The 63 Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly (GA) is now completed. For those of us who attended, it was an intense, inspiring and illuminating experience and our delegates were part of a milestone in the history of our faith. Our delegates were Dave Tarbell, Barbara Coley, Karen Posey and June Cerveny. The alternates were Joanne Hammer and Laura Lesch. Our outgoing Interim Minister, Rev. Dr. Madelyn Campbell, and our DRE, Deb Little, also attended. Here are some highlights:

• This year’s Berry Street Lecture, the oldest continuous endowed lecture in the US, preceded the opening of GA as has become the custom. This is intended for our UU Ministers. It was given by the Rev Kim K. Crawford and was entitled “Mystery Loves Company: The Power of Mystery and Awe In Our Spiritual Lives.” Being able to attend this year was a true privilege.
• GA activities: Participants got to choose from 60 prerecorded workshops, featured presentations, cohort special interest groups and daily worship services. Our delegates will be sharing some of their experiences with you in the weeks to come.
• In accordance with our 5th Principle, the right of conscience and use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large, all major decisions are debated and decided directly by votes of the delegates during the General Sessions at GA. This year some proved to be transformative.
• The Bylaws of the UUA include a provision to review and update the Bylaws every 15 years. This process (long overdue by the way) has been completed, and the most important part to this assembly of the 16 articles that make up the UUA Bylaws was the proposed revisions of Article 2. This is where the covenant, the purposes, the values and principles which unite us as UUs and the sources which guide us are specified. Our congregation has been studying these proposed changes for the past two years, and as most of you know, the 7 Principles and 6 Sources have been reformatted into six connecting values of Equity, Interdependence, Pluralism, Justice, Transformation, and Generosity, all arising from the core value of Love. Each of these values is described by a three-phrase definition, where the 7 principles along with the 8th principle, which our congregation adopted last year, are found in more up-to-date language. The description of our sources has been condensed in words, while expanded in scope. The full text can be found with a search on the http://www.UUA.org website, or a copy may be requested from our office.
  The initial vote on these changes was taken last year and was passed by a simple majority, thus allowing for the past year of further study, input from UUs everywhere, and the possibility of submitting amendments. There were four amendments which met all the requirements to come before the Assembly for votes. After discussion of the pros and cons of each, one of two expansions of the definition of Equity was approved while the other one was defeated. In addition, the amendments to add Peace and Reason as core values were both defeated.
  A powerful discussion by the delegates of the pros and cons of the entire proposed version of Article 2 took place, with those speaking in favor of these changes highlighting the importance of change, and those speaking against these changes speaking of the importance of tradition. Both themes are compelling and valid. The delegates voted to approve the changes by the required 2/3 supermajority.
  It is now up to each UU congregation to decide whether or not to adopt these changes. Our Bylaws are in the process of being updated (also long overdue) and when completed, we will have discussion and a vote on the proposed changes for ourselves.
  It is important for us all to understand that the UUA is the association of UU congregations. Its covenant is to assist and guide member congregations. It has no authority over us. There are only three rules for member congregations : 1 – that we pay our annual dues to support the services they provide, 2 – that we provide an annual membership census, and 3 – that we agree not to require a member to adhere to any creed. Article 2 determines how the UUA will function, not the member congregations. So now, it’s up to us. And everyone’s vote is important so what we end up with will truly represent all of us.
• Actions of Immediate Witness are position statements on urgent current events with recommendations for congregations to take action to live into our values. They are proposed by individuals or congregations according to specific criteria and selected and voted on by the Assembly. This year, three AIWs were approved: 1 – “Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19″; 2 – “World On Fire: Humanitarianism Work and Climate Change;” and 3 – “Solidarity with Palestinians.” In addition, a Responsive Resolution was proposed by our own Pastor Madelyn. “Remembering the Hostages of October 7th, 2023.” Powerful discussion
• All were approved for adoption by the Assembly. The full text of each is available online.
• A Business Resolution “Affirming Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values” was also approved by the Assembly, thereby confirming our commitment to this group. The full text is also available online.
• The annual Ware Lecture was once again a capstone this year. Entitled “Disability, Wisdom and the Soul Work of Justice,” it was delivered by Julia Watts Belser, a rabbi, scholar, spiritual teacher and activist who is a professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University. Her most recent book is entitled Loving Our Own Bones. This will become available for everyone to watch.

As the coming worship year unfolds, we will be exploring the challenges and opportunities that GA 2024 presented. GA is over; now “our service begins.” Next year, GA will be hybrid in Baltimore. If you have any questions, please contact Denominational Affairs Rep Laura Lesch (lauralesch5@gmail.com).

Laura Lesch
Denominational Affairs