What does it mean to be an American? We used to think that to be an easy question, back when a more narrow group of people were defining what is means: Apple Pie, baseball and Chevrolet (all of which can trace their roots to pre-America). Our country was never just a single monolithic plain white cloth, and finally it is becoming recognized for the rich tapestry that it is.
When being a “loyal American” becomes antithetical to being a loving human being, my loyalty goes to humanity. My allegiance to my country is based upon the general thrust of our common citizenship to work toward justice, equality, and even love. My allegiance is to the principals, not to the political entity. It is up to me to work for ensuring that my country does indeed live up to those highest aspirations.
So, at this time in our history, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to these principals. I am doing this by signing the UU Declaration of Conscience.
I invite you to join us.
The text of the Declaration:
Declaration of Conscience
At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.
In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGBTQ community and the rise of hate speech, harassment and hate crimes, we affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations.
And against actions to weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the interdependent web of all existence.
We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.
As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.
We welcome and invite all to join in this commitment for justice.
The time is now.