Opposition to Virginia's constitutional "marriage" amendment:  

The basis for the position and action was the congregation's earlier formal commitment to be intentionally welcoming to individuals of all races, creeds, and gender orientation.  On this basis, at the urging of the Social Justice Committee, and the endorsement of the Council of Committees, the Board of Trustees officially opposed the amendment because it specifically denies any legal benefits of marriage to same-gender couples.

Activities in opposition to the amendment were coordinated by member Leigh D'Lugos who was also very active with statewide organizations.  We hosted the Community Action Team of Greater Fredericksburg, also chaired by Leigh, and collaborated with Equality Virginia, a statewide organization to support GLTB issues. 

Although the amendment passed, it was by a much smaller margin than had been generally predicted.  We believe that strategic and respectful activities like those below contributed greatly to prompting citizens to look at the issues in a more compassionate way.

	Editorial letters to the Free Lance-Star  (frequently published)
	Letters and phone calls to our legislators.
	Peaceful demonstrations at strategic and symbolic times and places (like April 14, in front of the post office)
	Door-to-door canvassing to identify supporters and to leave literature when appropriate
	Phone banking Sunday evenings in the weeks before the statewide election and vote
	Financial support for a Sunday publication of a sermon by our Reverend Jeff Jones in support of full legal recognition of same-gender unions.  This special expense was covered by earmarked donations by dozens of members.  Funds raised in excess of the approximately $1,400 publication expense were forwarded to the two main statewide opposition organizations, Equality Virginia, and the Commonwealth Coalition.

 

Adoption of Committee Social Justice Guidelines

The Social Justice Committee voted to adopt the Guidelines for itself to promote consistency, predictability, research accuracy and balance, fairness, use of democratic process, transparency, and access by all friends and members.  It encompasses  research, education, and public witness or advocacy activities.  Here's how to access it:

	On this website
	Reference hard copy in the accordian file "library" at the back of the Fellowship Hall
	By request to the Fellowship office (You will be emailed an electronic copy.)

This year-long project involved nearly two dozen members in designing guidelines for the organized social justice activities of this Fellowship.    At this time they are only advisory for the board and  UUFF Fellowship which have not formally considered them.