What began in the Wall Street financial district of New York City this September, sparked “Occupy” protests in Canada and around the world. Many found voice during a time when increasing numbers of Canadians are anxious about their future, and are questioning whether governments and corporations’ decisions are truly for the benefit the majority.

The Canadian Unitarian Council has resolutions that speak to many issues that are related to protesters’ concerns. Economic Justice, Environmental Integrity, Globalization, Peace, Democracy, as well as Racial, First Nations, Religious, Métis and Inuit Justice and Equity are areas where we’ve spoken out, using our collective voice to identify shortcomings in public policy and personal choices.

The protesters took to the streets to draw attention to the fact that for too long, many of our systems have failed to protect the most vulnerable among us. According to a recent report from the Conference Board of Canada, the gap between rich and poor is growing much faster in Canada than it is in the United States (even though the US currently has a larger gap).

Canadian Unitarians recognize that it is both a moral and religious imperative to speak out when we see social, environmental, or economic injustice — our principles demand we do this. A central requirement of effective democracy is an engaged citizenry. We are seeing democracy in action!

Photo: onlyandrewn (Creative Commons)