Justice work at the UUA General Assembly each year is formally addressed by:

Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAI)

Statements of Conscience (SOC)

Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW)

June 2024 General Assembly was online only. 

June 2024 General Assembly

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) reported on ways the national organization has fulfilled the goals of the current  multi-year Statement of Conscience which is  Undoing Intersectional White Supremacy which calls upon the Unitarian Universalist Association and Unitarian Universalist individuals and congregations/groups to actively engage in undoing systemic white supremacy in all of its manifestations — seeking universal justice and equity. This commitment of learning and engaging is in its fourth year, was voted on by last year’s delegates.

About Congregational Study/Action Issues and Statements of Conscience

Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAIs) are proposed by Unitarian Universalist member congregations for adoption at a General Assembly. CSAI accepted by GA result in four years of study, reflection, and action by member congregations. In the third year of this process, delegates at GA can vote to approve a Statement of Conscience (SOC) resulting from three years of congregational feedback on the CSAI.

About Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW)

Delegates at each annual General Assembly have the opportunity to take positions on issues that require immediate witness through the Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) process. An AIW expresses the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the GA at which it is passed. The AIW process allows Unitarian Universalists to respond quickly to social issues deemed urgent. Affirmed AIWs are used by congregations in local efforts and empower the UUA’s Advocacy and Organizing staff to take action and recommend action. Only the three that get the most delegate votes are affirmed.

When GA delegates adopt an AIW, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), other UUA leaders, congregations, districts, and Unitarian Universalists organizations may use it as a basis for public statements on the matter and are urged to act on it.

A list of Congregational Study Action Issues and Actions of Immediate Witness through the years can be viewed here.

The UUA states: “We are stronger together. Our combined efforts to make the world more fair and humane can accomplish more than any one of us working alone. As Unitarian Universalists, we set priorities for our social justice efforts by investing in key issues that exemplify our commitments to justice, equity and compassion.” Learn more about the social witness statement process.