Submission 232
Kenji Yano
First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) 5232
What is your suggestion or idea?
Drop the words ““dismantle”” and ““accountable”” in Article II.
What is the reason for your amendment idea?
I believe that activities potentially resulting from using words like ““dismantle”” and ““accountable”” could actually block us from truly becoming a diverse, multicultural community. From my observations, many people of color including immigrants, especially if they are traditionally religious, tend to have more conservative views on women and LGBTQ issues. If we ““dismantled”” their traditional cultural views, it would seem difficult for us to build a multiracial, spiritual community. Additionally, holding them ““accountable”” for their views due to their upbringing, which they didn’t intentionally choose, might contradict the existing UU 1st principle (we don’t believe in original sin). Instead, we should innovate our ways to build relationships with traditional POC communities and work with them so that they become awakened about the rights of women and LGBTQ people.
Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?
I have shared this idea during multiple meetings to discuss the proposed 8th principle / Article II in my congregation. I have also shared this idea at an inter-congregational forum to discuss Article II. I have received positive feedback.