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Choice and the Act of Dying

BECAUSE the principles of Unitarian Universalism affirm the worth and dignity of every person, the right of conscience, and the justice, equity and compassion in human relations; and

BECAUSE a substantial majority of Canadian Unitarians polled advocated the right of terminally or irreversibly ill persons to choose the manner of their dying; and

BECAUSE a substantial majority of those polled approve the increasing public involvement of the Canadian Unitarian Council in the debate concerning the right to die, and

WHEREAS serious widespread national debate of the issues surrounding the control of dying is growing; and

WHEREAS this debate is revealing the ever-increasing complexity of these issues, demonstrating that a single all-encompassing response to death issues is not likely to be adequate;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Canadian Unitarian Council adopt a policy that advocates the legalization of the rights of mentally competent, terminally or irreversibly ill persons to determine the manner of their dying; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Canadian Unitarian Council support efforts to increase the availability of palliative care so that terminally ill patients will be better supported as they make their individual choices about dying; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CUC Board will create an ongoing national committee mandated to act upon the policy recommendations included in the report "Death Decisions: A Unitarian Response," which include: keeping the issue before Canadian Unitarian congregations; serving as a clearing house for educational resources concerning all aspects of the debate; preparing and presenting legislative briefs as required that reflect Unitarian principles and views; engaging in the national public debate as committee members are able; presenting action options to local congregations as appropriate; and joining in appropriate coalitions, with Board approval, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CUC will provide sufficient funding to cover the communication costs between committee members and between the committee and the member societies.

Summary of previous resolutions

The Canadian Unitarian Council has adopted three resolutions related to the right to die. In 1973, the focus was on withdrawal of treatment in terminal illness subject to reasonable safeguards. In 1976, the resolution "urges the Law Reform Commission of Canada to propose a modification to the criminal code, subject to proper safeguards and sanctions, expedient to the situation when the withdrawal of life support treatment would be considered an act of compassion." In the supportive material, examples of "acts of compassion" included withdrawing treatment in cases of terminal illness, not resorting to heroic measures to prolong life, and assisting a patient to commit suicide with compassion rather than malice as motive.

In 1992-3, the CUC provided study materials to its congregations on issues related to death and dying. A majority of congregations participated, and a significant number of individuals from these congregations sent in responses to a questionnaire which included both directed and free-response questions. A very high degree of agreement was found in the responses to the questionnaire, and on the basis of the material received the resolution "Choice and the Act of Dying" was developed. It was passed with a very substantial majority at the 1993 Annual Meeting. It clearly covers the issues dealt with in the 1973 and 1976 resolutions. It also supports efforts to increase the availability of palliative care so that terminally ill patients will be better supported as they make their individual choices. In September 1994, representatives of the CUC appeared before the Senate Committee on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide to testify on the basis of our resolution. A later statement on the Latimer case clarified the limits of our policy; that is that mentally competent, terminally or irreversibly ill persons can determine the manner of their dying, but that our policy does not advocate mercy killing without the clear permission of the person involved.

This policy permits us to respond to legislation proposed to extend or limit personal freedom to determine the manner of one’s own death, and to respond to individual cases as they arise. It also allows us to advocate for adequate palliative care and other supports for the terminally ill. It does not allow us to support mercy killing of people who are unable to make decisions for themselves.

This summary is based on resolutions from 1973, 1976, and 1993.

Criminal Justice System

There were eight resolutions dealing with one or another aspects of the criminal justice system between 1968 and 1987. Four of them deal with issues related to prisons. They are based on the belief that the purpose of a penal system should be primarily that of rehabilitation rather than revenge. They express concern that reports on conditions in Canadian penitentiaries have not been implemented and the institutions are dehumanizing and a breeding ground for further crime. The various resolutions advocate the following changes:

· increases in the quality and quantity of psychiatric, social service and educational personnel and facilities in correctional institutions;

· more extensive use of probation, parole and day parole, and that the use of imprisonment be restricted to dangerous offenders under therapeutic conditions which will protect society while safeguarding the rights of prisoners;

· support and encouragement of the federal government’s sponsoring of research studies on violence, capital punishment and drug abuse, exploration of the possibility of establishment of halfway houses in the correctional system, establishment of Temporary Absence programs which permit prisoners to learn to function in society and to learn skills which will contribute to society by living in the community under supervision, and continuing support for research on violent behaviour such as that carried out by the Canadian Peace Research Institute;

· exploration of involvement of fellowships and churches with individuals in penal institutions within their communities, including visitation, involvement in services and meetings and, growing out of this, assistance in transition to a non-criminal life upon release.

Unitarians founded the Elizabeth Fry Society and have been supporters of it and the John Howard Society, both of which work with people involved with the criminal justice system.

In 1973 and 1987, the CUC adopted resolutions recommending the abolition of capital punishment. The latter resolution empowered Frank Lewis to represent the CUC and to contribute substantially to the coalition which was working on this issue.

A resolution in 1977 encouraged participation by congregations and individuals in Amnesty International to work for the release of people around the world who are detained solely because of religious or political beliefs.

These resolutions could enable us to participate in action if there were a move to re-institute capital punishment. They also indicate a continuing concern about humane conditions in prisons.

This summary is based on resolutions adopted in 1968, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, and 1987.

