Submission 294 Rosemary White Unitarian Universalist Church of Cherry Hill
What is your suggestion or idea?
For the shared value it Transformation
we adapt to the changing world
Changing to
Transformation - we embrace possibility
What is the reason for your amendment idea?
more direct and it is what UU need to do
2)it’s more vibrant and action focused
current wording was when the value was ‘evolution’ and transformation is more inspired when experienced
Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?
Yes! 44 members and friends met in a hybrid class on Article II on 4/23 after the Sunday morning service on the updates. There were power point slides showing how language of the 7 Principles is still present in Article II
Had very positive response to wording “we embrace possibility” as a descriptive statement for Transformation.
Considered if it needed more- overall the simple direct or ding was most inspiring.
The covenant wording was fine as is.
absolutely agree! I was very disappointed that this was not among the priority amendments. A group of us worked on it in a breakout room at the feedback. We were unhappy with adapting to change. Not all adaptation is good. Embracing possibility is hopeful for making the changes we need. We understood that amendments that came out of that process would have priority, but it didn’t.
These threads on this site will be closed in about 8 hours. Our public lay-led Facebook group, Blue Boat Passengers, created for discussing Article II and GA, will remain open for commenting a couple weeks longer (and still be visible for viewing as a public record afterwards). Those who wish to comment there may do so. Please be sure to review the rules and the announcement about the planned suspension of the group before commenting. Thank you. Blue Boat Passengers: Info & Constructive Discussion re Article II, etc. | Announcement: This group will soon be suspended | Facebook
Those who want to use the group during the remaining time it is open for comment to coordinate for the 15-cdongregation amendment process may do so.
Here are some comments about the 15-congregation amendment process, from Donald Wilson, who used to be on the GA Planning Committee:
"“Unlike how the amendment process was run for this GA (ie at the discretion of the moderators and board), the process you’ve mentioned is bylaw and subject to little to no interpretation. I wouldn’t wait however. You need to get the petition from the UUA Board Secretary in the next couple weeks, and you have to have it turned Into the Board before February 1st.”
“If one congregation has a thought, send an email to 50 others and say “we are discussing X. What do you think?”
That is also the kind of thing that we have District and Regional assemblies for, both in person and virtual.
That is also the type of thing your religious professionals should be talking about at their regular meetings with their colleagues like minister Association chapter meetings.
It is the responsibility of your board president and other trustees to be deeply aware of the affairs of your closest congregations.
You discover by being in relationship and talking to one another.
You coordinate by email and phone call, same as we have for the last quarter century.”
“You don’t even have to have a congregational vote. You just have to get their board to sign off.” ETA: You must check this–rules vary by congregation. Also, look for the UU Governance Lab group on Facebook to connect with Donald Wilson directly.
Also, a comment from another member who was participating on Discuss:
“Some of us are connecting on Slack, mainly to remain in contact with others interested in specific amendments or the amendment process in general at GA 2024.”