Our work is driven by Unitarian Universalist principles including

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. 

At Eliot, we create a community of deep relationships by working toward a more just society, dismantling racism, and improving the environment. Eliot's specific mission and goals can be found here. 

Our Mission:

The Social Justice Program will inspire and equip individuals and the congregation to work effectively for justice both locally and beyond. We will continue to be challenged by the teachings of Martin Luther King's vision of the beloved community:

"In the beloved community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood."

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Birth of a New Nation"
1957

EVENTS

Vigil for Hope and Healing Tuesday, April 16 5:00 pm Since the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson early August of 2014, members of Eliot Unitarian Chapel and people from the greater community have stood in a weekly vigil. Join us in front of Eliot Chapel as we side with love, for hope and healing.		Eliot All-Reads Sign up now Sign-up now! Discussion groups will meet in March and April. Undocumented: How Immigration Became Illegal by immigrant rights activist Aviva Chomsky explores what it means to be undocumented in a legal, social, economic and historical context.		For Akheem Friday, February 22 7:00 pm SJA partners with Women Voices Raised for Social Justice to present For Ahkeem, a coming-of-age story of a 17-year-old North St. Louis girl set against the backdrop of the Ferguson protests. RSVP
Room at the Inn Eliot Chapel is in its 26th year of involvement with Room at the Inn and its work to provide transportation, to cook and serve a hot meal, to host a bed and breakfast, and to do laundry every week. Would you like to volunteer in this fulfilling mission? Contact us!		Kirk Care Kirk Care is the food pantry serving those living in the Kirkwood R-7 School District. Eliot Chapel supports this cause. In addition to having two Eliot representatives on the Board of Kirkcare, Eliot continuously collects non-perishable food items for the Kirkcare pantry. New volunteers are always welcome! Get in touch!

See more of our recent and ongoing efforts here.

SHARING THE OFFERING

In April, we will share our offering with The Open Space Council. As stewards of nature, the organization has worked since 1965 to maintain the integrity of land and waterways for practical purposes, recreation and their natural beauty, to be enjoyed now and for generations to come. Through environmental and communitybuilding events such as Operation Clean Stream and Operation Wild Lands, The Open Space Council seeks to raise awareness about the importance of land and water conservation and the value of clean water.

Throughout its history, the organization has played an integral role in: 

• Restoring and supporting a clean and healthy Meramec River.
• Helping establish Castlewood State Park, Forest 44 Conservation Area, and Bee Tree Park in St. Louis County.
• Restoring more than three thousand acres of land and almost 500 miles of river.
• Permanently conserving an urban organic farm, which EarthDance Farms now owns & operates.
• Helping to thwart efforts to dam the Meramec River

We believe we can often work most effectively in partnership.