Economic Justice

BECAUSE as Unitarian Universalists we are covenanted to affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion; and

WHEREAS Canada is a country wealthy enough to afford just and compassionate social programs for those in need; and

WHEREAS all levels of government are making radical changes to budgets and social programs with the declared aim of controlling deficits and debts; and

WHEREAS in many cases budget cuts are unfairly focused on programs for the poorest and most disadvantaged in our society;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

· that the Canadian Unitarian Council affirm the preferential option for the poor which calls for public policies to address and overcome disparities between rich and poor and which calls on governments to carefully consider all reasonable alternatives rather than adopting economic and social policies that require disadvantaged groups in society to make the greatest sacrifices.

· that the Council strongly urge its member societies to engage in study programs focusing on current social policy changes in relationship to employment, unemployment insurance, health, and the various social assistance programs.

· that the Council strongly urge its member societies to become actively involved in issues of economic justice in their local communities.

· that the Council cooperate with churches or other spiritual communities in addressing common concerns about social and economic justice in Canada, and that the CUC urge its member societies to engage in similar cooperative efforts.

· that the Canadian Unitarian Council Board be authorized to name a Monitoring Committee to regularly monitor social policy review issues and to advise the Board from time to time about possible actions or statements that might be appropriate for the Board to take or consider.

· that copies of this resolution be forwarded promptly to all member organizations and to the Prime Minister of Canada as well as all provincial Premiers and the national media.

2009  Environment Resolution

Updating the CUC 1999 Environment Resolution
 
The CUC Environmental Principles were first adopted at the Canadian Unitarian Council Annual Meeting on May 23, 1999.  It has been 10 years since adoption of these Environmental Principles and since then the CUC has endorsed the Earth Charter, submitted letters to our Federal Government leaders requesting action on meeting our Kyoto Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission targets and issued a statement regarding genetic engineering of food.  Many congregations across Canada have incorporated environmental education into their religious education curricula and formed environmental justice committees; several congregations have received or are working toward Green Sanctuary Accreditation through the UUA Ministry for Earth.  This is still just a start.
  At the CUC Annual Meeting in May 2008 a resolution was passed that the CUC Environmental Principles should be revisited and revised to address the continuing pressures on our environment.  These pressures continue to have devastating effects not only on our natural world but also on those cultures and communities most unable to protect themselves from the effects to our environment brought on by consumerism and subsequent high energy demands. 
  Since May 2008, the Environmental Monitoring Committee has reviewed the original Environmental Principles.  We feel they still reflect the concern UU’s have for the environment.  We also feel they still lend guidance for our daily lives.  What mattered to us was that our statement reflects the concerns and language of today to ensure that the diversity of beliefs and attitudes that enrich our Unitarian Universalism was expressed.  With this in mind we made minor changes and have submitted the following revised version for feedback and comments.  
  An updated version as detailed below is proposed for adoption in May 2009.
 
MOTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
 
WHEREAS:
 
Canadian Unitarian Universalists recognize that the ecological support systems upon which all life depends are threatened. A growing world population and the failure of our institutions to manage economic growth have created an environmental crisis.  Climate change is an acknowledged result of these failures – negative impacts to ecological and social systems worldwide are already being felt.  This is a profoundly moral issue; as a religious community, it is incumbent upon us to foster the ethics and values that will ensure the continued existence of a world as beautiful and productive as that which we know as our home.
 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
 
We affirm the ethics implicit in the document Environmental Principles and Values of Canadian Unitarian Universalists.
 
We call upon the CUC and its members to provide leadership through collective and individual actions, and to be a strong voice and presence, in confronting environmental issues.
 

ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND VALUES OF CANADIAN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
 
1. Interdependence: As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
 
The values of individual responsibility, personal growth, democracy, and social justice that we also affirm are essential elements in the development of a sustainable relationship with nature.
 
2. Inherent worth: We acknowledge that we are but one species of many on earth; each has its own value that cannot be measured by its service to humankind.
 
We affirm the right and requirement of all species to cohabitate.
 
3. Sustainability: Ensuring sustainability of the earth and all life upon it is our first responsibility to future generations and to all the species with which we share the planet.
 
In a sustainable world, healthy human societies will live in harmony with the natural environment.
 
4. Religious Commitment:  We seek guidance from Unitarian Universalist and other world spiritual teachings and from the sciences to design our liturgies and inform our religious stories.  Our goal is to draw inspiration from these sources in order to re-establish the proper balance of humanity with the global ecosystem.
 
5. Ethical Action: We must adopt practices not only appropriate to our time and place but also that address needs of the future. We must embrace a view that sees ourselves not as master of the land, but rather as an integral part of the earth’s ecosystem where all life forms are interdependent.
 
6. Biodiversity: Species are disappearing from the earth at a cataclysmic rate, weakening some ecosystems and causing the collapse of others. By fragmenting Earth’s landscapes, we are creating conditions for even greater losses.
 
We affirm to promote the health and quality of life on earth that depends upon the preservation and restoration of biodiversity.
 
7. Precautionary principle: We can never be certain of the impact of our actions on nature; where knowledge is incomplete and irreversible harm is possible, we must err on the side of caution.
 
Every decision is a choice about the future; application of the precautionary principle will reduce the possibility of undesirable consequences.
 
8. Natural Capital: The ecological support systems of planet earth are finite, imposing limits on the growth of populations and economies.
 
Since the economy is highly dependent upon the environment, it cannot be allowed to undermine the integrity of ecological processes. A sustainable economy must limit consumption to the "interest" produced by the natural capital upon which it depends.

