Social Justice
"...Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
From the beginning, UBC has been made up of people committed to justice, first ending slavery, then gaining women's suffrage, ensuring intellectual and academic freedom, the freedom to teach the theory of evolution, civil rights, human rights, peace and nonviolence, environmental justice, and equal rights for our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters. For many of us, working for the reign of God on earth is a spiritual act, a form of worship and of prayer.
anti-racism
UBC has a congregational commitment to anti-racism. We participate in racial justice organizations and have an anti-racism group that meets monthly to learn how to become actively anti-racist. We engage in constant reflection and dialogue about what reparations might look like and how we can be an anti-racist congregation.
Partnership to confront racism
In 2021, UBC became part of Churches that THRIVE for Racial Justice, a five-year project of the Alliance of Baptists in partnership with the Lilly Endowment and sociologists of race and religion. It's a cohort of 26 congregations across 19 states and two Canadian provinces learning to confront structures of racism. We are now in Year 2 (evaluation and reflection) and excited about this work.
Anti-racism group
We meet the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm to discuss how to become actively anti-racist. For more information about upcoming meetings, contact Pastor Doug Donley: pastor@ubcmn.org.
peace
UBC leadership and members regularly participate in protests and marches for peace, as well as peace-related advocacy. Our pastor can regularly be found at the State Capitol advocating for peace. Most recently we participated in marches in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder and protests against the occupation of Minneapolis in 2026, among others.
Immigration
We believe that immigration makes our communities stronger and more vibrant. We have a long history of helping our immigrant neighbors, including helping resettle four Karen families in the early 2000s. We continue to actively work to assist immigrants and asylum seekers.
lgbtq+ rights
We are proud to be a welcoming and affirming congregation. We host LGBTQ+ weddings, have a presence each year at Twin Cities Pride, and joyfully celebrate the rainbow of our queer siblings.
food insecurity
For 30 years, we served meals at Loaves and Fishes II in Minneapolis. We also hosted food pantry in Dinkytown. We currently provide meals at Marcy School through Every Meal.