The following has similarities to proposed Amendment #53.
As Unitarian Universalists, we [use, and] are inspired by, [sacred and secular understandings that help us to live into our values.] the world’s religions, and wisdom traditions, by indigenous knowledge, by humanist teachings, by science and other secular sources of knowledge and meaning, by the arts, which open our hearts to life’s joys and sorrows, and by the direct experience of wonder and mystery which expands our minds and spirit . We respect the histories, contexts and cultures in which they were created and are currently practiced. These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary, difficult, and joyous times. Grateful for the religious ancestries we inherit and the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom.
Amendment without editorial marks:
As Unitarian Universalists, we are inspired by the world’s religions, and wisdom traditions, by indigenous knowledge, by humanist teachings, by science and other secular sources of knowledge and meaning, by the arts, which open our hearts to life’s joys and sorrows, and by the direct experience of wonder and mystery which expands our minds and spirit. We respect the histories, contexts and cultures in which they were created and are currently practiced. These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary, difficult, and joyous times. Grateful for the religious ancestries we inherit and the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom.
General Reasons for Amendment:
After consideration of the many submissions that asked for more reference to sources, I see the #85amendment development as achieving the balance of naming sources without losing the continuity of Inspirations as part of the overall revised six values and Article II tapestry.
My only change to what Becca finally submitted was to include humanist teachings and not the phrase " that challenge us to create a better world for all." I would keep that phrase if the description of named inspirations was not already long and if it was clear that humanist teachings are not the only source that challenges us to create a better world.
Other than that change this submission is hers. I am reminded that submissions should be distinctly different, but I am adding mine to emphasize the need to name the inspiration and not leave it just to the binary of what is sacred and what is secular. It is my hope that by providing the backgound and reasoning for this amendment that my fellow delegates would consider voting for it.
In the final review, I agree with #85’s author, that the focus of an amendment should be on the inclusion of named inspirations (sentence 1 and 2). I came to the conclusion, as much as I worked at it, the Study Commissions text contained the tone and completeness of the relationship I have to inspiration as a member of a UUA member association. The last three sentences remain unchanged.
Specific Reasons for Amendment:
strike “use, and”: the list of inspirations that follow “we are inspired” are not always in use or ours to use. It is enough to state we are inspired. “use, and” could be left in as well but being frugal with the number of words is a further reason to let of “use, and”.
strike: ", sacred and secular understandings… . Secular is kept and sacred is described in the suggested amendment named inspirations that follow: “the world’s religions, and wisdom traditions, by indigenous knowledge, by humanist teachings, by science and other secular sources of knowledge and meaning, by the arts, which open our hearts to life’s joys and sorrows, and by the direct experience of wonder and mystery” I appreciate the succinct and elegant “sacred and secular” as it avoids the naming of inspirations that might leave one excluded, but lets try this amendment on for size. I think it does the work of naming inspirations comprehensively, evenly, and without losing the continuity of the original Inspiration text.
strike: “…that help us to live into our values.” Inspirations can serve many purposes including helping UUs live their values. Help is described in a sentence that follows - retained from the SC revision “These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary, difficult, and joyous times.” Help described, the phrase “that help…” may not be needed. Further the balance of Article II contains the statement “live our values.”
Process used to reach recommending this amendment:
For the Study Commission revised Article II inspirations. I reviewed 13 amendment requests for keeping most or all of the sources (most were short requests to restore the 6 sources). I reviewed about as many for changing the draft of Inspirations offered by the Study Commission, but not for the return of a statement for each source.
What I saw most common was the request to include “direct experience” “mystery and wonder” I appreciate #364 Karen Zindell’s brevity and content and particularly like the phrase “prophetic words and deeds”, though I defer to the SC structure.
#277 Meta Thayer came up with a flowing way to include “earth-centered traditions and humanist teachings”
I followed #85 Becca Boerger most closely as her exploration and coalition was very comprehensive and closest overall what I was looking for in Inspirations-
The amendment I submitted makes a minor change to Becca’s amendment. I proposed this on the same thread #85 so that others can follow the conversations leading up to the amendment.
I have been in communication with the other 4 delegates from UU Church of Davis and with our Reverend. Our congregation does not have a tradition of informing our delegates as to how to vote at GA. Our congregation members have not organized to create amendments to Article II and have left it up to our delegates. Our 5 delegates have only sought to create 2 amendments , one for Purposes and one for Inspirations.
Consideration of this amendment comes after thorough review of the potential amendment submissions, extensive, if condensed, review of the Study Commissions work and dialogue with my fellow delegates who have been at this longer than I have.