Our fundamental UU principles of acceptance of one another; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; and the use of the democratic process in our society, are under attack, and we must defend them. In doing so we UUs, working together with the assistance of UUSJ and many other groups, can help address the intolerable situation that has been created.

For the past four years, the President of the United States and his various enablers (his loyal administration, members of Congress, supportive Governors, parts of the court system, and many who voted for him) have done their best to divide our country.

They have actively and visibly engaged in voter suppression, prevented important improvements in our democratic processes, worked to take away health care insurance from hundreds of thousands of people, separated immigrant children from their parents, failed to take actions that would have reduced the severity of the coronavirus, and turned back environmental protections. All the while, they’ve lied to the public about their true intentions. Their behavior has, at times, brought out the worst in all of us.

We need to turn this around. We need to begin a process of healing, of caring about each other and repairing our democracy. As Unitarian Universalists, we have a lot to offer our fellow citizens in this time of crisis. Our Principles of acceptance and compassion encourage us to help the healing process, rebuild broken relationships, address structural racism, and care about each other. Our support for democracy in our own work and in society leads us to advocate for the re-establishment of a working government and a functioning democracy.

We UUs can begin this process with our friends and family members by acting in ways that convey our basic Principles. We can take them out into the community through public speeches, letters to the editor, social media posts, and connecting with our legislative representatives. This work is essential, and it will be neither easy nor quick. It takes time to move society in a better direction.

UUSJ has an important role to play in this endeavor through its engagement, education, and advocacy. UUSJ provides an excellent means to connect UUs with our members of Congress. Right now, there is an opportunity for UUSJ to expand its reach and assist UU churches throughout the country in defending our democracy.

UUs can and must work to help this country move forward. We need to organize ourselves and make it happen. And UUSJ must support and help lead this work. Our future, as a country and as a faith community, depends upon us doing this.

Commentary by Fred Van Deusen, Convener
UUSJ Defending Our Democracy Task Group