Summary of previous resolutions

There were three resolutions adopted related to economic justice prior to the resolution put forward by the Victoria Unitarian Church in 1996. In 1969, responding to a report by the Canadian Economic Council indicating that 20% of the Canadian population had been defined as living at or below the poverty level, the resolution directed the CUC to request the Federal Government to establish a "ministry and action program with the thrust of providing an adequate base of employment, health, education and housing" to ensure equal opportunities for the poor to participate in mainstream life. In 1977, a similar motion urged various levels of government to maintain a scale of old age pensions to permit the elderly to live in dignity and comfort.

In 1985 the assembly adopted a relatively complex statement extracted from a paper by the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver entitled Economic Justice and Unemployment. It included both long- and short-term recommendations.

Short-run recommendations

Job creation programs with social value.

Social assistance, Unemployment Insurance and other social programs should, at a minimum, keep pace with inflation.

Guaranteed Annual Income should be tried.

Encouragement of voluntary work-sharing programs.

Reduction of real interest rates.

Re-training programs for young people or people with obsolete skills.

Encouragement of entrepreneurs.

Longer-term recommendations

Service to others and self-development should become major goals of the society; education, collective development and self-development should be viewed as life-long processes.

Changes to the socio-economic system necessary to provide economic justice must have a moral and ethical basis.

Benefits of economic changes should be shared by everyone, which may include a more equitable set of pay relationships among various categories of jobs.

Inflation should be controlled by guidelines for price and wage increases jointly set by business, labour, consumers and government.

Economic development should be a result of consultation with businesses, consumers and labour, and should be compatible with the directions of a world economy.

All of these resolutions share a concern with ensuring that an adequate standard of living be maintained for all Canadians, and that economic decisions should find ways of bringing about equity and fairness. Each of them reflects concerns arising from the particular social and economic situation at the time they were adopted. Because these circumstances change over time, solutions proposed at one time might not be appropriate ten years later.

In 1996, the Victoria congregation proposed a Resolution on Economic Justice dealing with these issues. It reflects the same concerns. It describes Canada as "a country wealthy enough to afford just and compassionate social programs for those in need." It urges government to consider "all reasonable alternatives rather than adopting economic and social policies that require disadvantaged groups in society to make the greatest sacrifices."

This resolution appears to incorporate the major concerns expressed previously and empowers the Board to work with other groups, make statements, and otherwise act when governments adopt economic and social policies which create greater disparity between rich and poor.

See also Health Care.

Health Care

The 1984 resolution on health care also relates somewhat to the economic justice issue.

· that access to the tax-supported Medicare system be preserved and accessible to all legal residents of Canada;

· that physicians and surgeons providing essential medical services be prohibited from opting out of the Medicare system and from extra-billing their patients;

· that deterrent or user fees be prohibited;

· and that the financing of the Medicare system be by taxation and not by the collection of premiums from individuals.

While the resolution notes that the present system "does not insure the full range of health care alternatives to costly hospitalization which are required to maintain people in their own homes and communities," it makes no recommendations for remedying this.

The resolution encouraged the CUC to participate in the Canadian Health Coalition. We did participate in a limited way for several years, but after 1990 were unable to find a volunteer who would represent us.

This resolution would allow the CUC to speak out on the principles outlined, if the Board felt comfortable relying on the single motion passed in 1984. Aside from the direct financing issues outlined, however, the resolution is not helpful in responding to current issues in health care, including such matters as fee-for-service medicine, provision of adequate home care, hospice or long-term care facilities, or "deinstitutionalization" and the consequent need for community-based facilities.

This summary is based on resolutions from 1969, 1977, 1984, 1985 and 1996.

Environment

The following was passed in 1999 after a study process of two years.

STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Canadian Unitarian Universalists recognize that the ecological support systems upon which all life depends are threatened by industrial civilization. Population pressures, technologies and economic systems have, while pursuing human benefits, created an environmental crisis. This is a profoundly moral issue; as a religious community it is incumbent upon us to foster the ethics and values that will ensure the continued existence of a world as beautiful and productive as that which we know as our home.

Therefore:

We affirm the values described in the document Environmental Principles of Canadian Unitarian Universalists.

We mandate our denomination at the national, regional and congregational levels to provide a strong Unitarian Universalist voice and presence in confronting environmental issues.

Adopted by the Canadian Unitarian Council Annual Meeting, May 23, 1999

ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES Of CANADIAN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS

1. Principle of interdependence: As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The values of individual responsibility, personal growth, democracy, and social justice that we also affirm are essential elements in the development of a sustainable relationship with nature.

2. Principle of inherent worth: We acknowledge that we are but one species of many on earth; each has its own value that cannot be measured by its service to humankind.

Viewing the earth merely as a resource for the satisfaction of human needs and desires has been destructive and imperilled our future.

3. Principle of sustainability: Ensuring sustainability of the earth and all life upon it is our first responsibility to future generations and to all the species with which we share the planet.

In a sustainable world, healthy human societies will live in harmony with the natural environment.

4. Principle of religious commitment: Sustainability requires an understanding of the universe and our place and purpose in it.

Since the environmental crisis is a result of human arrogance and alienation from nature, we should seek to re-establish our spiritual relationship with the earth. A new "story" or myth complementary to earth-based traditions and wisdom could form part of the educational process that is essential to this quest.

5. Principle of ethical action: We must seek, adopt and practice an environment ethic which is appropriate to our time and place.

"The land ethic" described by Aldo Leopold provides guidance in this search: "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise."

6. Principle of biodiversity: The health and quality of life on earth depends upon the preservation and restoration of biodiversity.

Species are disappearing from the earth at a cataclysmic rate, weakening some ecosystems and causing the collapse of others. By fragmenting Earth’s landscapes we are creating conditions for even greater losses.

