#82 | Margie Storch | Transformation, Not Share Values

2023 Article II Amendment Idea Submissions Amendment Ideas
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Submission 82
Margie Storch
Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) 6625

What is your suggestion or idea?

Current: 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.

Suggestion: Section C-2.4. Inclusion.
Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have 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 embrace all persons. We commit to being an association of congregations that empowers and enhances everyone’s participation, especially those with historically marginalized identities.

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

Don’t need the word “traditionally” in the first sentence.

Are we only going to welcome or embrace those who share our values? We need to meet people where they are. People may come to UUism because they don’t want to adhere to a particular creed but they may need to learn about some of our other values. Transformation is a process that we covenant to support and encourage each other through. We state: “We commit to being an association of congregations that empowers and enhances everyone’s participation …”

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). Strong support for deleting ““who share our values from third sentence.”” Each of the UUCC members were encouraged to submit their ideas individually (as I am) as getting 100% agreement is like herding cats!

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I agree that it is important to change “… welcome all persons who share our values” .

First who among us will determine another’s values? By what measure? By definition, values are internal and while our actions and words may illustrate our values, they are still internal.

Agreeing to strive to live by UU principles (as explained in the current Article II of the UUA bylaws) is something we can expect of those who wish to join us. Those principles are easily explainable to anyone who will listen. The draft values, on the other hand, are confusing, wordy, and have less strength for the purpose of a legal document such as the UUA bylaws.

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