Submission 41 Jim Schaefer First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) 5232
What is your suggestion or idea?
Leave it as is. Do not make any changes to the existing Article.
What is the reason for your amendment idea?
I am having trouble understanding how the new proposal improves the Unitarian Unitarian message, direction and focus. The new language is longer and less specific. When people ask me what Unitarian Universalism is about I can quickly refer them to the seven principles which concisely convey ideas that are easily understood. I don’t think it is necessary to change because everything trying to be said in the new language is already in the old.
Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?
I agree that we need principles and that our existing principles are easier to grasp than the proposed values statements, but I do think they need updating, as principles, not values. I also feel strongly that we should keep the Sources in Article II and also update them. I can see why some might also want action-oriented values statements. If this is the decision of GA, I think they could be added to an Article II that still contains the Principles and Sources as a means of clarifying our mission to live our values and promote them in the world.