Author: UUJMCA Admin

  • Who Should Pay for Climate Destruction? A Faith Call to Action

    Who Should Pay for Climate Destruction? A Faith Call to Action

    By Anna Wagner, UUJMCA Board Member, GreenFaith Staff, FUCSJ Environmental Ministry

    The climate crisis is no longer distant — it’s here in California. Wildfires, floods, and deadly heat are tearing through our communities. Families lose homes, livelihoods, and hope, while fossil fuel corporations continue to profit.

    But amid the heartbreak, something powerful is rising: faith communities, neighbors, and young people refusing to give up. Together, we’re insisting that we can build a future grounded in care, accountability, and repair.

    That’s why the Make Polluters Pay California campaign is so important. It calls for justice — requiring the largest fossil fuel companies to pay their fair share for the damage they’ve caused. The funds raised would help communities recover and build resilience, especially those hit hardest by pollution and climate disasters.

    As people of faith, we know this is a moral issue. Our beliefs call us to protect the earth, care for the vulnerable, and seek justice. Holding corporations accountable for the harm they’ve done is part of how we live those values — how we love our neighbors and defend our common home.

    Join Us

    Event: “Who Should Pay for Climate Destruction? A Faith Call to Action”
    Date: Thursday, December 11, 7:00 PM (via Zoom)
    Hosted
    by: the UU Justice Ministry of California, in partnership with California Interfaith Power & Light and GreenFaith

    Together, we’ll learn about the Make Polluters Pay campaign — why it matters, and how people of faith can help pass this historic legislation in 2026. We’ll hear from faith and advocacy leaders about how our shared values of justice, compassion, and stewardship can guide us to action.

    Have more questions before you join? Check out our FAQ to learn more!

    Let’s make this a moment where faith becomes action — and where hope leads the way to justice.

  • Faith on Fire: Courage and the Spiritual Power of Climate Action

    Faith on Fire: Courage and the Spiritual Power of Climate Action

    By Anna Wagner, UU Justice Ministry of California Board Member & GreenFaith Staff

    California—and the country—stand at a defining moment. While global climate impacts accelerate, powerful interests in Washington are rolling back hard-won environmental protections, undermining democracy, and enabling a massive expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. In the midst of climate breakdown, civil liberties are under attack. Environmental advocates are being surveilled and silenced. Public dissent is increasingly criminalized.

    And the climate crisis isn’t a distant threat. It’s happening now. In 2024, global temperatures passed 1.5°C. In the U.S., we faced deadly hurricanes, relentless wildfires, and over two dozen billion-dollar climate disasters. The losses are real, compounding, and profoundly unjust.

    As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to resist this injustice—not with despair, but with courage and conviction. Our faith affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and our seventh principle reminds us that we are part of an interdependent web of life. This is a time for moral leadership. A time to act with clarity, rooted in love, justice, and a fierce commitment to our values.

    That’s why GreenFaith is helping to lead Sun Day, a national faith-based mobilization for climate justice and clean energy from September 19–21, 2025. In congregations across the country, people of all faiths will gather in worship, witness, and action to demand a just, rapid transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Click here to get involved.

    A few weeks ago, in a powerful moment of interfaith solidarity, we gathered with Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Jewish leaders to light a green lantern at Boston’s historic Old North Church. The mayor joined us, illuminating the city’s bridges in green—a symbol of moral courage and the promise of a clean energy future.

    We’re calling on faith communities—Unitarian Universalists included—to preach, pray, and act for a just energy transition this September. We invite you and your congregation to join us.

    We know that lasting change won’t come from one moment alone. It requires long-term, organized, spiritually grounded action. That’s why GreenFaith is investing in movement-building across the country. In 2024, we trained nearly 3,000 diverse faith leaders—from a wide range of traditions and backgrounds—to organize in their communities, speak with moral clarity, and take nonviolent action. We’re certainly not slowing down now. 

    From Wall Street’s fossil fuel financiers to frontline communities in Nigeria and Indonesia resisting coal and oil, our message is clear: the Earth is sacred, and every person deserves to live with dignity.

    Sun Day builds on this momentum. In cities and towns across the U.S., we’ll hold vigils, services, and creative actions calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, public investment in a just energy future, and protection for communities most impacted by environmental and economic injustice.

    As Unitarian Universalists, we know that belonging, courage, and spiritual resilience are our strength. Let’s bring those gifts to bear in this fight.

    We may not know exactly what lies ahead. But we know that we are not alone. We walk this path together—with faith on fire. Please join me in organizing or joining a Sun Day action in your community! 

    Anna Wagner
    UU Justice Ministry of California Board Member
    GreenFaith Staff

  • Resources to Support Los Angeles Communities Affected by the Fires

    Resources to Support Los Angeles Communities Affected by the Fires

    The devastation raging through Los Angeles and surrounding counties has caused tremendous loss. Loss of life, environment, security, and more, this is turning out to be one of the most dangerous fire seasons we have ever encountered.

