Submission 76
Margie Storch
Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) 6625
What is your suggestion or idea?
Current: 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 is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.
Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:
Suggestion: Section C-2.2. Values and Covenant.
As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our association, to support one another in our ministries.
Love is our shared values in action. We are accountable to one another for doing this work.
Inseparable from one another, our shared values are:
What is the reason for your amendment idea?
I believe congregations can be supportive of other UU ministries but each UU congregation determines their own priorities. Therefore, I would delete “and assist” which may not always be possible. Less words are often more memorable. I deleted second sentence as I believe Section C-2.3. Inspirations addresses that topic.The current definition of Love sounds to me like a superpower that automatically exists like gravity. Simply, Love is our shared values in action. It doesn’t matter what we feel, believe or think if we don’t act on our values. I deleted other text that is repetitive. Keep it short and sweet! Enacting all of our values requires discipline - not particular to Love. Also, use “our shared values” instead of “these shared values” to strengthen the idea of community.
Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?
Yes, the Religious Humanists affinity group of UUCC discussed the Article 2 proposals in 2 meetings (March & April 2023). Responses were generally supportive but some members don’t like using the word “accountable.” Each of the UUCC members were encouraged to submit their ideas individually (as I am) as getting 100% agreement is like herding cats!