#257 | Kathryn Alexander | Power Over Approach

2023 Article II Amendment Idea Submissions Amendment Ideas
1

Submission 257
Kathryn Alexander
INUUC

What is your suggestion or idea?

I have concerns about the revised portion - shared below. We are working to discern when we inadvertently fall into old habits that support a power over approach. These habits are subtle and can pop up anywhere. I beseech you to take another look at the new recommendation as it appears to me to be coming from a caring, but power over place. I request that you go back to the original.
Warmly,
Kathryn Alexander
Original revision following Jun 2022 comments:

Interdependence. We honor the sacred interdependent web of all existence.

With humility we understand our place in the web. We covenant to care
for and respect the earth and all beings by fostering relationships of
mutuality. We work to repair the bonds we have broken.

Current revision following Jan 2023 UUA Board meeting:

Interdependence. We honor the sacred interdependent web of all existence.

We covenant to cherish Earth and all beings by creating
relationships of care and respect. With humility and reverence, we
acknowledge our place in the great web of life, and we work to repair
harm and damaged relationships.

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

I have concerns about the revised portion - shared below. We are
working to discern when we inadvertently fall into old habits that
support a power over approach. These habits are subtle and can pop up
anywhere. I beseech you to take another look at the new recommendation
as it appears to me to be coming from a caring, but power over place. I
request that you go back to the original.

Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?

I intend to take this up with the UUMFE and the UU Animal Ministry.

2

Can you clarify? I am not sure how you read the new revision as being from a “power over” place–who has power over whom, by your read?

3

I somewhat agree. Interdependence and a web is power with. Our care and stewardship is still power over, even if caring, benevolent power. Maybe brains, fire, electricity, fossil fuels and the rest mean that we are over other creatures physically. But our spirituality should be about inherent worth of all life, uplifting connections as key.