Dear UUCF Community,
More than 3,400 Unitarian Universalists from across the U.S. and abroad gathered for an all-virtual Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) General Assembly (GA) June 20–23.
GA, an annual event, provides opportunities for UUs to connect, learn, and conduct important business of the association. UUCF is grateful to its delegates – Susan Bennett, Kaye Cook, Eric Gopelrud, Ed Groak, Bob Kaminsky, Steven Myles, Kendra Niehaus, Ruth Perry, Kären Rasmussen, Ashley Rothermal, Jan Taddeo, Marcia Tugendhat, and religious educators Diana Tycer, Courtney Firth, as well as Rev. David Miller – for representing a broad range of congregational perspectives in consequential and challenging discussions and votes.
The 4-year process of reviewing Article II of the UUA bylaws concluded with the adoption of the revision (with one amendment), with 80.2% of all UUA delegates voting in favor. This change places love squarely at the center, surrounded by the newly articulated values of Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and Transformation.
While some at UUCF may find this result challenging, we encourage all to be patient as we begin to become familiar with the new values and discern how we will individually and communally practice them. The UU faith tradition has weathered many changes in its history. The much-loved 7 principles and the recently adopted 8th principle remain a part of our UU heritage and continue to be available to all who find them useful guideposts in their own spiritual journeys. Close study will also show all the ways in which the wording of the 8 principles has reincarnated in the new statement of values.
A Business Resolution entitled Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values was adopted by 91.8%. The resolution declares that “Through the democratic process of the General Assembly, Unitarian Universalists have confirmed that discrimination against transgender people is incompatible with UU values and principles; resistance to transphobia is core to UU commitments of justice and liberation.” It continues with a commitment to action and identifies some possible actions.
The General Assembly also discussed and adopted three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW). AIWs pertain to current issues that require immediate action and call on member congregations and groups to take specific, meaningful action. The intention is to shape the UUA’s justice commitment through a social witness process.
- The AIW Solidarity with Palestinians, affirmed by 73.5%, calls on UUs to witness, educate, organize, and advocate. Some of the actions include calling for “an immediate, permanent ceasefire, massive humanitarian aid, the release of all captives, and an end to genocide around the world,” among others.
- Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19, another AIW, was affirmed by 86.1%. It calls for examining and processing the impact of the pandemic on UU communities, and recommitting to making congregational spaces accessible for participants who are at higher risk, and to continue shifting to a more mask-affirming culture, among other actions.
- The third AIW, World on Fire: Humanitarian Work and Climate Change, affirmed by 95.6%, calls on UUs “to recognize that a public health emergency now exists in the United States caused by climate change” and that we must advocate for the houseless and others who are exposed to extreme weather.
A Responsive Resolution was added to the General Session IV agenda: UUA General Assembly Support for October 7 Hostages, “Therefore be it resolved that the [GA of the UUA] calls for the immediate release of all Hamas-held hostages. Further, the GA of the UUA acknowledges the real suffering of Jews within our association and beyond. There can be no peace and no justice unless it is for all people.” The resolution was adopted by 77%.
When you read about the actions undertaken at GA, please reflect on the role you might play. Consider speaking with GA delegates to learn more about their experiences and perspectives as our congregation and we as individuals go about the work of our responsive and changing faith tradition.
Next year’s UUA General Assembly will be held June 18-22, 2025, in Baltimore. It will be a multi-platform event at the Baltimore Convention Center. Hopefully, more of you will be able to attend that annual gathering of UUs in person and participate in the business of the UUA as well as enjoy camaraderie with thousands of other UUs.
The following UU World article covers all of GA.
Kaye Cook and Marcia Tugendhat
on behalf of the UUCF Board of Directors