This month, we had another great discussion session on the UUA Bylaws changes to Article II. We looked at the layout of the proposed values and two new values that have been put forward as amendments.
Among the changes in the piece with the values (where the Principles currently are), are the statements of covenant. In the current language, before the Principles are listed there’s the line, “We covenant to affirm and promote.” Then after the Principles there’s a longer statement of covenant that says, “As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.”
In the proposed language, each value is listed with a defining statement and then there’s a covenantal statement with each value. While both the old version and the new version have statements of covenant, it’s a change to have this covenantal statement with each value. This change reflects the Commission’s work to make these values action-oriented and grounded in our aspirations to live out our values. You can see how each are laid out in this document. People in the discussion found this layout helpful.
In addition to the six proposed values, amendments have come forward to add two values to this section of Article II. These two amendments would add two new values, Peace and Reason. These amendments will be put forward at General Assembly in June to be voted on before the larger vote for the full proposed version of Article II.
Here’s the language of each of these:
Reason
We search for truth and meaning, informed by reason, evidence, and the results of science, motivated by wonder, curiosity, and compassion.
We covenant to listen to and respect the views of others, and to remain open to new ideas.
Peace
We dedicate ourselves to peaceful conflict resolution at all levels.
We covenant to promote a peaceful world community with liberty and human rights for all. Whenever and wherever possible we will support nonviolent means to achieve peace.
We will continue our discussion in May! In the meantime, we hope you will look at the information and come back and look again as we prepare to vote on the changes. Engaging in this work is important to our faith and faith identity.
In Faith,
Paula Gribble, DLRE