#446 | Elaine Siegel | Singular Beloved Community

Submission 446
Elaine Siegel
Unitarian Church of Evanston (Evanston, IL) 3314

What is your suggestion or idea?

Justice section: Beloved Communty, not Beloved Communities

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

""Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities “”: the draft language blurs the intrinsic meaning of ““Beloved Community”” , the prophetic vision of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Steeped in deep reflection and scholarship, forged through struggles for justice and peace, nurtured by profound relationships with Gandhi and Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. King’s expansive concept encompasses all in oneness. If the change in language is intended to denote different congregations, or the differing identities of our members, it is superficial, redundant, and misses the point. ““Beloved Community”” is a deeply-rooted spiritual practice. Amend to the singular, ““a diverse multicultural Beloved Community””, as in the Eighth Principle.

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

Yes, our congregation has had numerous discussions about Article II, including this point. Most have acknowledged this issue. Our congregation has embraced the Eighth Principle, which is consistent with my proposed amendment to the draft language.