Updated Mar. 7, 2024.
What is the Article II issue about?
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), of which UUCF is a member, is in the process of updating Article II of the UUA bylaws, which includes the UU Seven Principles. Since the UUA was founded, Article II has changed numerous times (e.g., the removal of sexist language in the 1960s).
When did these current revisions start?
The UUA Article II Study Commission convened its work in the fall of 2020. Over the last 2+ years there have been numerous focus group sessions with different constituencies. UUCF has presented several opportunities to give input and will continue to do so.
Is this related to the 8th Principle?
The 8th Principle – which UUCF passed in 2021, along with hundreds of other UUA congregations – helped to inform this process. If you read the new proposed Article II values, you will see the 8th Principle embedded within the new wording.
Final proposed revision to Article II
The final version of the proposed revision to Article II of the UUA Bylaws is now available. The Article II Study Commission reports in its letter that this version “balanced a number of factors: the charge for inspirational and aspirational language, the legal implications of bylaws language, the need for plain language, respect for the will of the General Assembly in the voted-upon wording, and the depth of the conversations we have had among ourselves for the past two years.”
Delegates representing UU congregations will be voting on this final version at this year’s UUA General Assembly, June 20-23, 2024. Delegates will also hear and vote on any qualified amendments as well. Any amendments would need 3/4 approval to be incorporated – and the Article II revision would need 2/3 approval to be adopted.
Links
Video of UUCF Article II Panel
On Feb. 25, 2024, four UUCF members with differing views on the proposed changes to Article II gathered a panel to present their views and answer questions. Panelists were: Craig Bennett, Susan Bennett, Eric Goplerud, and Steve Myles.
Article II Commission Updates & Meetings
Proposed Changes to Our Principles and Purposes – Why Should We Care?
By Susan Bennett, President, UUCF Board of Directors Did you know there is a proposal to update our current Unitarian Universalist Principles with new Values in the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)? If not, maybe it’s time to turn your thoughtful reflection to this issue. I encourage you to read the entire Report […]