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

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Vigil for Hope and Healing Tuesday, February 18 5:00 pm outside Eliot Since the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson early in August 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.		Environmental Justice Monday, February 17 7:00 pm in Room 005 Join us as we work toward being a Green Sanctuary, a UUA designation for congregations who take steps toward becoming more sustainable and involved in the work of environmental justice. Contact us for more information.		February SJA Assembly Tuesday, February 18  7:00 pm in Adams Hall The time is now for all good UUs to come to the aid of our democracy. Our 5th Principle states: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and society at large. What can we do as individuals and a community to make a difference?
Spring 2020 All Read Groups are forming to read Out of the Wreckage by George Monbiot, as well as Waking Up White by Debby Irving. Sign up now! Groups will meet in April and May.		Eliot Gardeners Most Wednesdays 10:00 am If you'd like to put a little sweat equity into Eliot Chapel, work alongside friends, and meet new people, please join the Eliot Gardeners on the grounds around the Chapel. They will be working through the winter as the weather allows. Email to sign up.		Immigration Justice Tuesday, February 25 6:00 pm in Room 006 Asylum Seekers Are welcome at Eliot Chapel! Are you ready to work towards a more just society? To find out how YOU can help our asylum sponsorship program, contact us or come to our next team meeting!

See more of our recent and ongoing efforts here.

SHARING THE OFFERING

Eliot’s January offering will be shared with the Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (MNIA) and its scholarship program. In the southeastern corner of Kirkwood, just across Big Bend, sits the historic neighborhood of Meacham Park. With its strong ethnic identity, this community has struggled over the decades to preserve its heritage. The MNIA seeks to help improve the quality of life in the community by providing a forum for sharing information, connecting neighbors, promoting activities, and fostering civic involvement in its diverse community. The MNIA offers an opportunity for neighbors to bring forth their concerns and problems, providing direction and connecting them to resources for resolution of their issues. The Meacham Park Scholars Award is a merit-based college scholarship granted by the MNIA. It is awarded to an African American high school senior at Kirkwood High School who pursues academic excellence, school leadership, and a commitment to community service. 

Eliot All Reads

Groups are forming for spring 2020's Eliot All Reads! The books chosen for this church year fit perfectly with our social justice team’s focus on governance and voting rights this year. The Spring All Read will be Out of the Wreckage by George Monbiot. Click here to learn more about the book. Waking Up White also will be offered. Join us for stimulating conversation around insightful and well-researched books, written by renowned, award-winning authors! 

Sign up for a discussion group and order a pre-paid copy ($12.00) by stopping by the table in Adams Hall any Sunday in February. You may also register online for  a discussion group. Groups will be meeting in April and May, so get your copy soon!  Learn more about the Eliot All Reads program and this year's selections. 

We believe we can often work most effectively in partnership.