Resolution Addressing Immigrant Rights and Sanctuary – Adopted October 1, 2017
The members of the congregation of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester, Minnesota, overwhelmingly approved a resolution that enables it, as a church, to speak out and act against immigrant injustice including giving sanctuary to undocumented persons. The text of the resolution is as follows.
Consistent with the Unitarian Universalist principles affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person with justice, equity, and compassion in human relations, and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
Because as a faith community we have made a moral commitment to stand on the side of love and to witness against injustice; and
Because our Unitarian Universalist roots remind us of our moral responsibility to welcome and care for the immigrant, the stranger, and the most vulnerable among us; and
Because we consider the deportation of otherwise law-abiding but undocumented residents to be inhumane in many circumstances and fundamentally in conflict with our values; and
Because we oppose statements and actions which are discriminatory to immigrants and refugees; and
Because we oppose actions which have separated children from their parents and spouses from each other, violating universal human rights,
Therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester, publicly declare our intent
to educate ourselves and our community about the issues of immigration reform and immigrant rights;
to speak out against discrimination toward any and all marginalized people;
to collaborate with immigrant groups and others advocating for just treatment; and
to assist in providing sanctuary, support, and refuge to otherwise law-abiding undocumented immigrants in cooperation with other area Sanctuary faith institutions in Rochester and elsewhere in Minnesota.
Marriage Equality Resolution–Adopted April 27, 2012
Members of the First Unitarian Universalist Church voted overwhelmingly in support of a congregational resolution on marriage equality for same-sex couples. The text of the resolution is as follows.
Consistent with the Unitarian Universalist principles affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person with justice, equity, and compassion in human relations, and
Because we hold marriage in honor among the blessings of life, and
Whereas we support equal rights for all people including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and their families, and
Whereas our congregation stands on the side of love in support of same sex couples and their families,
Be it resolved that the congregation of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester, MN supports marriage equality for same sex couples.
The congregational conversation formally began in September 2011 and included the following: — film events open to the public examining marriage and marriage equality, — a workshop co-sponsored with Peace UCC and the Friends about marriage equality, — scenarios explaining some of the 515 specific Minnesota laws that discriminate against same-sex families, — an inspiring Sunday church service on marriage as a civil right, — a retreat workshop discussing the hopes and concerns of all kinds of families, — forums that invited discussion and questions by church members and friends.