    The incredibly dry and windy season has created the perfect conditions for these massive fires. The acceleration of climate change in the last few years has predicted stronger and more aggressive climate disasters. This is more such disaster.

    As a fellow Angeleno, the outpouring of love and support is immeasurable. How we care for each other in these most challenging times will make all the difference. Many places have been filled to the brim with donations, and some areas have more volunteers than they know what to do with. But many others still need your support.

    Below, I have included resources to help people in Los Angeles with their needs. If you live in another part of California, consider donating to a local organization or providing home hospitality for those evacuating.

    -Antoinette Scully, Managing Director, UUJMCA Board of Directors


    General Resources

    Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network Fire and Wind Storm Resources: Broken up by city and organization name, this resource is compiled by local activists and organizers. You can also view this in map form for each area. This is one of the most comprehensive networks working on the ground.

    Fire-Related Mutual Aid Efforts to Support and Some Must-Reads by Kelly Hayes: Note that her first suggestion is our first suggestion. She also includes links to getting/staying prepared for a natural disaster, as well as books on building better community support. Her work is excellent overall and I would recommend her blog.

    FEMA Assistance: Impacted Californians are encouraged to apply for immediate and long-term relief through FEMA. They can provide displacement assistance folks have until March to complete an application.

    Watch Duty: This app has been immensely helpful with real-time updates and county alerts.

    UU Specific Resources

    BLUU Pastoral and Spiritual Care for Black UUs: Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism is a community resource for Black UUs. They offer pastoral and spiritual care, especially in tough times. Reach out to speak to a chaplain.

    Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministry Chaplins: DRUUMM provides support for Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color (BIPOC) UUs. Their chaplains are available.

    UU Trauma Network: Chaplains are on call to provide support to all UUs who are experiencing grief during this tough time. You can call their 24/7 hotline (888-760-3332) or visit their website.

    UUA Disaster Relief Fund: The UUA will be mobilizing grant funding for impacted congregations and communities. This fund may be able to help if your church or congregants’ properties are damaged. For those outside of Los Angeles, your donations make a difference. Resources for congregational special collections may be found here.


    This list is being updated in real-time, so please feel free to reach out with any other resources through admin@uujmca.org.

  • Looking Forward – The Next 20 Years …

    Looking Forward – The Next 20 Years …

    Twenty years ago, we were a handful of Unitarian Universalists dreaming about our values and California’s public policies. After two years of meeting and organizing, a collective of UU justice leaders met in December of 2002 at Neighborhood UU Church in Pasadena and formed the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry.

    Today, we have been transformed into the UU Justice Ministry of California and are a statewide community committed to making California a more just state. No longer outsiders, dreaming about what is possible, we are justice builders cultivating that dream.

    • We are in the halls of the State Capitol, with faith-based and other community partners, bringing our shared vision of justice into reality.
    • We are committed to provide resources to local communities at our U.S. Southern Border.
    • We are bringing awareness and education about immigrant, reproductive,  and queer rights, and oppression.
    • We are working to protect our planet against climate change through environmental justice.
    • We are assisting our California UU congregations to be a larger voice in their local communities.
    • We are developing programming to support young leaders in their justice ministries.

    For the past 20 years, we have provided spiritually grounded justice leadership training, creating forums for experiential learning and advanced justice in California. We are inviting you to become a 2023 UUJMCA Partner by sharing your Time, Talent, and Treasure.

    Your gift in 2023 will propel us into the next 20 Years of Justice and bold activism, rooted in Unitarian Universalist values and principles, and supporting Immigrant, Queer & Reproductive Rights as well as Climate and Environmental Justice. Let us celebrate the past and look forward to the future.  Together, we will strengthen our voices, nurture young leaders, and act on the dreams we share.

    • Time – UUJMCA succeeded in growing justice across California for 20 years now. Hundreds of volunteers have given thousands of hours to phone bank, organize, march, publicize, and help with the administration of the UUJMCA. 

    There are numerous ways to get involved in 2023! We invite you to join us as we build a cottage home in Tijuana, return to Turn the Tides in August, support our California UU congregations, develop ways to communicate our work to promote justice initiatives in local communities and statewide, and continue to develop new ways to engage younger UUs to engage in justice work

    We will be asking you to share your time this year in support of these efforts and more as we grow justice across California.

