The ultra-conservative assault on our constitutional democracy and the clear intent of Project 2025 to create an authoritarian state at the federal level represents the greatest threat to our union since the Civil War.

In the introduction to his book, Rebellion, author Robert Kagan states, “The institutions that America’s founders created to safeguard liberal democratic government cannot survive when half the country does not believe in the core principles that undergird the American system of government.” He goes on, “large numbers of Americans have always rejected the founders’ claim that all men are created equal, with unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…“

Steven Philips takes this perspective in How We Win the Civil War – “The truth is, we are witnessing a clash between two constellations of the population: one that would rather this country be a white Christian nation and another that believes in a multiracial democracy.”

Despite new optimism that the party protecting democracy may win the White House in November, the ongoing assault on human rights in certain red states is deeply concerning. Here in Florida, the party with supermajority control over both houses of the state legislature also occupies the governorship. In this position of power, it is pursuing an aggressive plan to protect White Christian supremacy by allowing schools to ban books, whitewash our history, and prohibit discussion of race, racism, gender identity, and LGBTQ issues in the classroom.

In Sarasota, where I live, New College, a traditionally liberal, LGBTQ-friendly academic treasure, has been captured and reprogrammed by radical rightwing ideologues. Piles of DEI, LGBTQ, and gender study books and books were recently discovered by student reporters in trash bins on the college campus – an alarming reminder of the Nazi book-burning events in the 1930s. Our public school board is controlled by Moms For Liberty members, our local public hospital is facing the possibility of anti-science and vaccine deniers controlling its board, and county commissioners recently vetoed grants to two arts organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion without an explanation.

Our UUA vision of a “diverse, multicultural, beloved community” cannot be attained if an authoritarian White, Christo-fascist regime attains power.

So, UUSJ and our Democracy Action Team have encouraged congregations to organize local Democracy Action Teams (DATs) and Pro-Democracy Coalitions. We need grassroots power to resist authoritarianism. In addition, UUSJ is encouraging greater connection and collaboration among congregations, state action networks, and national UU organizations. Through better coordination, we can amplify the voices of Unitarian Universalists in the national conversation.

In the inset, Executive Director Pablo DeJesús lists ways you can contribute to making UUSJ a more effective pro-democracy voice for Unitarian Universalists. We look forward to connecting with you during these critical months before the November 5 federal election.