by Laura Wallace
Amid much social justice activity at TJMC, one group formed last summer to invite dialogue about our church’s name. The Considering Our Name committee met through November, and members also contributed to a website RevWik started which is devoted to TJMC’s anti-racism work. Although the committee is dormant for now, people have asked about our work. Here’s history, context, and an update in “Question and Answer” format.
Q: What is the “TJMC Undoing Racism Wiki?” A: A website and forum where history, resources and documents (such as minutes) can be stored and where current dialogues take place. Anyone may read or contribute! It’s a wonderful way to learn our history, what’s underway today and whom to contact for various groups. (Unaccountably, “wikis” aren’t named after RevWik, but Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia.) You can email Laura at wallace.lj@gmail.com or RevWik at revwik@uucharlottesville.org to request the link and a password.
Q: Is the “CoName” committee changing our name? A: The committee is not changing the name; only the congregation could do that. ”Considering” (not “Changing”) was consciously chosen. CoName’s mission is to facilitate a congregational consideration of the name question which has recurred, unresolved, over the years. Ultimately, the congregation would decide democratically what to do — or not do. (After groups, Cottage Conversations, and the like.)
Q: Is it all about Thomas Jefferson? A: Today, our culture is addressing the long-term effects of slavery in new ways, from renewed activism and protest to reconsidering names or monuments. So the “TJ” piece might seem the only obvious part to consider. For some it’s problematic or triggering and for others, an inspiring reminder of religious freedom. Often both. Locally, it has many ripples. But we learned that in other churches, other parts of names have mattered, too. Some ask whether a church should be a “memorial” to any one person, however important. Others grapple with the Christian overtones of “church.” Others resist “PC” concerns. Others think of “PR.” Many thoughtful, meaningful questions arise. And wordplay!
Q: Did the committee figure it out? A: Hardly. So far, we’ve raised more questions than we answered, had hours of engaging and challenging dialogue, and created and deepened friendships. “CoName” is more reflective than active, we know, but names have meaning.
Q: What happens next? A: One thing we learned was that most UU churches/communities which undertake naming considerations need almost two years to do it, so all voices can be heard. They also need a committed group of enough people to spearhead and implement a multi-step process over that sustained amount of time. By fall, we realized that we don’t have the membership to carry it forward now. There’s more current activity around public witness and urgent action, which makes great sense. And the church has other significant tasks on its plate. So the CoName Committee is on pause until a call to continue when the time is right.
Q: I’m still interested. Who can I talk to? A: Contact our current co-chairs, Laura Wallace or Jeanine Braithwaite, with questions or to be added to the CoName email list. And visit the wiki site to add your thoughts to the dialogue! (Email RevWik or Laura for link and password.)