the work has challenged, been resisted (theme eight)

8. This work has challenged UUs in their core identity and as such has been resisted. Resistance to the work, for substantive and cosmetic reasons, greatly slowed the progress.
• Liberal tendency to see selves as already “there”—i.e. work not needed for liberals or because we are white and middle class and don’t have members from non-white groups.
• Confusion about UU identity—theological and otherwise—has meant this work is more threatening because no clear lens of “UU” to look at it through.
• Connects with issues of theological identity
• Has been seen as a form of liberal “totalitatarianism” with a prescribed way that must fit all
• It challenges the individuality so central to UUs and the USA.
• A false dichotomy was unintentionally created when the focus became doing our internal work versus inviting other POC in
• Works against conflict avoidant tendencies in UUs.