very interesting; good food for thought; I have generally not been a fan of the revision, and this reinforces my concerns
I donāt consider being a āsmart religionā a stigmaāthough I came late to UUism, in my 40s, as a 3rd-generation atheist, still not believing in a god. I am usually an outlier in any group, so my comment is likely irrelevant.
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Actually, we must review and study; we may consider revisions, but we can also decide they are O.K. as they are. I could see improvements, but I donāt think that the proposed result is enough of an improvement to vote in favor, and raises some significant concerns (for instance, anything that is āUUA to congregationā or ācongregation to congregationā [or society, or fellowship] definitely affects individual UUs).
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@ Sally Iām going to stick with my wording choice in my opinion piece (weāre not voting on my overall opinion/take on things or my wording) on A2 and my participation because as my timeline notes in it previous GAs clearly have voted against UUA bylaw changes and revisions in the past. This is in fact what weāre doing reviewing and deciding how to vote whether there will be any changes or not, and in this case I am in favor of A2 changes and one of the amendments to it.
And Iām also going to stick with my wording choice because of the wording in the charge tasked to the A2SC and I felt very much a part of things as I attended many of their open public sessions, provided my written suggestions, listened and offered input as a regular UU congregant participant.
āā¦The Commission is charged with reviewing all sections of Article II, and is free to revise, replace, or restructure them as needed to meet the objectives stated above. There is nothing sacred about the number of principles or sources, nor their specific wordings, nor in the way that Article II is laid out. We encourage creativity. The Board would like to see an Article II that is inspirational, memorable and poetic. The language should be inclusive and welcoming, and explicitly anti-racistā¦ā
Full wording here Charge to the Article II Study Commission
I donāt think we are really in disagreement; ;just a slight emphasis change if anything.
I have been somewhat involved from the beginning, starting with the 4 Questions at, I think, GA2017?, expecting there to be formal follow-up, though we were pretty much left on our own. I have tried to engage my home society, the UUJEC board (of which I am a member), and an informal āoff-site delegate listā started back in 2010 when the UUA would not share personal e-mail addresses for privacy reasons, having neglected to ask for consent in our first off-site beta-testing year (understandably, they had lots more on their plate that year.) Finding the official channels has been a mixed bag; some easy, some accidentally discovered after the fact. In any case, I think we agree that the review and study is the most important part of the process.
Interestingly (at least to me!), 2009 was my first GA ever (having been a UU since 1998, and unaware of such a thing as GA until 2008), and preInternet, there was little information before I got to read the program book (paper copies mailed to delegates) on the plane from N.J. to Salt Lake City. I voted against that change; without being involved before arrival, I was not thrilled with the new language and did not see a compelling reason to vote in favor. This time, the rationale has been more clearly stated, but the results are less then what I would wish. Still debating my vote, though leaning against. Members of my society have expressed both support for and rejection of the revision.
[edited to remove ābothā in listing 3 groups]
Greetings! Iām wondering if you know of any discussions around the Justice value, specifically around the meaning of āinclusive democratic processes?ā
Would you be able to elaborate on your thoughts here? I am having trouble following the connection between these two statements.
Okun is used in Beloved Conversations, and was required reading in the Wellspring curriculum that was used to guide conversations about Art II. The UUA pretty much affirms her work.
Well, THAT is greatly unfortunate, in my opinion. Thank you. And yes, I now see that the UUA cites Okun resources on its site for Anti-racism/anti-oppression resources: Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression/Multiculturalism Resources | New England Region | UUA.org
@ Carla. Iām not sure what you mean āany discussionsā can you clarify? I attended several open listening sessions with A2SC, stakeholder sessions, information learning sessions on it with CLF and DRUUMM and informational sessions at the last few years at GA, theological panel discussions hosted by A2SC and watched VUU panels discuss it as well as scoured the A2SC resources (though thereās a bunch of newer stuff on there I havenāt thoroughly explored.) All the values were discussed at all of them.
Growing up UU, the individual right and duty to search for truth and meaning was the most important part of what it means to be UU. That value seems marginalized by current UUA leadership. My thoughts and my truths are my own and not formed by committee.
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My understanding is that Article II is supposed to be reviewed every fifteen years to keep it current, but I am dismayed that this time keeping current was interpreted as a complete rewrite.
Replacing the principles and sources with saying we welcome people who āshare our valuesā is particularly disheartening. Which of our values are the litmus test to determine who is worthy of our acceptance? Who will be the arbitrating gatekeeper who interviews potential visitors to decide if they are people we should welcome?
