Why should your congregation join our organization?

CUREJ is a place where members of the congregations involved can more fully live their faith in their lives and communities.  We are intentionally doing what many of us don't often have the opportunity to do.  That is, deliberately creating opportunities for people of all races to come into relationship with each other.  The racial divide exists in all of our lives, and will continue as long as we let it.  Our intention is to take action and do whatever we can to cross the racial divide and ultimately transform structures of institutional racism.  Few other opportunities exist for us to do this.  Join us in stepping outside our comfort zones and engaging in new relationships.

What are the requirements for membership?

Congregations join CUREJ.  As such, individual members  must have the support and encouragement of their clergy and lay leadership to be members of CUREJ.

How do I join CUREJ?

If you have the support of your clergy and lay leadership, please contact The Rev. Josh Pawelek at 860-652-8961 or revpawelek@sbcglobal.net.  Visitors may attend any meeting to explore our process and goals.

When does CUREJ meet?

CUREJ currently meets on the fourth Thursday evening of every month 7-9. We rotate among congregations. See home page for the location of the next meeting or 'Upcoming Events' for additional meetings.

What are the goals of CUREJ for 2006-2007?

CUREJ follows an action/reflection model of learning about and working to address racism in our lives.  Our goals for this year are as follows: Reflection: 1. To explore the impact of race and racism on all our lives. 2. To explore differences and similarities in faith and culture. 3. To reflect on our collective actions for racial justice. Action: 1.  To work with the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice in support of legislation aimed at overcoming environmental racism in the state of Connecticut. 2. To conduct activities aimed at building multiracial, interfaith community, such as game nights, picnics, and worship.

Who are you funded by?

Program expenses are currently paid by grants from the UU Funding Panel, the Whitney Young Fund, and Clara Barton District Extension Funds.  In addition, congregations have been asked to match a challenge grant made by the UU Funding Panel.  Those congregations who have pledged matching funds are:

- Unitarian Society of Hartford, CT
- Unitarian Universalist Society:  East (Manchester, CT)
- Bethel AME Church of Bloomfield, CT
- Universalist Church of West Hartford, CT