#449 | Pat Schaeffer | "Serve the needs of member congregations"

Submission 449
Pat Schaeffer
Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware

What is your suggestion or idea?

Proposed: Section C-2.1. Purposes.

The Unitarian Universalist Association will devote its
resources to and use its organizational powers for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes.

Its primary purposes are to is assist congregations in their vital ministries, support and train leaders both lay and professional, to foster lifelong faith formation, to heal historic injustices, and to advance our Unitarian Universalist values in the world.

The purpose of the Unitarian Universalist Association is to [add: serve the needs of its member congregations] actively engage its members in the transformation of the world through liberating Love.

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

The proposed C-2.1. Purposes represents a fundamental shift in power from the congregations to the UUA. It is essential that the current purpose of the UUA- to serve the needs of its member congregations- be preserved.

The proposed purpose of the UUA-to actively engage its members in the transformation of the world through liberating love-is vague and not defined.

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

No-My congregation did not have a process whereby members could raise these concerns.

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I completely agree the new wording would make a wholesale change to the role of the UUA, and it’s probably one that they are not equipped to take on. That said, you may want to consider #59 which also adds The Association fosters freedom of belief and actively supports its members to transform their beliefs into loving actions. so as to affirm our respect for divering views and a range of valid paths to live our values.

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