April 18, 2024
Dear Members and Friends,
This past Sunday, I shared why I’m passionate about Unitarian Universalism and addressed the current proposal of the Unitarian Universalist Association to recast our central commitments. Following the service, a discussion ensued about this proposal. I understand that this was the first time many of you heard about “Article II,” the proposal to replace Article II of the UUA’s Bylaws. It was first proposed two years ago, and now this proposal will be voted on at the UUA’s General Assembly in late June.
Ever since I came of age, I’ve held the UU Principles and Purposes dear. When the UUA recently proposal includes replacing the Principles and Purposes, I was suspect. I didn’t like the sound of it. Currently UU congregations are expected to covenant to affirm and promote the seven (or eight!) principles and purposes. The proposal includes a significantly wider covenant with congregations that includes the spirit of the Principles and Purposes as well as a covenant to hold members accountable to behave in alignment with our shared values. Accountability can be a loaded word within a faith tradition that has long championed independence!
As I’ve learned more about the proposal to recast Article II in the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association, it’s been growing on me. I believe strongly in “centering love.” The principles are recast in a wider theological context, with love at the center.
On May 19, I will join you for the next conversation about the current proposal for Article II. At that gathering, I would like to not only have people share but to hear how people would hope our delegates to General Assembly would vote on the proposal in late June. There is an especially good article shared with me by Rev. Terasa Cooley. It is written by Cynthia Landrum who I met in seminary. Read it HERE.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say that in some congregations there are a number of people who share highly negative, judgmental comments, often in emails—or worse take their negative comments about someone to others. It’s human to engage in this kind of behavior, but it emerges not from love, not from the kind of people we are called to be. Would you agree that such toxic behavior needs to be called out when it occurs? I know it’s not an easy habit to cultivate but that is the work of calling one another back into covenant with one another. Do you want this congregation to operate with love at the center? Do you want to be a part of a congregation where we seek to hold one another tenderly—and encourage those who become especially abrasive and condescending to return into covenant?
Last Sunday’s service was a great opportunity to remind everyone that our congregation is in an interdependent relationship with other Unitarian Universalist congregations. I know that Covid and recent congregational challenges, including Rev. Morehouse’s resignation, has distracted many of you from what is going on at the Unitarian Universalist Association.
This year General Assembly, the national assembly, will be held online. Given how accessible it is, I hope all who value—or wish to explore—your Unitarian Universalist identity will consider attending. If you have interest in being considered to serve as a delegate, please contact
Stapley Emberling. I shall recommend to the board that they request of our delegates to vote on the current Article II proposal in line with the spirit of our congregation. If we have a 50-50 or a 75-25 or a 35-65 split, then the delegates would be requested to cast their votes accordingly.
It’s an honor for me to serve you all, and I look forward to serving you a second year. If you missed it, check out Dan Woog’s article about the renewal of my contract—and of this congregation! It’s HERE.
Don’t hesitate to share with me your perspective. Two of the greatest opponents of Article II happen to be my father and a dear colleague from the Pacific Northwest—and I love them dearly! Several of the strongest defenders of Article II happen to be former classmates at Starr King School for the Ministry—and I love them dearly!
What’s important to me is that this congregation serves it’s mission faithfully so that you all can benefit one another’s lives and embody our values in the wider community. What’s important is that you have the space to share openly and honestly what is important to you—and you want to be together as a congregation. This is your work during this transitional shared ministry, and I’m honored and grateful to have the opportunity to walk with you during this time.
Warmly,
Alan
