Social Justice at UUCB
The great purpose in life is to grow a soul, taught Unitarian minister William Ellery Channing (1780- 1842). All of us are on life journeys growing our souls. The natural outpouring of growing a soul is justice-making. Spirituality without social expression is empty; social justice without spirituality is hollow. How do we want to live our lives? Life is short; life is our chance both to grow a soul and what is called in the Jewish tradition "to repair the world." You can't do one without the other. Here at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, we encourage one another to bring our selves and our gifts into social expression, not out of guilt for all that is hurting in the world, but out of our growing love and our recognition of what we have to bring.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley has many groups and committees dedicated to fulfilling Unitarian Universalist principles in society both through direct service, and through work toward social change. As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant to promote and affirm the dignity and worth of every person, as well as justice, equity, and compassion in human relationships. We work for the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
We support a number of local projects projects such as Winter Shelter and Souper Center with Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), as well as the collection of clothes and food for local shelters.
Social Justice Activities
- Good Neighbor Donations - Each month we share our offering with local non-profit organizations serving the community, particularly the needy. Each month’s donations benefit a different group, such as the Alameda and Contra Costa Food Banks, etc. Contact Lee Lawrence for more information.
- Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) - UUCB is a member congregation of GRIP. This is a council of 40 churches, synagogues, and mosques in West Contra Costa County. Our GRIP contact is Dorothy Herzberg, GRIP Board Member.
GRIP Souper Center - Volunteers from our church prepare and serve lunch on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Souper Center’s new permanent location at 165 22nd Street in Richmond. For information on serving at the Souper Center, please contact Judy Abel.
GRIP Family Shelter Suppers - Dorothy Herzberg coordinates volunteers who help make and serve dinners on the second Wednesday of each month.
Read more: Social Justice ActivitiesSocial Justice Committees
Social Justice and Advocacy Committee
Meets fourth Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
The Social Justice and Advocacy Committee works with the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry and actively supports issues of local and national concern. Contact Marsha Saxton for more information.