7. Precautionary principle: We can never be certain of the impact of our actions on nature; where knowledge is incomplete and irreversible harm is possible, we must err on the side of caution.

Every decision is a choice about the future; application of the precautionary principle will reduce the possibility of undesirable consequence.

8. Principle of limits: The ecological support systems of planet earth are finite, imposing limits on the growth of populations and economies.

Since the economy is totally dependent upon the environment, it cannot be allowed to undermine the integrity of ecological processes. A sustainable economy must limit consumption to the "interest" produced by the natural capital upon which it depends.

Adopted by the Canadian Unitarian Council Annual Meeting, May 23, 1999

Plan for Implementation of the CUC Environmental Policy

Following adoption of the Statement of Environmental Policy at the 1999 Annual Meeting, the CUC will:

1. Circulate the Environmental Policy, Principles, Plan for Implementation, and Preliminary Action List to all congregations.

2. Establish an Environmental Issues Monitor (to be known as the CUC Environmental Committee), in accordance with CUC policy, to ensure that the CUC board is aware of issues needing action, and receives advice on what that action might be. The Monitor will invite, list and priorize environmental action items for action by the CUC Board and consideration by congregations. The Monitor will establish an environmental issues communication network between interested congregations and individuals, invite participants to assume responsibility for particular issues, and suggest timelines. An annual report should identify actions undertaken, progress achieved, and proposed activities.

By adopting the Statement of Environmental Policy at the 1999 Annual Meeting, the CUC and congregations are encouraged to:

1. Integrate the values and ethics expressed in Environmental Principles for Canadian Unitarian Universalists into our religious rituals and practices in congregations and as individuals.

2. Establish a committee, or name an existing committee or individual in each congregation to identify environmental issues, launch action programs, and communicate with the Monitor.

3. Develop environmental education material for congregational use, including Religious Education resources for children, young people, and adults. Promote similar environmental education in the school system.

4. Collaborate with other religious groups and interfaith organizations to promote environmental awareness, and work with such groups when specific environmental issues arise.

5. Collaborate with environmental labour, business, community and other organizations where appropriate for the promotion of values expressed in our Environmental Principles.

6. Make representations to federal, provincial and local governments emphasizing the priority required by environmental issues, and pressing for action where needed.

7. Develop working relationships with media to raise public awareness of environmental issues and positions taken by Canadian Unitarian Universalists.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, Canadian Unitarian Council, May 20, 1999

Proposed Environmental Actions

1. Promote the concept of an Earth Charter, as presently being considered around the world for adoption by the United Nations.

2. Encourage the government of Canada to ensure that this nation achieves the goal agreed to in the Kyoto convention for the reduction of global warming.

3. Promote the enactment of strong legislation to identify and protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

4. Consider and support research into and development of alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels.

5. Develop a position on biotechnology that considers its potential impacts on human health, biodiversity, global food supplies, the farm community and the economy at home and abroad.

6. Promote an Environmental Bill of Rights which guarantees all people the right to a healthy environment and requires government to enact measures that will ensure the preservation of such an environment.

7. Promote a Sustainability Act in each province to formalize a commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability.

8. Develop action plans to identify and promote lifestyle choices that will benefit the environment.

9. Encourage the Government of Canada to strengthen the mandate of the Health Protection Branch in view of weaknesses revealed during recent assessments of biotechnology proposals.

10. Urge the enactment of legislation requiring the Department of Defence and the defence industry to be financial responsible for safe disposal of hazardous materials.

Congregations have also expressed interest in developing action plans in such areas as population and economic growth, vegetarianism, urban farming, composting, and urban design with emphasis on densification.

1999

Summary of Previous Resolutions

The CUC adopted twelve resolutions on the environment and related issues between 1967 and 1988.

Most of these related to pollution of water, air and soil by human and industrial waste. There was particular concern about the delicate ecological balance in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, oceans and Canada’s territorial waters.

Almost without exception the action recommended was to urge the federal government to establish pollution control policies and standards, as well as to work with other countries and the United Nations to bring about international action and standards.

In particular, several resolutions encourage the government to support the two hundred mile limit on territorial waters, and to work through the United Nations to establish the principle of UN governance of the international areas of the world such as oceans and Antarctic regions, assuring orderly use and development, and protection of wild life.

There were also resolutions on the need to preserve reserves of fresh water, oil, gas and other minerals for the use of present and future generations of Canadians. The resolutions urged the government to structure its tax laws to maintain ownership of such resources. Another resolution recommended increased funding to research alternative sources of energy which are non-destructive to the environment.

A resolution in 1971 opposed transportation of oil by tanker until the government assured Canadians that the risk of ecological damage was minimal and less than other alternatives. There were two very strong resolutions in 1973 and 1974 against the James Bay Development, urging delay until ecological studies and studies of the human and economic costs of the development were known. Another resolution supported the Nishga Tribal Council’s condemnation of the dumping of mine tailings into Alice Arm, British Columbia.

A related activity was the study of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (the Brundtland Study) during 1989-90. Although this did not result in any resolutions (perhaps because it was so broad), many congregations participated. The Brundtland Study was the theme of the Annual Meeting in 1990, and we know that there was follow-up on this theme for some time in a number of congregations.

The written policies would allow us to continue to advocate a federal role in pollution control and energy conservation. We know that there has been concern by our congregations and many members about the individual’s role in preserving the environment, but this is not reflected in the policies. There is nothing directed to individuals or congregations, on, for example, practices to reduce, recycle or reuse materials, conservation of energy, or simpler living.

