#453 | Mary Ellen Gonzales | Remove "accountable"

Submission 453
Mary Ellen Gonzales
The UU Congregation of Santa Fe NM (Santa Fe, NM) 6122

What is your suggestion or idea?

““We promise (or covenant) to one another to do our very best to live out our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.””

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

The word ““accountable”” can be used as a sledge hammer against someone anyone else is angry with. It can be used so unfairly!

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

My minister Rev Gail Marriner

1 Like

The term accountbile could infringe on our right to follow our individual conscience. There are many paths to work toward our values, yet some think they have the only true way. Of course we should take responsibity for our actions, but focusing on love, compassion and empathy should be our priority, not holding others accountable. Maybe “Love connects us to each other, and it keeps us accountable to our values.” See #245 so that we aren’t accountable to each other or the UUA, but to our own conscience.