Unitarian Universalist Church West

Global Justice and Peace Task Force

Creating Peace has been a focus at UU Church West since the Iraq War began in 2003.  The Social Action Council's Global Justice and Peace Task Force conducts activities to help us create peace on the personal, local, national and global levels, including learning, witness and service opportunities.  Contact Ann Heidkamp for more information.

In 2009-10, our congregational Social Action theme was peacemaking, with activities including a book discussion, a film, a hunger meal, special worship services, a peace witness on Mother’s Day, and the opportunity to create and approve our own UUCW peace pledge (see below).  The Peace Pledge was approved by our congregation at the Annual Meeting in May, 2010.

In November 2010, after seven solid years of peace work, the Unitarian Universalist Peace Ministry Network named Unitarian Universalist Church West as the first official Peace Advocacy Congregation. Our full application for this honor can be read here.

UUCW Peace Pledge

"As a reflection of our core values, we the members of Unitarian Universalist Church West will strive to build a culture of peace and justice within ourselves, our families, church, neighborhoods, nation and the global community.

Inner Peacemaking
We pledge to provide a safe place for individuals to come to peace within themselves, thereby gaining the freedom to act with love and compassion towards others.

Inter-Personal Peacemaking
We pledge to provide opportunities to learn and practice respectful and non-violent approaches to conflict resolution within our families, congregation, and community.

Societal Peacemaking
We pledge to address obstacles to peace in society by challenging practices that create violence and oppression.  We will work with other organizations and government to address inequities and treat all with dignity and respect.

Global Peacemaking
We pledge, as members of the world-wide community, to work to prevent war and genocide.  We call on world leaders to promote the rule of international law that supports peaceful, long-term solutions to international conflicts.  We will support organizations that provide comfort and security to those whose lives have been disrupted by war.

WE, THE MEMBERS OF UUCW, COVENANT TO PRACTICE PEACE AT ALL LEVELS OF HUMAN INTERACTION."

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

A good resource for Peace and Justice is the UU Service Committee, a nonsectarian organization that advances human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world. Each year, UUCW participates in the UUSC's Guest at Your Table tradition.