Mosaic Project Reviews

“This report identifies a quiet crisis in our midst—that in our youth groups, we have already become demographically multicultural while in our programming, we have not yet developed the resources to address this new reality. Just take one fact from the report—that almost 80 percent of our congregations have transracially adopted children and almost 80 percent offer no special programming to address the identity and other issues faced by these precious young people. We have the opportunity of making the investments now that can keep this diverse generation of youth in our midst—this report lays out the stark realities of why we must do this and some practical strategies for how to move forward before it is too late.”
—Rev. Leslie Takahashi Morris, Co-author, Unitarian Universalists, Anti-Racism and the Journey from Calgary; Co-minister, Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church, Walnut Creek, CA

“As a religious educator, and a parent of young adult Unitarian Universalists of color, I welcome the Mosaic Project Report as evidence of the commitment of the Unitarian Universalist Association to our ministry to and with youth and young adults of color and Latina/o and Hispanic, and multicultural/multiethnic descent. While this document acknowledges the shortcomings of our congregations and our Association in this ministry, it also lays out a way forward and gives voice to the desire “deep conversations”. The road to the future Unitarian Universalist faith community presented in this report—that is, a community that supports, values and celebrates the diversity of our youth and young adults—is a road that must be taken.”
—Natalie Fenimore, Director of Religious Exploration, UU Congregation of Fairfax, Oakton, VA

“It is said that demographics are destiny and it is well known that within a few decades America will be predominantly non-white. The thoroughness of the Mosaic report is impressive. Its clear steps will enable all congregations and our Association to start now, today, to reach out effectively and embrace youth and young adults of color, providing them with the loving support all young people need to achieve their full agency. By implementing the steps outlined in the Mosaic project, Unitarian Universalism can truly be as Theodore Parker calls us to do to ‘have a church for the whole person’.”
—Rev. Archene Turner, Coordinator of Senior High Ministry, Cedar Lane UU Church, Bethesda, MD

“As a parish minister, I see in the Mosaic Project a call for us to fully engage with our religious and spiritual core: the promises we make to hold one another in a covenant of justice, wholeness, and love.

As a religious educator, I see in the Mosaic Project a foundation for learning and teaching how we can shape our communities to be havens for all our Youth and Young Adults, with all generations celebrating the richness that diversity brings.

As a Person of Color, I see in the Mosaic Project a reminder of how much work we all must do together in order to create beloved communities that are truly open to the multiracial, multiethnic reality of our world, and just how important, vibrant, and life-changing that work can be for each of us.

As a Unitarian Universalist, I see in the Mosaic Project a promise that can one day be fulfilled: living as a beloved community that far surpasses the dreams of our history, that sees in each person blessing and beauty, that offers our children, youth, adults, and elders a religious home that embraces us all in the fullness of who we are.”
—Rev. Adam Robersmith, Associate Minister, UU Society of Geneva, Geneva, IL

“This document brings the issues of young People of Color from invisibility to a bold sense of urgency and action. Set in the context of electing the first President of Color of the United States, the reader get historical insight into why and how the issues of "race" and ethnicity is shaping not only their lives, but the future of Unitarian Universalism. It is a gripping, must-read document for any person working responsibly to build a multi-racial, multicultural congregation and community.”
—Dr. Mark A. Hicks, MacLean Professor of Religious Education, Meadville Lombard Theological School; Curriculum Developer, Building the World We Dream About

“The scope of the report, the construction of its task force, chosen methodology and analysis was impressive in both depth and breadth. As I moved through it, I yearned only for an intersection with those growing forces (Allies for Racial Equity) addressing issues around UUs and white privilege and the role of allies. Rather than a criticism I offer that ‘yearning’ reaction as ARE being ripe for engagement as our association processes the recommendations from this report.

The report’s articulation of the necessity for ‘predominantly White communities’ to actively, consistently and effectively deal with issues of white supremacy, the cost of racism, and its ties to our faith is helpful in moving forward the work of ARE on a congregational and district level. The data and perspectives offered by participants in the report offer congregations who fail to ‘see’ a community of color within their memberships, even when it’s there, coupled with this report’s ability to connect the call of our faith to furthering this work, provides a compelling link for those more reluctant to recognize any ‘necessity,’ let alone urgency.

An area of concern in reading this report was the call for greater involvement from our ministers, religious educators and other adults of color. That concern stems from an appreciation of the considerable load our association already places on our People of Color to be ‘the voice,’ ‘the perspective,’ ‘the diversity,’ etc. etc.

I am appreciative of the enormous effort that went into the creation of this report and look forward to further conversation between DRUUMM and ARE in how we might use this information.

In our faith,

Rev. Wendy von Zirpolo, President, Allies for Racial Equity (ARE); Minister, UU Church of Marblehead , MA