I believe we need to actually mention the broad religions that are welcome here. As a Pagan, not knowing that Paganism is accepted was one reason that I waited so long to join and it was worded in the 6 sources. We need to announce all the non Abrahamic religions.
Please see amendment #51 that was prioritized and presented at GA but opposed by the Commission and subsequently voted down. (Previously amendments #460 and #147.) We left the “religions” language general in this inclusion, re-editing, and integration of the Sources with the new Inspirations language. We recognized the problem the Commission cited of the thorny inclusion problem and agreed that there should be a convening of a group of experts and interested and parties, such as religious scholars and educators, those who have been working to add specific religions, and those groups who worked to have the Sixth Source passed. The “earth centered” language was among the last we removed because of the problem of listing/describing/grouping the different religions. This was a difficult decision. We responded to questions about friendly amendments to our amendment on thread #51 but were told no friendly amendments would be allowed to be added or discussed during GA and were told not to send an email affirming changes we were willing to make.
For those whose amendments were not heard but who are still staying in the conversation, I understand that this site will be locked on Tuesday. Our lay-led public Facebook group, Blue Boat Passengers, created for discussing Article II and GA, will remain open for commenting a couple weeks longer (and still be visible for viewing as a public record afterwards).
Blue Boat Passengers: Info & Constructive Discussion re Article II, etc. | Announcement: This group will soon be suspended | Facebook
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 (please read pinned post and 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.”