Social Justice Initiatives
8th Principle on Dismantling Racism and Systemic Barriers to Full Inclusion
On Saturday November 27th, 2021 at a Special Meeting, Canadian Unitarian Universalists voted to approve adding an 8th Principle to the current seven Principles: “We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote:” Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions” 95% of 104 delegates at the Special Meeting voted in favour of the motion. Read more…
Canadian Unitarian Council Statement on the Ukraine- A Call for Peace and Compassion – March 1, 2022
As Canadian Unitarian Universalists (UUs), we are deeply concerned about the state of unrest, aggression, and violence in the world.
“It is understandable to feel saddened, outraged, or helpless as we read or watch the news,” says Anne Barker, President of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada.
“We may even feel numb. The cumulative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; violence against Indigenous, Black and marginalized people; and the wildfires and flooding brought about by climate change have exhausted and overwhelmed us.” Read more…
UCG Endorses Faith Climate Justice WR Statement
The Unitarian Congregation of Guelph is proud to endorse Faith Climate Justice Waterloo Region’s Statement in support of a Just Transition to a far more sustainable Waterloo region. To read the statement, please click here.
Greening Sacred Space Award
On March 26, 2011, the Unitarian Congregation of Guelph was awarded the Greening Sacred Spaces Award of Excellence for its work in conducting an energy audit, retrofitting with energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting, upgrading weather-stripping, and initiating a rooftop solar panel project.
Solar Panel Project
The UCG solar project was launched on September 16, 2011. As of Canada Day 2014, our congregation has generated more than 31,500 kWh of green power, earned more than $25,000, and offset 21.5 tons of carbon by feeding green energy onto the Ontario power grid. We could drive a Telsa Model S electric car 90,000 km on UCG power! In 2021, we replaced several parts on our system, which is continuing to run strong and product green power!
You can check on the production of our panels at any time at Solar Energy
For more information about our solar panels, check out our slideshow.
LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation
In May 1999 UCG became certified as a Welcoming Congregation, which means we have completed the Welcoming Congregation curriculum from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our congregation voted to affirm that we welcome the membership and active participation of lesbians, gay men, and bisexual and transgender people.
In 2020, we renewed our Welcoming Congregation certification and continue to actively engage in events, outreach, education and efforts toward inclusion and celebration of our LGBTIQ+ community.
Whatever your sexual orientation, we invite you to check us out. We invite you to share your gifts in every part of our congregational life—services, social gatherings, programs, and celebrations.
For more information about the Welcoming Congregation program, see the Canadian Unitarian Council webpage on the Welcoming Congregations Program.
The Unitarian Congregation is working with Bridge to Guelph
Like you, we have been touched by the current refugee crisis, both in Syria and in the Ukraine.
While the urgency on the part of the government to support refugees has waned over the last two years, for families who have fled their homes and are living with fear and uncertainty the urgency remains high. There are over 70 million people who have been forcibly displaced worldwide (UNHCR, 2019), and this number will continue to rise as wars and climate change take their toll.
It’s overwhelming and we can’t help everyone, but we have been grateful to help two families to move to safety. To learn more and become involved, click here.
