On Thursday, we, the members of congregation at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, will restore our “Black Lives Matter” banner in a recommitment to our Unitarian Universalist principles, honoring the worth and dignity of every individual and seeking justice, equity and compassion for all.

Last winter, members of our congregation followed a course of study about racial justice. Recent publications, in particular the book “The New Jim Crow,” have added much to historical scholarship of slavery, its economic basis for modern capitalism, and the persistence of racial discrimination in matters of employment, financial dealings, housing and criminal prosecution long after the civil rights movement. In addition to this devastating history, we were exposed regularly to video showing the taking of the lives of unarmed African Americans.

At our service on Jan. 24, those members presented what they had learned from their studies, and our congregation subsequently posted the “Black Lives Matter” banner at the front of our church. The writings of our church members are posted on our website, uupeterborough.org/content/black-lives-matter.

As Unitarian Universalists, we do not follow a religious creed, or statement of beliefs. Instead we commit ourselves to following several principles as guidance for our actions in life (uupeterborough.org/sevenUUprinciples).

The first of these principles is the inherent worth and dignity of every person. One might say that each life matters and is due respect and value. This goes for any person, regardless of race, color, age, gender or religious beliefs. When we see many black individuals not accorded that basic respect, it deeply disturbs us.

The second principle is justice, equity and compassion in human relations. We strive to bring all individuals into human relationships based on these qualities. We see black people speaking out, asking for justice and fairness in our society, and we support that struggle.

Another of our principles is the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. When we delve into the history, when we hear the stories from our black citizens, and listen to their anger and frustration, then we begin to understand the depth of the wounds of racism.

The stories of black lives cut short assault us almost daily. The protests against excessive force by particular police dominate the nightly news. Then in Dallas and Baton Rouge, lone disturbed gunmen targeted the police officers themselves.

The national events often leave us wondering if there could be a different, less violent way. Issues such at providing mental health and substance abuse treatment, support for our troubled veterans, and sensible gun regulation come to mind, in addition to addressing racial discrimination.

If we are to have a just society, we must have a strong social contract with those who serve as our police, who are individuals of any race or gender. We have given them powerful authority and daunting responsibility to enforce our laws. We owe them the best in training, both technical and interpersonal; the most suitable equipment and expertise; and clear delineation of the duties and limits of that authority, and of consequences if breached. We strongly support them, and ultimately honor them for sacrifices they make in the line of duty. They are integral to our work toward the goal of a peaceful society.

The Rev. Diana McLean, who began her ministry at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church on Aug. 1, says, “Too often, people see or hear the phrase Black Lives Matter and react as though it were saying ‘Only black lives matter’ or ‘Black lives matter more than other lives.’ In actuality, what the Black Lives Matter movement is saying, and what we are affirming, is that while black lives should matter equally with all other lives, they have not, both historically and in the present. We are called, as Unitarian Universalist people of faith, to work toward a day when we will no longer need to state that black lives (or any particular lives) matter, because all people will be respected equally and all lives will be held as sacred. Until that day arrives, we will continue to stand with those who struggle for true equality and freedom – which in this case, means saying without hesitation that Black Lives Matter.”

In May, our original Black Lives Matter banner was stolen. The history of racism is still with us; its attitudes and effects are ongoing. So we restore our banner. We reaffirm our commitment; we work for a just and equitable society. We invite you to join our effort.

The Governing Board, Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church

Phil Jones, president

Peter Harrison, vice president

Meredith Martin, clerk

Susan Stanbury, treasurer

Rhonda Barkley

Miriam Dunn

Anne Huberman