Navigating election season with our UU values

Navigating the complexities of election season can be challenging for any community, especially one as diverse as ours. As we look forward to the coming months, it’s essential to reaffirm our church’s approach to political engagement. Our commitment lies in discussing issues, policies, and values, not endorsing specific candidates or parties. Below are some guidelines to ensure that we uphold our values, protect our 501(c)3 non-profit status, and maintain a welcoming space for all.

As a church we focus on issues, policies, and values NOT candidates, political parties, or personalities. We will sometimes speak in support of or critically against politicians currently holding office based on the position they have taken on issues that connect with our UU values, but we will not advocate for or against any candidates or political parties. We always uphold the inherent worth and dignity of all people, even those with whom we personally disagree.

Our church is a 501(c)3 non-profit and taking partisan positions can jeopardize our tax status. Therefore, we do not allow candidating or the distribution of candidate materials on the church campus or at church events.

Our church is a spiritual home for people of many different perspectives and political affiliations. Do not assume that “we all want…” or “all of us support…” We share common values and a covenant that speaks to how we will be in right relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the god of our understanding. These values and covenants cross the boundaries of political parties.