Developed from resolutions adopted in 1967, 1970 (2 resolutions), 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1988

First Nations Justice

In recognition of historic and continuing injustices suffered by First Nations* peoples in Canada and the current importance of redress, healing, and commitment to working out a new relationship between First Nations peoples and Canada, and

In recognition of Canadian constitutional principles entrenching aboriginal and treaty rights, and the Common Law position that Treaties be negotiated with First Nations as a means of reaching just and equitable settlements of rights to land and self government, and

In recognition of the need for effective implementation of existing as well as future Treaties, therefore

The Canadian Unitarian Council commits itself to solidarity with First Nations peoples in their struggles to achieve justice and, in particular, supports

1. a just and fair settlement of land rights and the rights of self government;

2. interpretation of existing Treaties in contemporary terms and full implementation of all Treaties in a timely and equitable manner;

3. an effective, fair, and timely mechanism for resolving treaty disputes;

4. an end to policies of assimilation and attempted extinguishments of aboriginal rights; and

5. The Canadian Unitarian Council encourages its members, individually and collectively, in their respective areas to

6. establish contact with First Nations communities with a view to learning more about the richness of their spirituality, traditional teachings, languages, cultures, and the problems they face, and

7. work with other groups and First Nations communities to advance the struggle for justice including respect for First Nations religious and spiritual teachings, languages, cultures, and a just and fair settlement of land claims and self government; and

Moreover, the Canadian Unitarian Council

1. supports indigenous peoples elsewhere in the world, in their struggle for justice, and notes the positive standards set, in this respect, by the United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 1993, and

2. urges Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists to provide programs and curricula about issues facing indigenous, including First Nations, peoples;

3. directs the Board of Trustees to create an ongoing national working group mandated to keep this issue before Canadian Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist societies; and to serve as a clearing house for educational resources concerning these issues; in consultation with the Board, prepare briefs, letters or press releases or other material for public release when circumstances warrant; and investigate and recommend joining appropriate coalitions.

Summary of previous resolutions

There were eight resolutions adopted between 1964 and 1995. Overall, these fell into two general categories.

a. extension of all citizenship rights to Canadian Natives, without loss of benefits obtained under any treaty or agreement with the Canadian government or local authorities;

b. ending discrimination against Indians and Eskimos (sic) in employment generally;

c. limitation of the power and scope of the Indian Affairs Branch, and an increase in the power, responsibility, and resources of the Indian people through:

i. recognition and financial support of native organizations,

ii. practical support of the principle of self-government and self-determination by the Indian people, and

iii. recognition and financial encouragement of economic and social development projects under the control of native people;

iv. establishment of migration centres for native people in urban areas to provide assistance in areas of housing, finances, education, skills and employment, and in access to social services;

v. recruitment and employment at all levels of the criminal justice system, including the Penitentiary Service and the National Parole Service; that sensitivity to native concerns and culture be a requirement for all non-native staff working with native people; that there be development of institutional programs oriented to the needs of native people.

In 1968, for example, the resolution notes that "there is a gulf between the native peoples of Canada and the immigrant peoples and the CUC urges its member societies to make a beginning at bridging that gulf themselves, undertaking programs of mutual discovery through individual and group face-to-face interactions between whites and Indians."

In 1970, when a "red paper" discussing First Nations issues was expected, congregations and communities were urged "to give highest priority to the initiation and/or encouragement of discussion of significant issues at stake to explore together how to create opportunities to become involved in applying the wisdom of the Indian heritage to the most important work of this decade - creating a society in which cultural diversity will be honoured, the environment will be appreciated and protected, and there will again be ‘a place in the sun for all living things’ as there was in this land before the white man arrived."

This concern was reinforced in 1972, when each society was urged to seek to establish effective channels of communication with native people organizations at the local and provincial level in order to assist native organizations in making known their points of view to the wider community in whatever manner deemed mutually appropriate.

In 1995, material was circulated to congregations for study and response on issues related to First Nations. A resolution was developed from this study which incorporates both concerns. It contains a commitment to work with First Nations peoples in their struggles to achieve justice, particularly in relation to land rights, treaties and ending policies of assimilation and attempted extinguishments of aboriginal rights. It also encourages congregations to establish contact with First Nations communities with a view to learning more about the richness of their heritage, and to work with other groups and First Nations communities to advance the struggle for justice, and to provide programs for their members about issues facing indigenous peoples.

This resolution was adopted at the 1995 Annual Meeting. It allows the CUC to make representation to government on issues of land rights, treaties and assimilation, and to support the development of a new relationship between First Nations peoples and Canada and encourages continuing direct contact and cooperation between our congregations and First Nations groups. Most of the recommendations in the previous resolutions are subsumed in this statement. A working committee has been monitoring this issue and periodically recommends actions or activities to the CUC Board or staff, or directly to congregations.

This summary is based on resolutions from 1964, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1978, and 1995.

