#334 | Peter (Pete) Fontneau | Add "in the Service of the Common Good..."

Submission 334
Peter (Pete) Fontneau
Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church (Burke, VA) 8115

What is your suggestion or idea?

C-2.2. Justice.

Add to second covenant sentence so that it reads: ‘We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions in the service of the common good …”

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

A reaction to the proposal was a reduction in the importance of “democracy” in Article II. The current political situation in the United States and the perceived advancement of autocracy makes this a more sensitive issue. The added phrase gives voice to a certain sense of polity and the goal of world community.

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

Yes. After a Wonder Box Time for All Ages and a sermon on proposed changes to Article II, the congregation held two town halls (in person and online) for Article II change discussions. Suggestions were then referred to a working group which included all likely GA delegates. The working group refined the suggested wording.

I like this suggestion.

If the “Common good” puts comfort over, inclusion…of the culturally different…this can be “code” for exclusion…and contrary to the proposed “values”. FYI only

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