Justice

Faith in Action

Our work for justice is based on the principles of equality and solidarity. We understand that the way we live matters, and that our living can make a positive difference in the world. We value human rights, and honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Also, we also respect and honor all life, including the earth. First Universalist has a long tradition of invovlement in issues of social concerns including: LGBTQ equality, access to drinking water, youth education and empowerment, immigrant rights, refugee assistance, housing justice, racial and ethnic equality, the work of Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (http://uusc.org), and awareness of our environment.

Our Goals/Ends are:

1. First Universalist Church provides opportunities to grow and be transformed through action and service.

2. In everything we do, individually and as a congregation, we educate others and invite the wider community to join us in living our Seven Unitarian Universalist Association Principles.

3. First Universalist Church is a community leader in social justice through the active participation of the members and in coalition with other justice-seeking organizations.

Social Justice activities are coordinated through the Social Justice Council, which provides vision, direction, and organizational support for our growing involvement in social justice activities.The council supports ongoing education, public witness, and community service projects that have emerged over the years.

We Affirm and Promote

Peace, Justice, and Sustainability
Unitarian Universalism is a justice-centered religion. We continue our tradition of Conscience and Action:        

• through the work of our Social Justice Task Forces
• by dedicating one Sunday a month to a focus on a unique Social Justice theme
• through annual programs and events built on our values of Social Justice

We Stand for Equality

• Our Gay Rights Task Force works to eliminate discrimination against lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gay (GLBT) people.

• Our UUSC/Human Rights Task Force works to mobilize our congregation to act when emergency crises happen on both a national and international level. This Task Force also leads our congregational exploration of Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression/Multiculturalism (ARAOMC) within the framework of our faith and work in the world.

• Our Immigration Justice Task Force works to eliminate unjust immigration policies that are tearing families apart. They work to support immigrants and their rights as human beings of inherent worth and dignity.

• We Stand on the Side of Love with the Unitarian Universalist Association and with Unitarian Universalists around the world. Visit http://standingonthesideoflove.com for more information.

We Work to House the Homeless, Feed the Hungry, and Care for the Sick

• The Habitat Task Force works in conjunction with the Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver through its participation in the Habitat Interfaith Alliance. Since 2002, our congregation has helped build 11 houses, with a start on number 12 already!

• We collect donations of food, clothing and money to support people and families in need through the Inter-Faith Community Services and support the Help for the Homeless project year-round.

• Members of our congregation provide dinners for homeless and runaway youth through Urban Peak, Denver’s Homeless Teen Shelter.

• On sunday morning, you can buy a greeting card to support the Gathering Place, Denver’s only daytime center for homeless women and children.

We Educate and Work to Improve the Environment

• Our Green First Task Force seeks to reduce resource consumption and overuse through education and support of our members and community. They urge everyone to take action to practice more environmentally-sustainable lifestyles.

• Each year our church hosts an Earth Day Fair in Magna Carta Park featuring presentations by sustainable-living exhibitors, information on renewable energy, as well as interactive and educational booths for people of all ages. 

• First Universalist is now accredited with the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Green Sanctuary!