Faith In Action

The Faith In Action Committee provides methods for the expression of social action at Fourth U. This may include Sunday services, participation in workshops, attendance at public rallies, marches and seminars, fundraising for the annual toy drive, informing the congregation of opportunities in the community and with the UUA for social action. Talent needed: Dedication to social action causes: examples are - racial justice; voter registration; gay/lesbian rights; disability rights; protection of the environment; animal rights; lower cost housing issues, women’s equality; abortion issues; civil liberties, etc. Willingness to write letters to public officials, research issues, attend rallies. Fourth Universalist is a member of Interfaith Voices, an umbrella organization in the New York area for people of all faiths to give public witness to our shared principles and values. Chair: OPEN

FAITH IN ACTION SUB-COMMITTEES:

INTERWEAVE

  • Leader: Ashley Burczak
  • Purpose: Interweave (Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns) is a group of LGBTQ people and straight allies working to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, with the recognition that we will not be free until all oppression is a thing of the past. UU principles guide our work. We value and affirm the lives and experience of queer people of faith, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, income level, or ability. By providing and supporting leadership and working in collaboration with other organizations of similar vision, we strive to connect and nurture all queer individuals, communities, and groups and their allies. See the web site of Interweave Continental.

UFETA (Unitarian Universalists for Ethical Treatment of Animals)

  • Leader: Sheila Dines; Marisa Miller
  • Purpose: To create awareness of the need for proper and ethical treatment of animals by individuals, corporations, universities and governments. Films are shown periodically.

TASK FORCE TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY

  • Leader: Christine Anderson
  • Purpose: To inform the congregation and the public about people who are facing the death penalty. Each day that a person is scheduled to die a group gathers to ring bells in front of the church at 6:00 pm and hands out literature to interested passer-bys. Letter writing campaigns to oppose the death penalty are encouraged.

GREEN SANCTUARY TASK FORCE

  • Leader: Christine Anderson
  • Purpose: Attention to the conservation of resources in the church: recycling, reuse, use of fluorescent lighting and energy conservation, avoidance of the use of paper plates and cups, etc.

KATERI RESIDENCE WORSHIP SERVICE

  • Leader: Robert Martin
  • Rev. Ed Bollela leads a worship service on the first Saturday each month; Robert Martin leads the service on the third Saturday of each month. Kateri Residence is a nursing home with 500 plus residents, many of whom rarely have visitors. Members and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend these Saturday services.

WOMEN FOR PEACE

  • Leaders: Christine Anderson, Kari Reynolds
  • In April 2003 this group organized a bus trip to Washington, DC to march for Reproductive Rights, and also organized a bus trip for a March on Washington for Peace.