Racial Justice
Racial Justice Task Force Endorsement of 8th Principle
The Racial Justice Task Force was formed by the Tapestry Board in order to spearhead the effort of adopting the 8th Principle at Tapestry.
Adopting the 8th Principle would not make Tapestry free of racism. Rather, adopting the 8th Principle would acknowledge the magnitude of the work still to be done to recognize and dismantle the racism we have each absorbed personally, as well as the racism built into systems in our society.
As the 8th Principle was co-written and refined by anti-racist activists including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Unitarian Universalists, adopting the 8th Principle would symbolize our willingness to listen to BIPOC when they tell us what they need. Adopting the 8th Principle would be accepting the call to action, and committing to change. The Tapestry Racial Justice Task Force is fully in favor of adopting the 8th Principle.
Solidarity Candle
As a symbol of our intention, Rev. Kent lights the Solidarity Candle each Sunday while affirming, “We Light this candle in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and other People of Color as we journey together toward spiritual wholeness. May we, as Beloved Community, work to dismantle racism and all forms of oppression in ourselves and the wider community. May we live out our principles so that justice, dignity, and equity for all prevail.”
Diversity in the Pulpit
The RJTF works with the Worship Committee to host diverse speakers on Sunday mornings, and to facilitate discussions afterward. We have been enriched by learning about the lived experiences of our guest speakers.
Gustavo Arellano discusses the 8th Principle after his sermon.
Tapestry Racial Justice Task Force Mission Statement
To promote an environment that is affirming, welcoming, inclusive and diverse in order to foster a sense of belonging at Tapestry and beyond. We will align our actions through meaningful accountability measures to ensure progress on goals related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Racial Justice Task Force Members
Amanda Standish Wainwright
Hannah Carey (chair)
Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Rev. Kent Doss
Liz Bear
Rhett Kuseski
Sheryl Hagen
Culture Cart
The RJTF has a project called the Culture Cart, which highlights the history and contributions of different cultures and backgrounds throughout the year.
Education about the 8th Principle
The RJTF has asked Tapestry committees to consider and endorse the 8th Principle. We share information about the 8th Principle on the Culture Cart, and encourage all Tapestrians to learn about and discuss the 8th Principle with one another, and with members of the RJTF. Tapestry will vote on whether to adopt the 8th Principle at the congregational meeting in June 2024. We held 8th Principle Focus groups in November 2023, and the feedback summary can be read here: 8th Principle Focus Group Feedback Summary