THE PROJECT

Although Asian Pacific Islanders (API) are the fastest growing racial group in the U.S., their numbers in Unitarian Universalism have not kept pace. Today, few Unitarian Universalist congregations count more than a handful of APIs in their midst, even in cities where APIs make up 30-60 percent of the general population.

API UUs remained virtually invisible in Unitarian Universalism denomination, even as the alarming increase in API hate crimes during and after the Covid pandemic has heightened the physical, psychological and social harm endured by a community that is often viewed monolithically as “the model minority.”

APIs are in fact, extremely diverse culturally, and religiously. East, Southeast and South Asians have distinct histories and backgrounds. For example, many people of Chinese ancestry are likely unchurched, although they may adhere to Taoist or Buddhist spiritual tenents from their culture. Korean Americans on the other hand, have a strong Christian community base in the United States, which may be culturally but not religiously comfortable for some.

Americans from India or Pakistan may be culturally Muslim or Hindu but seek religious community and spiritual freedom elsewhere.

By illuminating this diversity and simultaneously celebrating our common Unitarian Universalist faith, we join other communities of color and LGBTQ brothers and sisters in building the world we dream about.

THE FILM

The 45-minute documentary film in high-quality 4K gives voice to API UU experiences. Why did they seek out Unitarian Universalism? What keeps them involved? What challenges do they face in a white monocultural denomination? What do they envision for the future of this faith?

WATCH NOW

THE PEOPLE

We interviewed in 45 Unitarian Universalist Asian Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington/Boston during 2022/23. Interviews were coordinated with local UU congregations, which helped us identify individuals of API descent in each city who are leaders in their UU congregations and/or their communities.

In a short film, we were unable to include every interviewee or detailed background about these fascinating people. To address this, we are seeking additional support to create several “shorts” that highlight the contributions to UUism and social justice by individuals we interviewed. There are also numerous API UU leaders, both lay and clergy we would like to interview in the future. Your suggestions are welcomed!

STUDY RESOURCES

The Invisible No More social media campaign and website are intended to provide a free “self-serve” model for anyone who wants to personally delve into the issues raised. The discussion guide available online supports self-reflection and group discussions that are designed to galvanize UU congregants and congregations to action. We can create the UU faith of diverse cultures together.

As a follow-up to the documentary and website launch, a social media and email campaign invite congregations to consider outreach to the API community in their neighborhoods—something that may seem counter to the UU penchant to “welcome all” without regard to specific demographics. However, it’s worth noting that APIs, as a group, have similar education, political and income levels to the “typical” White UU.

With long-time immigrants or second and third generation APIs, there is no language barrier. We can most readily reach those whose families are multi-racial and multicultural. What's stopping us from trying?

COMING UP

We are seeking funding for the outreach phase of the project, which includes a targeted marketing campaign to three large congregations in high-density API communities. What we seek to find answers to questions such as:

  1. What is the correlation between an API minister or staff member and API membership?
  2. How do we change our practices and policies from monocultural to multicultural?
  3. How do we overcome the unexpressed fear of change and having non-Whites “take over”?
  4. What can we learn from congregations that are growing their API and BIPOC membership?
  5. What is the future of our faith if we continue what we've always done?
  6. What are multicultural families specifically looking for in a faith home?

I welcome hearing your thoughts, suggestions, and support on the next phase of “Invisible No More”.

THE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

Vivien Hao, Producer/Director of Invisible No More documentary

Vivien Hao has been a UU congregational leader for three decades. She is an award-winning producer and former TV reporter who has also spent 20 years helping educational institutions to increase their visibility and improve their reputation with the news media. She is an experienced anti-racism trainer and authored a grant for the first full-time BIPOC antiracism outreach/religious education position in a UU congregation.

As a co-founder of the Asian American Pacific Island Caucus (APIC) of the Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM), she is passionate about creating a welcoming and safe space in Unitarian Universalism for all, especially those who have been marginalized and seek a safe spiritual home.

FUNDING

Invisible No More has received generous grants from the UU Funding Program and the Pacific Western Region. Through Faithify, we raised $10,000 from individuals to develop online resources and begin outreach to congregations.

Your personal contributions are appreciated!