    • Talent – As we move into 2023, and our next 20 Years of Justice, we  are continuing to develop new models of leadership in UUJMCA. Several teams will be developed to work in specific areas such as communications, outreach, and finance. We will begin this new leadership model in early 2023 by reenvisioning our Justice Action Teams to lead our justice campaigns;
      • expanding our Board of Trustees to develop the policies and maintain the fiduciary responsibilities, 
      • creating a Vision and Values Team to develop a five year rolling plan to meet UUJMCA’s mission and vision, and 
      • developing a youth Team Arc Benders to provide programs for our high school aged justice leaders.  Click here if you would like to join one of our teams today.
    • Treasure – UUJMCA is funded through three primary sources ~ individual contributions, congregational support, and grants from organizations that share our UU values. We are grateful for all the contributions that you have made over the years. We ask that you consider increasing your contribution for 2022 and make a pledge for 2023 by December 31st.

    Together, we are committed to  bringing our Unitarian Universalist  values to the front of  the public square to create a brighter future for California. We sincerely thank you for your support to UUJMCA throughout the years. We hope that we can count on your support in 2023.

    Betty
    Rev Dr Betty Stapleford

    Twenty years ago, we were a handful of Unitarian Universalists dreaming about our values and California’s public policies. After two years of meeting and organizing, a collective of UU justice leaders met in December of 2002 at Neighborhood UU Church in Pasadena and formed the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry.

    Today, we have been transformed into the UU Justice Ministry of California and are a statewide community committed to making California a more just state. No longer outsiders, dreaming about what is possible, we are justice builders cultivating that dream.

    • We are in the halls of the State Capitol, with faith-based and other community partners, bringing our shared vision of justice into reality.
    • We are committed to provide resources to local communities at our U.S. Southern Border.
    • We are bringing awareness and education about immigrant, reproductive,  and queer rights, and oppression.
    • We are working to protect our planet against climate change through environmental justice.
    • We are assisting our California UU congregations to be a larger voice in their local communities.
    • We are developing programming to support young leaders in their justice ministries.

    For the past 20 years, we have provided spiritually grounded justice leadership training, creating forums for experiential learning and advanced justice in California. We are inviting you to become a 2023 UUJMCA Partner by sharing your Time, Talent, and Treasure.

    Your gift in 2023 will propel us into the next 20 Years of Justice and bold activism, rooted in Unitarian Universalist values and principles, and supporting Immigrant, Queer & Reproductive Rights as well as Climate and Environmental Justice. Let us celebrate the past and look forward to the future.  Together, we will strengthen our voices, nurture young leaders, and act on the dreams we share.

    • Time – UUJMCA succeeded in growing justice across California for 20 years now. Hundreds of volunteers have given thousands of hours to phone bank, organize, march, publicize, and help with the administration of the UUJMCA. 

    There are numerous ways to get involved in 2023! We invite you to join us as we build a cottage home in Tijuana, return to Turn the Tides in August, support our California UU congregations, develop ways to communicate our work to promote justice initiatives in local communities and statewide, and continue to develop new ways to engage younger UUs to engage in justice work

    We will be asking you to share your time this year in support of these efforts and more as we grow justice across California.

    • Talent – As we move into 2023, and our next 20 Years of Justice, we  are continuing to develop new models of leadership in UUJMCA. Several teams will be developed to work in specific areas such as communications, outreach, and finance. We will begin this new leadership model in early 2023 by reenvisioning our Justice Action Teams to lead our justice campaigns;
      • expanding our Board of Trustees to develop the policies and maintain the fiduciary responsibilities, 
      • creating a Vision and Values Team to develop a five year rolling plan to meet UUJMCA’s mission and vision, and 
      • developing a youth Team Arc Benders to provide programs for our high school aged justice leaders.  Click here if you would like to join one of our teams today.
    • Treasure – UUJMCA is funded through three primary sources ~ individual contributions, congregational support, and grants from organizations that share our UU values. We are grateful for all the contributions that you have made over the years. We ask that you consider increasing your contribution for 2022 and make a pledge for 2023 by December 31st.

    Together, we are committed to  bringing our Unitarian Universalist  values to the front of  the public square to create a brighter future for California. We sincerely thank you for your support to UUJMCA throughout the years. We hope that we can count on your support in 2023.

    Betty
    Rev Dr Betty Stapleford
    President, Board of Trustees

    AJ
    Pastor AJ Blackwood, MDiv
    Executive Director

  • UU Service Committee Emergency Response Fund

    UU Service Committee Emergency Response Fund

    Here at UUJMCA, we support the mission of the UU Service Committee to deliver aid with dignity and assist grassroot communities who are often overlooked by traditional relief aid.

    We encourage you to contribute to the UUSC Relief Fund, where your contribution will be used to support people around the world as they recover from disaster and rebuild their lives.

    Contribute to the UUSC Relief Fund today.

    Learn more

     

  • Holi Celebration 2022

    Holi 2022

    Today, with our Hindu siblings and others, we celebrate the ancient practice of Holi, a holiday commonly known as the the Festival of Colors. During Holi, vibrant colored powders, called “gulal”, are scattered into the air creating a stunning array of colors as we all enjoy the coming of Spring.

