UU LANSING WIDENING THE CIRCLE OF CONCERN—JUNE 2024

WHAT IS WIDENING THE CIRCLE OF CONCERN? WTCC is a curriculum on anti-racism created by the UUA. Many dozens of UU Churches have convened workgroups to study this curriculum [Online text/audio / Study Guide (pdf)]. UU Lansing commissioned such a workgroup at a church service in March 2023. Our workgroup has completed its study and has made the following recommendations:

CHALLENGES: WTCC found that staffing shortages are a limitation on our ability to be all that we want to be. Therefore, it is important to have a successful pledge drive. When we have sufficient resources we should create a permanently funded social justice coordinator position in addition to our other needed roles.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Being accountable for working to end racism does not imply “policing” what UUs think, say or do. Rather it means that the Board and Minister are responsible for ensuring our church fulfills its social justice mission. For their part, people who become members of UU churches commit to lifelong spiritual seeking including working for social justice. WTCC recommends exploring models of healthy (generative) conflict to encourage tackling tough issues without fear or shame.  The newly formed LOV (Living Our Values) Team will be available to offer members community building and conflict resolution support.  We further recommend UU Lansing continue to seek diverse, new leadership in key roles, even though we recognize this has been difficult.

EDUCATION: There are a tremendous number of opportunities for us to continue learning about anti-racism. WTCC has engaged the Transforming Theater Ensemble at MSU to work with our congregation on understanding unconscious bias. Other learning opportunities include the UUA’s WEAV small group sacred social change curriculum, and MOSAIC antiracist faith development curriculum. UU Lansing should deepen its connection with MUUSJN (The Michigan UU Social Justice Network).

COMMUNITY: Moving to South Lansing was part of a bold commitment to social justice. Now we are surrounded by opportunities to work and worship in new ways. In addition to the Refugee Development Center and Southside Community Kitchen in our building, we have begun to work with the Justice League of Greater Lansing on reparations and should explore other opportunities like the Mayor’s Office of Community and Faith-Based Initiatives, and South Lansing Community Development Association. WTCC encourages the Board to pursue an affiliated non-profit model for our church. This would enable us to dedicate resources to core functions like RE and membership, while permanently expanding our footprint in social justice movements in the Greater Lansing Area.

CONTACT OUR TEAM:  Deb Feltz, John-Mark Ormechea, Tim Goth-Owens