Submission 303
Rick Holmgren
UU Church of Meadville (Meadville, PA) 7313
What is your suggestion or idea?
In Section C-2.2. Values and Covenant: Amend the description of Justice to read,
Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression through our own introspection and individual actions, and through . We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions in our congregations, this Association, and our interactions with the world at large.
What is the reason for your amendment idea?
In the originally proposed language, “support” seems like a very weak verb in comparison to “covenant,” and I believe the intent here is (or should be) to suggest a covenantal commitment to inclusive democratic processes. By conjoining the use of inclusive democratic processes with our covenant to dismantle oppression, the suggested change makes our commitment to democratic processes clear.
Including language about our own introspection and individual actions reminds us that the creation of a beloved community must start at home, a truth that is too easily overlooked in a rush to judge others.
Finally, it is important to state clearly that our commitment to inclusive democratic processes extends to all facets of our lives together, and so naming that becomes important.
Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?
We have had two meetings after Church to discuss the proposed Article II revisions. Each was attended by about 20 people, a significant portion of our regular attendees. There was a strong sentiment that we had to make our commitment to democratic processes clear.