Thoughts on Using Multicultural Resources

A growing number of Unitarian Universalists have a deep desire to live out our faith in multicultural communities. In order to grow in this direction many of us seek a broad, inspirational array of sources for our worship, faith development and social transformation efforts. In order to do this we must have a deep commitment towards also engaging in anti-racist/anti-oppression reflection and commitment to change. This journey towards wholeness often brings us to places of healing, confession, praise and celebration of life.

Church of the Larger Fellowship offers many resources explicitly designed to represent and celebrate a rich diversity of ethnic and racial backgrounds and traditions. While this offers us wonderful opportunities to worship in different ways, it’s important that we proceed with respect and integrity.

Many of us come to this enculturated in a mono-cultural Eurocentric paradigm yet with a deep yearning to cross boundaries for worship, faith development and living a more authentic life. We often crave the breaking down of spiritual walls of segregation. We often fear making mistakes and causing new pain in a world filled with oppression. We do best to approach this work from a framework which prioritizes authentic relationships and accountability.

Fewer of us who come to this work as People of Color, often grounded in a multicultural life, yearn for our congregations to step out boldly and reflect the fullness of our lived experiences. We long for a wider expression of what it means to be wholly alive, and dedicated members of this faith.

As members of the human family we do this work in order to experience spiritual richness and to bring blessings to the world.