In June, I attended General Assembly, joining thousands of UUs in conducting the business of our UU Association. I loved the invitation we received as congregational delegates: to approach the business meetings as though we were attending worship.
I lit a chalice, and took some deep breaths: saying to myself, “breath in peace, breath out love."
Over the 18 hours of business meetings, we considered changes to the Principles and Purpose of the UUA, also known as Article 2. Two-thirds of the delegates at GA were required to pass the new language – 80 percent of delegates voted in favor.
We also considered a Business Resolution offered by the UUA’s Board of Trustees entitled “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values.” The resolution supporting transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people, was approved with 92 percent in favor.
UU delegates also voted for social justice resolutions that support the need for humanitarian work to address climate change, solidarity with Palestinians, and centering love amid the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delegates adopted a Responsive Resolution that calls for the immediate release of all Hamas-held hostages.
UUA’s President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, remarked, “This is a historic moment for Unitarian Universalism, as we move our living tradition forward to focus on shared values that will help promote liberation, radical inclusion, and communal care both within our church and across society…I am so proud of the work that our congregations, volunteers, UUA staff, and especially individual UUs have put in throughout this discernment process. It demonstrates how functioning democratic processes can be used to create change that is just and equitable.”
Read the full article here:
https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/new-language-core-values
And another great article in UU World:
With gratitude,
Rev. Victoria