Dear UUJA'ers:
The current expression of our Purposes, Principles, and Sources is about to change. We want to be sure you are aware of this, and that there are opportunities to give feedback right now.
A commission appointed by the UUA to review Article 2 of our bylaws, which includes our Principles, Purposes,and Sources, has proposed a wholesale revision of the statement of what we stand for, and our inspirations. That new draft language is available for you to read.
The goal of the commission is a renewed expression of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist today. You will want to review the new statement to see what you notice and appreciate, or you notice and may have alternatives to suggest.
Here are a couple of examples of changes.
In the principles or values section:
Many congregations have adopted the 8th principle and this new draft includes language about our commitments to dismantling racism and other oppressions and building the beloved community.
In the sources or inspirations section:
Rather than describing six sources of our religious tradition and faith, the proposal states we get inspiration from "the full depth and breadth of sacred understandings, as experienced by humanity."
So, please take the time to review and reflect on the changes, to participate in the process, and to give feedback.
The Commission will be listening to feedback as they draft the next version to be sent on to the UUA Board, and ultimately the General Assembly in June.
Here is the draft proposed language of our Principles and Covenant, Article 2:
https://www.uua.org/files/2022-10/article2_draft_language_102022.pdf
Here is the current language of our Principles and Purposes, Article 2:
https://www.uua.org/files/documents/coa/articleii/articleii_present.pdf
Below you will see links to participate in Zoom feedback sessions this weekend and on Monday, as well as a Google Form for feedback with a deadline of November 28th.
We think it's important for us all to participate.
Your UUJA Board
With this draft completed, two more feedback sessions are being held in November. You'll need to register to attend a session. When you do, you'll receive the draft via email. We look forward to hearing from you as we help chart the future of our faith together.
Zoom Feedback Session Dates:
Sunday, 11/13 at 2 pm Eastern
https://unitarianuniversalistassociation.cmail20.com/t/t-l-ahhkttk-fxukhus-e/
Monday, 11/14 at 9 pm Eastern
https://unitarianuniversalistassociation.cmail20.com/t/t-l-ahhkttk-fxukhus-s/
You can also submit your feedback on the draft via this online Google form
https://unitarianuniversalistassociation.cmail20.com/t/t-l-ahhkttk-fxukhus-g/ by November 28. After this new round of feedback the commission will put together its proposal in early 2023 to send to the board. The proposal will be considered in mini-assemblies before the vote at General Assembly 2023.
