UUFN actively collaborates with the Newark Branch of the NAACP to address issues of systemic racism and the effects of racism on communities of color here in Newark and in the wider region. This collaboration includes advancing awareness and solutions by hosting public forums and speakers, promoting racial healing, and advocating for changes in policy and practices in Delaware’s mass incarceration system.

In 2022, The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark approved and supported the display of a Black Lives Matter banner on the Fellowship property as a demonstration of the Unitarian Universalist principle: “The inherent worth and dignity of every person.” The Fellowship commits to ongoing anti-racist and anti-oppressive education and activities.

In 2020, the UUFN was re-certified as a Welcoming Congregation. This means that the UUFN believes people have a right to love whom they choose.

We are intentionally inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and same-gender couples at all levels of congregational life.

We provide education around issues concerning LGBTQ people, and offer opportunities for advocacy that include supporting equality legislation and participating in activities that celebrate the LGBTQ community.

UUFN supports and advocates for area homeless and disadvantaged individuals through participation in a variety of local initiatives:

• Newark Empowerment Center (NEC) is a program of Friendship House, which serves those that are, or are at risk of, becoming homeless. Our Religious Education classes prepare and donate To-Go Lunch Bags and Hygiene Kits a number of times a year.
• UUFN hosts a meal once a month at Hope Dining Room, which serves hot lunches to our neighbors in need in the Brookside area of Newark. We also contribute financially to cover ongoing expenses.

UUFN provides the local community with a broad range of opportunities to learn about legislative issues through workshops, forums and panels and to join in solidarity with others around social justice issues.

We have hosted “sister” marches for national movements such as the Women’s March, the March for Science, the People’s Climate March, and marches and vigils for Black Lives Matter.

In addition, UUFN is a member of UUDAN, the Unitarian Universalist Delaware Advocacy Network, a coalition of Delaware’s five UU churches that champions actions and policies that express our UU values.

Religious freedom is a foundational principle of Unitarian Universalism and UUFN stands firmly against intolerance of non-Christian faiths. We participate with the Islamic Society, the Hindu Temple Association, the Sikh Center, Temple Beth El, as well as Christian congregations and others in the interfaith community to foster awareness, acceptance, and friendship.

Every Sunday, half of the collection at our service goes toward local non-profit organizations that are doing good for others, protecting our environment, and addressing humanitarian issues. Our congregation has contributed more than $20,000 to these groups.