What a difference a year makes! In February 2020, Rev. Alicia Forde’s note talked about trips to Japan and the Philippines. Since then, we are all intentionally staying home to keep each other safe.

The Canadian Unitarian Council, like all other organizations, has pivoted to online interactions and events. In the past year, we’ve held several national Sunday services with attendees from coast to coast; had our Annual General Meeting online; and created/sourced materials for our congregations about the pandemic, Zoom, and the realities of living in a virtual world—all while remaining in conversation with congregations and leaders to stay connected.

Our attention has also been focused on racial justice, addressing anti-black racist sentiments and behaviour, and on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We know that racial prejudice is pervasive, and we all have biases, whether we acknowledge them or not. In a June 2020 roundtable conversation, we heard from three prominent black Canadian UUs who shared their experiences of being targeted, ignored, and disrespected. It came as a shock to many participants that this behaviour exists in our UU communities, and that the three people are two ministers and a professor.

At a recent CUC national service titled “A Faith Worth Failing For,” we heard from more UUs who shared that sometimes they feel like they don’t belong to their congregation, that assumptions are made because of skin colour, and that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) are expected to explain and justify themselves over and over again.

We are holding a series of workshops, webinars, and roundtable discussions to inform and educate ourselves, and to jolt us out of our complacency. Canadians like to think that racism doesn’t exist in Canada. Yes. It. Does. Racism is alive and, unfortunately, well. The most insidious kind of racism is the type that hides behind facades of acceptance and welcome, when people don’t think they have biases and don’t engage in the work needed to become open, curious, and connected.

In February and March, the CUC offers several opportunities to all of us to learn and discover how we can be allies and companions on the path to racial justice and equity:

• February 22 and March 6 & 13: Dr. David Wiley Campt Keynote Presentation and Workshops (See further details below!)

• February 24: Elder’s Circle with Stephen Paquette – A gifted educator and cultural mediator, Stephen will share his Anishnawbe perspectives and teachings about the Creator, with the intention of expanding our understanding of how to be in stillness and deep connection with the land, and with each other. Elder’s Circles are an ongoing CUC initiative with Indigenous Elders; the next ones are on April 21 and May 19.

In May, the CUC holds its National Conference virtually. Themed “Sustaining Our Light,” we’ll focus on how we can maintain and spread our individual and collective lights. Registration opens on March 15, and we welcome you to join us!