Insert new Section C-2-2 Historical Principles (after Section C-2.1 Purposes and before C-2.2 Values and Covenant, changing the numbering of that and subsequent sections according (=+1)
Historically, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenanted to affirm and promote:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
These principles remain important to the identity, moral orientation and spiritual journey for many Unitarian Universalists. Evolving from this historical framework, and consistent with our Living Tradition, the following Values and Covenant section expands the vision and calling of Unitarian Universalism.
The following fifteen amendments also seek to add the current Article II, Section C-2.1 “Principles” (with some modifications) to the Proposed Revision: #2 - Kenneth Button #3 - Eric Burch #9 - Merridy McDaniel #29 Jim Hall #41 Dick Burckhart #44 Nancy Henley #84 Becky Sandman #49 Kara Stebbins #58 Patrick Deak #59 Lurine DeVos #61 Jan Radoslovich #66 Pablo deVos-Deak #78 Marsha Bates #79 Chris Stotler #83 Linda Richardson #84 Becky Sandman
Thank You, Becky (and others) for proposing this. I will support whatever amendment has the most ability to place the 7 principles back into article II.
There are 17 prioritized amendments for consideration of retaining some form of the 7 (or so) principles.
Of those amendment 59, 61, 66, and 84 provide for language that will integrate better with the rest of the SC revised Article II.
Perhaps the authors of these 4 amendments can settle on a course of friendly amendments that will provide a better result, should the overall will of delegates express an interest in retaining a form of the 7 (or so) principles in an amended revised Article II.
amendments 2, 3, 9, 10, 29, 41, 44, 49, 58, 78, 79, 83, and 85, appear to me to, either not provide transition language that places the historical principles within the revised Article II, or the amendments ask for greater change or to remove some (or all) of the remaining SC revised article II - beyond the 7 (or 8) principles. As a delegate, I would not likely support these amendments in their current form and perhaps there could be work to find accord with the amendments above.
Anyone who wishes to use the Blue Boat Passengers group for finding each other and coordinating to do the 15-congregation amendment process may do so while the group remains open (must follow group rules).
Here are some comments about the 15-congregation amendment process, from Donald Wilson, who used to be on the GA Planning Committee:
"“Unlike how the amendment process was run for this GA (ie at the discretion of the moderators and board), the process you’ve mentioned is bylaw and subject to little to no interpretation. I wouldn’t wait however. You need to get the petition from the UUA Board Secretary in the next couple weeks, and you have to have it turned Into the Board before February 1st.”
“If one congregation has a thought, send an email to 50 others and say “we are discussing X. What do you think?”
That is also the kind of thing that we have District and Regional assemblies for, both in person and virtual.
That is also the type of thing your religious professionals should be talking about at their regular meetings with their colleagues like minister Association chapter meetings.
It is the responsibility of your board president and other trustees to be deeply aware of the affairs of your closest congregations.
You discover by being in relationship and talking to one another.
You coordinate by email and phone call, same as we have for the last quarter century.”
“You don’t even have to have a congregational vote. You just have to get their board to sign off.” ETA: You must check this–rules vary by congregation. Also, look for the UU Governance Lab group on Facebook to connect with Donald Wilson directly.
Also, a comment from another member who was participating on Discuss:
“Some of us are connecting on Slack, mainly to remain in contact with others interested in specific amendments or the amendment process in general at GA 2024.”