By Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Community Minister
After years of diligent work, care, and focused effort, a Study Commission has presented a groundbreaking proposal to revise Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association bylaws, encompassing our faith’s Principles, Purposes, and Sources. This proposal reflects a monumental moment in our journey, aiming to align our foundational documents more closely with our collective values and vision for the future. This is a process that happens every generation.
Our Seven Principles serve as a cornerstone of our beliefs and practices. The proposed changes will bring a new set of Seven Values into Article II.
We are excited to announce that our Spring Caucus will be a special opportunity for DRUUMM members to engage in this transformative process on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pacific. This gathering offers a unique platform for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color within Unitarian Universalism to reflect on and discuss the proposed revisions that promise to redefine our Principles, Purposes, and Sources. Register at druumm.org/events (member login required)
The caucus will feature insightful dialogues led by Rev. Cheryl M. Walker and Satya Mamdani, members of the national commission (the “Article 2 Commission”), who have shepherded this multiyear endeavor. Additionally, we will host racial/cultural caucuses for deeper reflection and connection. The caucus will be moderated by our member-leaders Lia Nagase and Angeline Jackson.
This momentous event is not just a meeting; it’s a call to partake in sacred work that nurtures our spirit and shapes the future of our faith. As we hold this space, we commit to creating an environment that is both brave and safe, fostering meaningful conversations and growth.
This member-only event is free of charge and will take place virtually via Zoom. Should you need assistance with your membership login or wish to renew, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or call +1-617-221-8589.
Should you have any questions or require additional details, please contact Jolanda Walter, our Administrator, at [email protected].
Proposed UU Values for General Assembly 2024
As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.
Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:
Shared Unitarian Universalist Values
Interdependence
We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.
We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
Pluralism
We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.
Justice
We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.
We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.
Transformation
We adapt to the changing world.
We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.
Generosity
We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.
Equity
We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness.
We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.
