UUs and Democracy

The UUA has a long history of engaging in democracy and democratic processes both within the denomination and without. This site focuses on our engagement on democracy outside of the denomination in the form of addressing local, state, regional, national and international justice issues. Currently, UUs for Social Justice’s Democracy Team and UU the Vote-created by Side with Love, are two of the moving forces within UUism that provide the guidance and action for individuals and congregations to work for reason and equity in our democracy here in the U.S. UU Service Committee (UUSC) also addresses democracy issues here and abroad and have just launched their Resistance Network. Be sure to check them out and get on their subscriber lists.

Statements of Conscience

Statements of Conscience are created from 3-year “Congregational Study Action Issues (CSAIs).” Congregational Study Action Issues are 3-year study, reflection and action by congregations nationwide. CSAIs are proposed at General Assembly and only one is voted on by the delegates for that year. Once the 3-year study period is completed, a ‘Statement of Conscience” is drafted and proposed and voted on for adoption at General Assembly as well. The 2025 process for introducing CSAIs can be found here and used to advocate for any justice issue.

In 2019, the UUA released a Statement of Conscience “Our Democracy Uncorrputed” which has a wealth of information and resources.

In 2004, the UUA released a Statement of Conscience “Civil Liberties” that called on UUs to “called to reclaim our heritage as Unitarian Universalists and become vigilant stewards of our democracy.”

Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW)

Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) are requests, from various bodies from within the denomination, to request the congregations and organizations of the UUA (and affiliated those with them) to address immediate concerns that cannot wait for the 3-year study process of a CSAI. AIWs, similarly are proposed at the annual General Assembly and voted on by the delegates. Three AIWs can be selected at a given General Assembly.

Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: Reaffirming Our Covenants for Democracy and Freedom, 2025

Stop Voter Suppression and Partner for Voting Rights and a Multiracial Democracy, 2021

Defending and Expanding Freedom of the Airwaves: 2005 Action of Immediate Witness, 2005

Advocate Pending Legislation Toward Clean, Honest, and Fair Elections in the United States, 2009

Electronic Voting: 2004 Action of Immediate Witness, 2004

Campaign Finance Reform, 2000

Resolutions

Resolutions can take a number of forms, including general (an older term for AIWs and CSAIs), responsive (UUA Bylaws, Rule 10) and business (e.g. divestment of UUA funds) resolutions, and each have their own processes.

Reform of Congressional Operation, 1967 General Resolution

Self-Government for the District of Columbia, 1962 General Resolution