Values and principles are not the same thing. I value having a roof over my head, but it is not a religious principle. We have a value-driven economy, but that does not make it a principled economy.
Rather than changing Article II, I would like to see RE for all ages explore and discuss what Unitarian-Universalism is to each of us, what matters, what we want to change, and how we can work together to bring our vision to life.
Take the best of what develops and use it for the next update for Article II. In the meantime, leave it as it is.
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I loved that there young people on the A2SC itself and in many of the listening input sessions I attended and so many folks like myself that work with children and families.
I explained in my post above my understanding of the task set before the A2SC and the timeline and this was also explained in several other places like the VUU, CLF workshops, webinars, GA sessions previous years and more.
Iām in favor of the A2 changes to the UUA bylaws. Iāve asked some in the leadership of my home brick and mortar congregation if theyād like to have the 8 principles posted somewhere physically on display especially as weāve done so much work on the 8th principle and I see that wording throughout the proposed bylaw changes/A2.
Thank you, Leilani. Iām specifically looking for discussion or material on āinclusive democratic processes.ā I havenāt yet been successful in my search and itās part of the Justice value.
I think I question the underlining reasons for the existence of a Study Commission dedicated to changing the principles? After reading UU history, I read the seven principles were adopted in 1985. And previous that sixth principles were adopted in 1961. Outside of that context, the idea that a group of people could just casually wake up one day to discard a belief system, and say weāve been wrong this whole time, we need others to join in on how we are wrong, I have difficulty adopting that view what I was told to practice was the most insensitive, oppressive , destructive, hateful, throw your negative adjectives down here, from the very same source that now tells me we were wrong to teach me that version, now get on board with this new version? I donāt particularly understand the reason for a radical change in the belief structure? I think going to great lengths to change everything all at once, instead of breaking it down into small parts, adopted over time, will complicate our own version of proselytizing on what we tell people when people ask what is a UU? It looked from what I read, that the Article II Study Commission, wants to take the proverbial wheel off the market, to deny people a wheel to use, only to make a new wheel and sell it back to people for a higher profit. Iām not sure thatās a good idea? I also think who gets to decide what does the āliving faithā mean? Why does it have to mean whatever a small group of about six people tells us it is. On top of that, I was out most of the year after the 2023 with a hip injury and most of these radical ideas at the UU GA 2023 fell on deaf ears.
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I love that this A2 review process included over 13,000 feedback, thousands of surveys, interviews, open feedback sessions, sessions at GA, stakeholder feedback sessions, workshops at GA, articles in UU world, regional outreach, and hundreds of drafts and for example 21 draft language listening sessions 2022, and many more sessions in 2023 & 2024. I feel the wording in A2 reflects the words we use to describe ourselves as UU now in current times. I gave written feedback as thousands of other UUs did submitted to the A2SC in the process throughout the years weāve been discussing it and I love seeing some of my words in it. As I stated previously above the charge tasked to the A2SC was very clear about the principles Charge to the Article II Study Commission | UUA.org and About Article II: The Principles and Purposes of the UUA
I would ask you reconsider the ableist/audism phrase about ears. Iāve been learning ASL for over 3 years and more than half of us hearing folks will have significant hearing loss as we age. I wouldnāt want to characterize anyone with a difference in hearing as being more or less closed minded than anyone else. Iāve been learning about audism - is a form of discrimination or prejudice against people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It can include discriminatory thinking that suggests people who are deaf or hard of hearing are inferior to those who are not, or a general lack of willingness to accommodate them. Audism can also involve negative assumptions about a personās abilities, education, or ability to do things in life.
I also identify as a disabled person (severe osteoarthritis with ortho surgery in '22 and MCS) while that doesnāt make me an expert on anyone elseās disability or access needs, I do know that particular phrase regarding ears is ableist/audism and since I know more than I used to, I want to do better.
Thank you.
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@ Carla. I donāt think Iāve seen it isolated as an individual discussion as it seems weāre discussing the values as interlinked. What I do recall is an excellent workshop I attended on A2 here https://clfuu.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2244389 where I felt it was covered and in VUU talk show sessions on A2.
I personally I like that A2 says inclusive democratic processes says to me that thereās more than one way. For example trying the progressive stack this year that feels like trying a process maybe itāll be great but weāre trying it out.
I also see a few white UUs conflate democratic process or representative systems to mean consensus or somehow incorporating and listening to every single personās opinions. Instead of like how mini assembly went yesterday with alternating speakers but only if we had both lines if there was only pro speakers, we stopped discussion. Therefore not every person who wished to speak got a chance to and thatās still one type of democratic process.
I also see some white UUs experience confusion when theyāre not allowed the floor or audience say in a discussion or group to say hurtful, racist things and they misinterpret a consequence to the impact of their words as undemocratic; itās like theyāve forgotten our other values.
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Hi. I am asking we refrain from making impulsive judgments? I am not trying to attack anyone. I want to reassure people that I had to stop attending UU services in the summer starting in July, because I was confined to a bed at a local hospital, and I was out of it. I was out of it because I was not attending UU services, but also I was out of it, because I was on a cocktail of drugs the hospital gave me. And I was asked to do exercises to not lose muscle mass in my hip. If people read my sentence, it talks about that. It also does not single any deaf person by name. I also spend more time reading peoples posts, including yours in order to try to understand what everything means. Almost everything is wonky policy, which I have to ask myself, did I just understand that? Iām sorry I stepped on your feelings and now they are broken and shattered on the floor and you wonder how they will be picked up. If weāre going down the road of ableism, and my post is offensive to people with disabilities, then I need to disclose to everyone, I have mild Cerebral Palsy, and in this world of how people identify He/Him, She / her , I identify as epileptic. And Iāve been identifying as an epileptic all my life. And since weāre going down that road I see the last sentence is about education, I didnāt get my Bachelorās or Masters Degree, because traditional secondary education was difficult for me. And what other things, oh I walk with a limp. The point here I donāt need a speech about the hardship of people with disabilities, I live the life myself. And JFK and FDR are my disability role models, as well as Ad-Rock and Neil Young. I want to show good face and give you way out. Mainly because I am representing my church and I donāt think they want someone who isnāt giving of forgiveness and second chances. Right now I am just here to try to make sense of everything GA. It is not to get dragged into fights. I want to make a good impression. If you choose not to take my gift thatās your choice, but, I want to show the rest of the board, I mean you no ill will and your opinion of me is just your opinion.
I want to congratulate you on your accomplishment of learning ASL you should be very proud of yourself. Learning a different language is hard. I tried taking Spanish for my degree and that wasnāt the smartest move on my part in college. My hair used to be brown and my mustache used to be red-Iām Irish , now its grey. Age has robbed me too of my youthful vestiges. Since weāre sharing what we take as we get older, Iāve been taking acrylic painting classes in addition to my usual oil and pastels classes. I painted my profile picture.
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Thank you for your dedication to this effort and to representing your church. You had my respect already, as all here do, but the extra effort you make is greatly appreciated.
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The All Souls Church UU Sioux Falls met in convocation on June 2 to convene its annual meeting. At that meeting it unanimously affirmed its opposition to in any way changing the Seven Principles that define what Unitarian Universalism means to them. A major consideration in their decision is the benefit/cost ratio. This change does not seem to be in the best interests of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Benefits: The benefits to UUA and to its member congregations would be one or more of two things:
Membership benefit from prospective members. This would happen if prospective members were more likely to join a congregation under the changes than under the seven principles. There is no evidence or obvious reason to believe that it is the case. No benefit there.
Fiscal benefit from improved connection with UUA and with the member congregation. If the changes make individuals feel more connected with its congregation, then it is possible that they would be more likely to increase their pledge/fiscal commitment and/or their time commitment to their congregation. It is possible and likely (because of the support for these amendments) that this may be true for some congregations and some members. The opposite is also likely true. All our members joined All Souls because of our Seven Principles. Based on the congregationās actions, we expect that loss of the Seven Principles will weaken the membersā connection with All Souls and we would expect that it would exacerbate our time and fiscal challenges that are associated with a small congregation.
Costs:
Reduced Time and Money: The loss of connection to UUA and loss of time and money
Cash costs: All our printed materials, signs, website, and posters would have to be reprinted to comply with the change.
Based on costs and the lack of benefit and the fact that the congregation was particularly concerned that UUA itself seems to endorse and promote the change rather than be an unbiased actor, it took the following actions:
- Unanimously affirmed a previous resolution passed at its January meeting directing its delegates to oppose the change.
- Reduced is contribution to UUA. We have always been a Fair Share member of UUA and the 90% reduction of their commitment to UUA is a very strong statement
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