Globalization

Because as Unitarian Universalists we are covenanted to affirm and promote:

· the inherent worth and dignity of every person,

· justice, equity and compassion in human relations,

· 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,

Considering that the forces and ideology of market driven economic globalization and their consequences are increasingly, and in mostly negative ways, affecting the welfare of nations, people and their value systems as well as the nature and quality of their interactions;

Considering also that the negative impacts of globalization, as observed through the lenses of our Unitarian Universalist principles, constitute major violations of the personal, social and cultural lives and values of billions of people around the globe, and

Considering that the promotion of globalization is being undertaken primarily by large transnational corporations, financial institutions and other corporate interest groups without the approval or consent of the very large majority of individual citizens or specific public interest organizations such as faith groups, labour unions, environmental groups and a broad variety of NGOs;

Considering that in general the main tenets of globalization, as it is presently invading our lives and our world, run counter to our vision of a just, equitable, democratic and compassionate world community, and

Considering that as Unitarian Universalists we have a moral obligation to bear witness to our principles and our vision:

The Canadian Unitarian Council agrees to encourage its members, individually as well as collectively in their respective areas, to

- continue to study the consequences of globalization in our own lives and in the world at large in light of the UU principles, and articulate and act on ways and means to change the course of globalization to being ethically responsible, and to infuse into our world more democratic, just, sustainable and compassionate alternatives;

- to establish and reinforce interfaith and other alliances with like minded people and organizations to achieve these objectives; and

- to implement the actions on globalization attached to this resolution.

In addition, the CUC agrees to:

- create and support ongoing efforts to develop reading materials for members and congregations concerning the impacts and consequences of globalization, and to encourage the development and distribution of materials for ARE programs, Sunday services and other events;

- establish a working group which will advise the CUC and its members and stimulate them to implement the above recommendations and the ACTIONS on globalization; this working group will be mandated to keep the issue of globalization in focus and before its members, the public and other leaders of the Canadian community and it will, in consultation with the Board of the CUC, prepare briefs, press releases, letters and other materials expressing the commitments to our principles; and

- accept the actions on globalization and ensure it will remain updated.

Approved at the 2000 CUC Annual Meeting

Human Rights

Five resolutions were adopted on human rights between 1973 and 1984. Two of these had to do with general issues of human rights, particularly with the International Conventions and Covenants on Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Both urged that Canada ratify all the Conventions. The Canadian government did ratify them in 1976. The 1973 resolution also urged the government to establish a Federal Human Rights Commission, which has been accomplished.

One of the resolutions, in 1978, expressed concern about the erosion of civil liberties in relation to language rights, and urged the Canadian Unitarian Council Board of Directors to "follow developments and be prepared to make representations to appropriate governmental and other bodies, and to join with others for their protection."

In 1976, the Annual Meeting adopted a resolution in support of the principle of "equal pay for work of equal value." This is the only resolution, apart from the ones on reproductive freedom, dealing with women’s issues.

Sexual Orientation

Two resolutions, in 1978 and 1984, dealt with human rights and sexual orientation. In 1978 the Annual Meeting encouraged "all societies and individual members to support all efforts to modify federal and provincial codes of human rights to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation."

In 1984 the Annual Meeting adopted a resolution directed at the Canadian Unitarian Council and its member congregations. It urged member societies

1. to establish guidelines for the effective inclusion and support of and programming for lesbian and gay people, and

2. to consider actively the candidacy of qualified religious leaders regardless of sexual orientation, and

3. to support religious leaders in the performance of lesbian and gay partnership services.

The two resolutions on sexual orientation are among the few which are directed at the activities and behaviour of our own membership. In the last two to three years there has been much more interest in the Welcoming Congregation program in Canadian congregations. Part of this is a result of the work of Stan Calder, who, particularly in the Western Canada District, carried out a kind of "circuit rider" function to talk about the importance of this program and its implementation. Even so, it was a couple of years before the program began to be used widely. We have had lesbian or gay ministers in Canada, and there are Interweave or other support groups in several congregations. Services of union for same sex couples are performed by our ministers and most chaplains. A number of congregations have begun participating in Gay Pride Parades and other similar activities.

Racism, Multiculturalism

It is interesting to note, in the light of the many changes in Canadian society over the past twenty years, that there are no resolutions dealing with racism, multiculturalism, or other inter-group issues aside from the one very vague resolution on language. Canadian Unitarians have certainly been aware of the UUA’s concern on these matters. Harold Rosen, inspired by discussions at the UU Ministers of Canada, launched his program, "Rainbowmaking: Intercultural and Interfaith Outreach for Canadian Unitarians and Universalists," as a Canadian response to these concerns, and it has been used in a number of congregations.

This summary is based on resolutions adopted in 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978 (2), 1984.

Legal Control of Narcotics

Between 1968 and 1976, the Canadian Unitarian Council adopted four resolutions on issues related to drug use.

Two of these related specifically to marijuana, which was determined not to be a narcotic in the accepted medical definition of the word. The resolutions expressed concern that enforcement of the Narcotics Control Act in relation to marijuana was "creating a new class of criminals among otherwise law-abiding people," and suggested that the widespread disregard of an unreasonable law "can only induce a growing disrespect for law in general." They recommended that the federal government:

1. remove marijuana from the provisions of the Narcotics Control Act and provide for its control under the Food and Drug Regulations;

2. encourage research into the question of marijuana with a view to establishing reasonable and just laws, and

3. build constructively on the findings of the Royal Commission on the Non-medical Use of Drugs.

The later resolutions deal specifically with issues of addictive drugs and their contribution to increased violence and crime. They recommend that the federal and provincial governments deal with addiction through the registration of addicts and the administration of controlled dosages, as is the case in Britain.

These resolutions could permit the CUC to lobby for more enlightened treatment of drug use and addicts than the current "war on drugs." However, without any discussion of this issue since 1976, such a position might be somewhat weak.

This summary is based on resolutions adopted in 1968, 1970, 1974, 1976.

Peace and Disarmament

The CUC adopted 16 resolutions on Peace and Disarmament between 1963 and 1986.

