wfn.org | UCC delegates pass three anti-racist resolutions

[powellb@ucc.org]

United Church of Christ
General Synod Newsroom
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
newsroom@ucc.org
http://www.ucc.org

By Irwin Smallwood

General Synod 24 Tuesday enthusiastically passed three resolutions aimed at
strengthening the UCC's historic position of supporting anti-racist
activity and attitudes both within and without the church.

The first calls on the United Church of Christ to be an anti-racist church
and to encourage all conferences, associations and local churches "to adopt
antiracism mandates, including policy that encourages antiracism sessions"
for all staff and volunteers.

Focusing on racism in U.S. drug policy, the delegates voted to urge the
federal government, among other things, (1) to shift emphasis from law
enforcement to a policy that treats drug use as a health problem, (2) to
eliminate racial disparities in drug laws, (3) to increase the
accessibility and affordability of drug treatment programs, and (4) to
reduce the use of incarceration for those involved in minor offenses and
offer medical treatment in its place.

And finally, it called on the UCC to renew the battle against racism in all
its guises, in part by addressing racism in all its subtle forms at each
gathering of the General Synod by providing educational materials and
workshops. It also asked delegates "not to depart this hall without
agreeing to break the appalling silence and vitriolic words, in order to
begin the tireless efforts and persistent work in their own area of
worship."

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