Elite Uncovering Classism In Unitarian Universalist History

The Unitarian Universalist movement has long been held up as a beacon of inclusivity and egalitarianism. However, a new book by Dr. Sarah Sentilles challenges this widely held belief, revealing the pervasive influence of classism within the UU movement.

Elite: Uncovering Classism in Unitarian Universalist History

by Geshe Tashi Tsering

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	406 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In her book, Elite: Uncovering Classism in Unitarian Universalist History, Dr. Sentilles draws upon extensive archival research and interviews to document the ways in which class privilege has shaped UU institutions, beliefs, and practices. She argues that the UU movement has been dominated by an elite class of white, wealthy, and educated individuals who have used their power and privilege to maintain their own status and exclude others.

Dr. Sentilles' book is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the history of the UU movement. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the role of class in shaping religious institutions and practices.

Classism in Unitarian Universalist History

The history of the UU movement is replete with examples of classism. In the early days of the movement, UU churches were founded by and for the wealthy elite. These churches were often located in exclusive neighborhoods and were attended by the most prominent families in the community. The UU movement's early leaders were also drawn from the elite class. They were typically well-educated ministers who came from wealthy families.

As the UU movement grew, it began to attract a more diverse membership. However, the elite class continued to maintain its control over the movement. This was due in part to the fact that the UU movement was organized around a congregational polity. This meant that each congregation was independent and self-governing. The elite class was able to use this system to their advantage by controlling the membership of their congregations and by electing like-minded leaders.

The elite class's control over the UU movement had a number of negative consequences. It led to the exclusion of working-class and poor people from the movement. It also stifled dissent and prevented the movement from fully embracing social justice issues.

The Elite Class and Social Justice

The elite class's control over the UU movement has had a profound impact on the movement's social justice work. The elite class has often been reluctant to support social justice initiatives that challenge the status quo. This has led to the UU movement being criticized for being too focused on white, middle-class concerns and for not ng enough to address the needs of the poor and marginalized.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement within the UU movement to challenge classism and to make the movement more inclusive. This movement has been led by people of color, working-class people, and other marginalized groups. These activists have called for the UU movement to divest from institutions that profit from inequality, to support reparations for slavery, and to work to create a more just and equitable society.

The Future of the UU Movement

The future of the UU movement is uncertain. The movement is facing a number of challenges, including declining membership, financial difficulties, and a growing sense of polarization. However, the movement also has a number of strengths, including a strong tradition of social justice and a commitment to inclusivity. If the movement can overcome its challenges and build on its strengths, it has the potential to become a force for good in the world.

Dr. Sarah Sentilles' book, Elite: Uncovering Classism in Unitarian Universalist History, is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the role of class in shaping religious institutions and practices. It is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the history of the UU movement and challenges the widely held belief that UUism is inherently inclusive and egalitarian.

The UU movement has a long history of classism. The elite class has used its power and privilege to maintain its own status and exclude others. This has led to the exclusion of working-class and poor people from the movement and has stifled dissent and prevented the movement from fully embracing social justice issues.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement within the UU movement to challenge classism and to make the movement more inclusive. This movement has been led by people of color, working-class people, and other marginalized groups. These activists have called for the UU movement to divest from institutions that profit from inequality, to support reparations for slavery, and to work to create a more just and equitable society.

The future of the UU movement is uncertain. However, the movement has a number of strengths, including a strong tradition of social justice and a commitment to inclusivity. If the movement can overcome its challenges and build on its strengths, it has the potential to become a force for good in the world.

Elite: Uncovering Classism in Unitarian Universalist History

by Geshe Tashi Tsering

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	406 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE