Hi, @courtwrightj01 , @SuzanneZilber , @Margie , @Steward , @Merr , @Stephanie, et al:
Sorry for the delayed reply. We are listening and took some time to discuss and try to really understand the history and intent of previous and ongoing feedback processes.
This amendment went through much collaboration, with input from our delegates, congregants, and many others, before being prioritized for possible presentation in its current form. As co-editors, we do not feel we can make or promise specific changes without a similar–or broader—weighing in.
We do encourage people to please continue giving feedback, but realistically, we aren’t able to schedule another such intensive collaboration before GA. For one thing, while @Janet 's congregation has already weighed in fully, my congregation’s poll and final info meeting on GA is not till Tuesday night, leaving delegates only one full day to discern and consult about feedback they will receive.
Our congregants, and indeed our delegates, have varying views on Article II. Janet and I did our very best to incorporate all concerns in case our amendment does get passed, but further discernment is now in the hands of the delegates. Additionally, there are the wishes of others who already responded. Finally, we wish to retain the spirit and much original language of the Commission’s “Inspirations,” while also seeking to restore and update key Sources.
We do remain open to further discussion and friendly amendments that attract significant support through a similar broad collaboration. Realistically, the first time this can happen is at the mini assembly, where our delegates will be present and fully briefed about the congregation’s wishes. Next, maybe this could happen at the open mike via a straw poll after “pro and con” suggestions, if there is time.
Additionally, we expect the Commission may make further changes as they tweak and adapt any passed amendments, and we support this. Perhaps the “indigenous” and “human knowledge” versus “understandings” questions are best addressed here. Finally, we wholeheartedly support continued long-term revisiting of the Inspirations/Sources section, as cited by @CharlesD here (comment 17):
Our amendment is a best effort to seek compromise and reconciliation between the existing Sources and the proposed Inspirations that might work for most UUs, perhaps in part as an intermediary step reflecting us at this point in our journey together. It is not intended to be the final word.
I do sympathize with the frustration @Merr , @klsteb2 and others have expressed with aspects of the process so far. However, I also believe that if we genuinely strive to get as far as we can with a mutually respectful synthesis, we may create enough of a shared vision to build on together, going forward.
As far as @Margie 's suggestion of changing from “respect” to “aware of,” we don’t believe this change could be incorporated without overriding the well-documented wishes of many and the intention of the Commission. There is good discussion of this in a prior thread, here (see for example, comments between 40 and 93):
However, this language-- the “life-affirming wisdom” and “With care and compassion for every person’s individual path, we discern, balance, and build upon the sources of Unitarian Universalism”–was intended to help balance the concerns you mention with how we all too often give short shrift to cultures whose wisdom and traditions we incorporate.
@Steward : As far as the “indigenous” suggestion, you asked where this shows up in our document. This would be the same language explained above:
“We respect the histories, contexts, and cultures in which the life-affirming wisdom we draw upon was created and is currently practiced”
As noted, this might best be left to the Commission to determine if “indigenous” is needed as further amplification of this language. But this could certainly be discussed in the collaborative friendly amendment process described above, if there is time.
Thanks, everyone, for your continued valuable insights on our amendment and participation in this process!