#474 | Denise McCormack | Negative connotations and contradictions

Submission 474
Denise McCormack
Dorothea Dix UU Community (Bordentown, NJ) 6036

What is your suggestion or idea?

PART 1

The proposed changes do not reflect my understanding of the principles of the Unitarian Universalists and present negative connotations and contradictions that subvert from its mission.

Addends are reflected in bolded text. Deleted text is italicized and highlighted in gray. (Editor’s Note: strikethrough has been added to italicized text and highlight is not available in this format.)

I oppose the image.

Inspirations is wholly rejected/deleted; maintain “Sources” for clarity.

Section C-2.2. Values and Covenant.

As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.

Love, the unselfish and benevolent love for another, is the power that holds us together and is at the center of central to our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.

Interdependence.

We honor the interdependent web of all existence. We covenant to cherish Earth, the universe, and all beings by creating and nurturing relationships of care and respect. With humility and reverence, we acknowledge our place in the great web of life, and we work to repair harm and damaged relationships.

Pluralism.

We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology, declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness, and covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

Justice.

We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions.

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

PART 2
Transformation.
We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.

Generosity.
We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.

Equity. We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

Section C-2.4. Inclusion.
Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be an association of congregations that truly welcome all persons who share our values. We commit to being an association of congregations that empowers and enhances everyone’s participation, especially those with historically marginalized identities.

Section C-2.5. Freedom of belief.
Congregational freedom and the individual’s right of conscience are central to our Unitarian Universalist heritage. Congregations may establish statements of purpose, covenants, and bonds of union so long as they do not require that members adhere to a particular creed.

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

I found this formatting to be difficult. There is no strikethrough feature.

Regarding Rationale—
I don’t support revisions in general, and have provided insight as to specific objections.
Very generally, I find the wording abrasive and very dismissive of the overall principles at the heart of the community.

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