This activity was set in a definition of peace that went beyond absence of war or cessation of hostilities, including a broader concept of mental, physical and spiritual well-being of people. As part of its peace policy, the CUC endorsed the need to work for the absence of poverty and economic insecurity, a healthier environment, and equal opportunity for the development of human potential. It acknowledged that warfare is a waste of human and natural resources and causes needless suffering. Warfare anywhere on earth endangers the peace of the world.

Early resolutions took the position that every opportunity for negotiation should be explored and pursued to its utmost, rather than dependence being put upon armed struggle in the resolution of international disputes. Peace should be encouraged by strengthening international bodies, weakening military alliances and working toward disarmament. In 1968 the Annual Meeting urged the Canadian government to stop shipment of all types of military equipment and materials of war to any country unless the supplies were to be used in support of a United Nations peace-keeping action. A few years later, the meeting encouraged the government of Canada to refuse on principle to promote or engage in the sale of any and all war material to any other country, but instead trade only in the goods that promote human life and well being, and to provide truly impartial medical aid and relief, either bilaterally or through international channels, to victims of war or other disasters, with need, rather than political alignment, being the criterion.

Throughout this period, the major thrust of the policies was to achieve peace through disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament. Initial resolutions sought to prevent extension of nuclear arms capability and to encourage reduction of armaments; in 1976 the Annual Meeting advocated total and complete nuclear disarmament for all countries. In 1986, the delegates recommended that Canada cancel its nuclear submarine acquisition program.

In 1984, the meeting directed the Board to formulate a denominational policy on nuclear disarmament to develop and coordinate a nuclear disarmament action program for implementation by Unitarian members and societies. A number of suggestions were made for the form in which this would take place. No information is available about whether this was ever carried out.

The resolutions include recommendations that Unitarians and our congregations support other organizations with similar aims: Peace Research Institute, Amnesty International, and notably Project Ploughshares. CUC became a member-supporter of Ploughshares, and had a place on the Board for many years. We also supported Operation Dismantle, especially in its attempt to develop a "Global Referendum on Disarmament." We recommended to the International Association of Religious Freedom (IARF) that they encourage participation in the Global Referendum among their member countries.

A number of these resolutions, of course, reflect the period of the Cold War in which they were adopted. However, the commitment to disarmament and peace certainly gives us a context for supporting the current activity against landmines, and for objecting to the sale of arms as a part of Canada’s trade policies.

This summary is developed from resolutions adopted in 1963, 1964, 1968, 1974 (2 resolutions), 1975, 1976, 1979, 1981 (2), 1982 (3), 1983, 1984, 1986.

Population and World Hunger

The Canadian Unitarian Council adopted five resolutions between 1962 and 1985 having to do with issues of increasing world population and hunger. In all of these resolutions, some connection was made between a rapidly increasing world population and pressure on the food supply, as well as on other necessities of life.

The Council urged the Canadian government:

· to support international efforts to slow population increase, including provision of financial and scientific research support, direct assistance to developing countries in making contraceptive techniques available, and in 1975, to encourage ethical, non-coercive action through voluntary means toward population stabilization.

· to provide technical aid, and assist areas facing long term hunger in working out long term solutions by way of establishing infrastructure, market facilities, technical skills and agricultural methods suitable to their needs.

It urged its member societies and individuals:

· to encourage the purchase of grass finished beef as opposed to grain finished beef, the use of fertilizer for essential purposes only, and the lessening of food wastage.

These resolutions would allow the Canadian Unitarian Council to oppose restrictions on international aid supporting family planning services for religious reasons, and to support programs which make education on family planning available, and to encourage technical aid which assists people to become self-sufficient. (Collaborative projects with the Unitarian Service Committee (USC), for example their Seeds for Survival programs, might fall into this category.) Some attention would need to be paid in developing statements to make sure that language and recommendations were not coercive or heavy-handed.

The resolution which is directed to member societies and individuals might be a starting point for programs or campaigns directed at reducing consumerism, and to encourage such programs as Second Harvest, which distributes excess food from restaurants and banquets to shelters and other social organizations.

This summary has been developed from resolutions adopted in 1962, 1966, 1969, 1975, 1985.

Reproductive Rights

The CUC adopted nine resolutions between 1968 and 1986 on issues related to family planning, family life education, and abortion. Major points in the resolutions include:

· every child has the right to be wanted;

· human dignity requires that every woman have the right to decide whether or not she shall bear a child;

· social strains result from unwanted children;

· growth in population increases the demand on shrinking, non-renewable resources and finite space, as well as increasing the complexity of self-government;

· family life education, including teaching on human sexuality and dealing honestly and explicitly with the physical, emotional, moral and social aspects as a child is growing up, should be available in public schools at all levels;

· birth control information, voluntary sterilization and therapeutic abortion should be available as requested by patients in consultation with their doctors in all hospitals receiving public funds, and that federal, provincial, municipal and private health agencies should expand family planning services to all residents of Canada at all income levels.

· Some of the resolutions on the population explosion deal with these issues as well.

· The first resolution on abortion, in 1968, advocated amending the Criminal Code to permit abortion on request to any woman, under the following conditions:

· that adequate counselling services be made freely available;

· that the operation be performed by a qualified physician, and

· that except in unusual circumstances the consent of a husband be obtained or that of a parent or guardian of a girl under the age of eighteen.

In 1971 and 1974, support was given to Dr. Morgentaler and others challenging the abortion laws. In 1980, the policy was changed by a resolution which read:

"Be it resolved that the 19th Annual Meeting of the CUC promote changes in the law to permit that the right to abortion be determined exclusively by the woman in consultation with a physician."

