro-democracy groups on non-partisan initiatives including: CCoHope Indivisible, Croton IDEA, NYS-ACLU, Braver Angels, Unite NY, etc.

• Provide a safe space to host educational and advocacy programs in collaboration with local pro-democracy groups about voting rights, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, and more. 

• Help publicize non-partisan local civic events that are consistent with our values and principles through eNews, our website, Instagram and Facebook. 

• Collaborate with other local houses of worship to promote a faith-based presence at local pro-democracy actions and events.

​​

​

What is an AIW or Action of Immediate Witness?

​

An Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) is a statement about a significant action, event, or development in the world that necessitates immediate engagement and action among UU member congregations and groups. These statements may be proposed at the annual assembly of UUA congregations, know as General Assembly, and they must have 4 characteristics: a need for an urgent response, a request for congregations to do specific things, a connection to UU values and a written format that is inclusive and anti-oppressive. Delegates at General Assembly vote on the AIWs, which serve to focus UUA member congregations on key social justice issues.

​

​