    Learn more

  • Black History Month

    Black History Month

    Celebrating Black Excellence

    During the month of February, we will be reflecting on Black Excellence. Everyday we will be highlighting one of the millions of Black Americans who have contributed to US society, culture, governance, and wonder. We invite you visit this post each day to learn and discover more. Be sure to click on the “Learn More” Button next to each image and take just a few minutes a day to learn more about each person we are highlighting.

    Learn More about Black History Month

    Past – Present – Future


    Rev Dr Mark Morrison-Reed


    UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

    Black Pioneers in a White Denomination



    February 28

    Bishop Carlton Pearson


    MINISTER

    Come Sunday



    February 27

    Joy Reid


    JOURNALISM

    The ReidOut



    February 26

    Rev Jesse Jackson


    Civil Rights

    Rainbow PUSH Coalition



    February 25

    Fanny Jackson Coppin


    EDUCATION

    Coppin State University



    February 24

    Pam Grier


    FILM & TV ACTOR

    Blaxploitation Films



    February 23

    Bill “Bojangles” Robinson


    PERFORMER

    National Tap Dance Day 1936 Stair Dance



    February 22

    Bayard Rustin


    Queer / Civil Rights

    1963 March on Washington



    February 21

    Dr James McCune Smith


    medicine

    First Black American Physician



    February 20

    Shirley Chisholm


    Women’s Rights

    First Black Woman in US House of Representatives



    February 19

    Thurgood Marshall


    CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST

    US Supreme Court



    February 18

    Oprah Winfrey


    MEDIA ENTREPRENEUR

    Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls



    February 17

    Madam C. J. Walker


    ENTREPRENEUR

    Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower



    February 16

    Dr Mae Jemison


    Astronaut

    International Space Hall of Fame



    February 15

    Katherine Johnson


    NASA Mathematician

    Katherine G Johnson Computational Research Facility



    February 14

    Adrian Miller


    Food Author

    Executive Director of Colorado Council of Churches



    February 13

    Robert William Stewart


    LAW ENFORCEMENT

    Los Angeles Police Department



    February 12

    Tyler Perry


    Entertainment

    Tyler Perry Studios



    February 11

    Rep John Lewis


    CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST

    The Presidential Medal of Freedom



    February 10

    Paul Revere Williams


    Architect

    President, American Institute of Architects



    February 9

    Muhammad Ali


    Boxer / diplomat

    ARTHUR ASHE COURAGE AWARD



    February 8

    Octavia Butler


    Science Fiction Author

    Hugo and Nebula Award Winner



    February 7

    Maxine Waters


    Government

    US House of Representatives



    February 6

    LeVar Burton


    Actor / Educator

    Executive Producer of Reading Rainbow



    February 5

    Billie Holiday


    Singer / activist

    Several Music Halls of Fame



    February 4

    Gen Colin Powell


    Us military / army

    US Secretary of State



    February 3

    Dr Beth A Brown


    Astrophysicist

    Fellow NASA



    February 2

    Amanda Gorman


    Poet

    US Youth Poet Laureate



    February 1


  • The King Legacy

    The King Legacy

    Words delivered by Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr, from the The 1966 Ware Lecture: “Dont Sleep Through the Revolution” to the UUA General Assembly

    “Certainly the church has a great responsibility because when the church is true to its nature, it stands as a moral guardian of the community and of society. It has always been the role of the church to broaden horizons, to challenge the status quo, and to question and break mores if necessary. I’m sure that we all agree that the church has a major role to play in this period of social change.”

    “It is very consoling to me, and I know to all of us, the role which all of the major denominations within the Protestant, the Catholic and the Jewish faiths played in the achievement of the civil rights bill of 1964, the voting rights bill of 1965. We struggled in Selma, Alabama, and in a real sense we developed right there in that little town something that the councils of the world have not been able to develop—a real ecumenical movement. Protestants, Catholics and Jews stood in Selma, and in a beautiful and meaningful way that was the ecumenical movement which created the voting rights bill. That bill is a tribute to persons like James Reeb, Mrs. Viola Liuzzo and Jimmy Lee Jackson, those who died and suffered to make it possible.” 

    For more information about Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr and the UUA visit: The King Legacy

    Answer the call from 1966 again in 2022.

    We must act now!

    John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 Read the official text

    Contact our California Senators

    331 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington DC 20510
    (202) 224-3841

    112 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington DC 20510
    (202) 224-3553

    Contact Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin to demand action

    317 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington DC 20510
    (202) 224-4521

    306 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington DC 20510
    (202) 224-3954

  • Happy Kwanzaa

    May you have a Joyous Kwanzaa!