Action was encouraged to bring about this change, including affiliation with the Canadian Abortion Rights Action League, which has continued until the present. This resolution was re-affirmed in 1980.

In October 1990 the Canadian Unitarian Council made representation to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Senate on this issue. The Executive Director has represented the CUC at a press conference and a meeting with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Department on the issue of violence directed at clinics and abortion providers.

At the present, birth control is easily available and abortion has been entirely removed from the Criminal Code. Family life education is available in some school districts.

These resolutions would permit us to take action if there were attempts to re-criminalize abortion, or to restrict access to birth control or information about sexuality. They give us no guidance for responding to current issues, such as surrogate motherhood, abortion for sex selection, cloning, or other reproductive technologies.

Developed from resolutions adopted at Annual Meetings in 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 (2), 1980, 1986.

Violence in our Society

There were two resolutions adopted on violence in 1972 and 1985. In 1994 the Beacon congregation asked the Annual Meeting to consider a resolution on violence in society. It was referred back to them to develop study materials for congregations. However, they did not pursue this.

The first resolution on violence was based on the need for an examination of the root causes of violence in order to develop practical measures to cope with it. Particularly this concerned the exploitation of individuals or groups or the denial of basic human rights,. The resolution developed out of a workshop held in Ottawa on "Violence in Our Society" in 1971. The following actions were proposed:

that members of local churches and fellowships

a. study the report of the workshop and select one or more specific situations existing in their own communities giving rise to serious individual or group concerns, and

b. develop an understanding of the problems faced by police officers and assist in creating mutual confidence between the community and the police;

that local municipal authorities, provincial and federal justice departments in cooperation with police associations,

a. require appropriate testing for applicants for police work,

b. provide compulsory refresher and upgrading courses, and

c. establish uniform principles and codes of behaviour to assist members of the police forces to cope with violence while still ensuring basic rights of citizens to engage in peaceful protests;

that the federal and provincial justice departments should

a. recommend amendment of legislation which gives undue protection to those who commit or threaten to commit acts of violence in domestic situations,

b. develop more effective control of the sale and use of firearms and other dangerous weapons, and

c. change the emphasis in the criminal field from retribution to rehabilitation.

The 1985 resolution dealt with violence on television and its impact on children and youth, and recommended both stringent regulation by all levels of government and the dissemination of information on the harmful effects of watching such programming on all members of our congregations.

These two resolutions, although ostensibly on the same subject, do not address the same issues.

The first resolution could be used in responding to proposals related to domestic violence or gun control, although there is some question about whether a resolution adopted in 1972 could be said to represent present perspectives. In addition, there has been a great deal of public discussion and legal activity in both of these areas. The last part of the resolution echoes the continuing concern of our members about the need for prisons and other parts of the criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation.

This summary is based on resolutions adopted in 1972 and 1985.

Canadian Control of Economy

WHEREAS it is essential to the full and orderly development of the economy that Canadian control of industries and resources in the country be encouraged; and

WHEREAS, on the other hand, most of us could not accept outright expropriations of industries externally-owned,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Canadian Unitarian Council 1970 Annual Meeting supports the establishment by the federal government of a Canada Development Corporation as one means to achieve this objective.

Institutional Diets

THAT the 15th (1976) Annual Meeting of the Canadian Unitarian Council urges that all federal, provincial and municipal authorities be concerned to improve the nutritional value of diets in institutions under their control, particularly in view of the increasing body of evidence pointing to a correlation between diet and the mental and emotional state of an individual.

Mental Illness

WHEREAS in many provinces care and treatment of the mentally ill has occurred in large centralized centres, treatment of which carries a social stigma; and

WHEREAS in many provinces transition from such centres to society at large has been a sudden one which may involve return to the very situation which contributed to the initial difficulty; and

WHEREAS there is often reluctance to employ those who have received treatment for mental illness;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 13th (1974) Annual Meeting of the Canadian Unitarian Council encourages provincial governments in efforts to provide care and treatment of the mentally ill in as decentralized a manner as possible, and in establishing half-way houses providing supportive services and help in locating employment.

Organ Transplants

WHEREAS organ transplantation is becoming medically prevalent; and

WHEREAS after a fatal accident, consent for a transplant has to be obtained hurriedly from the deceased’s next of kin;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Canadian Unitarian Council 1973 Annual Meeting urges its local churches and fellowships to encourage the carrying of an internationally recognized identity card to be signed and carried by individuals who wish to indicate that their organs may be used for transplanting in the event of their demise by sudden accident and that public recognition be sought for such identity cards.

Religion in Public Schools

WHEREAS religion is an individual and personal matter; and

WHEREAS presently most children are expected, if not required, to take religious instruction as a subject in the public schools;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Canadian Unitarian Council 1969 Annual Meeting urges the federal, and particularly the provincial, governments to remove religious instruction from all educational levels.

Archived Resolutions

In 1996 the Annual Meeting archived, with respect and pride, a number of resolutions for which the objectives had been achieved or where changes in circumstances made them irrelevant. For full text of these resolutions, contact the Information Coordinator at the CUC office.

Chronological List

1. Canada’s Relationship to People’s Republic of China – 1965

2. UN Peacekeeping Force for Vietnam – 1966

3. Medical Aid to Vietnam – 1967

4. Political Prisoners South Vietnam – 1968

5. Persons Seeking Sanctuary – 1970

6. Contraception and Family Planning – 1967

7. Adoption Procedures – 1963

8. Divorce Laws – 1965

9. Meech Lake – 1988

10. Full Funding to Separate Schools in Ontario – 1985