At General Assembly last month, a vote was taken to approve the changes to Article 2 of the
bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association—the statement of values and principles that
UU’s agree upon. More than 2,000 delegates voted, representing UU congregations from all 50
states. The vote was 86% in favor.
The revision is a substantial one, replacing the 7 principles and 6 sources that have articulated
UU values for the past few decades. The new statement of values says that Love is the primary
value of our religion, with Pluralism, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, Equity and
Interdependence as the others. At General Assembly, we debated and voted on a dozen
amendments to the new statement. Proposals to add Peace and Gratitude to the list of values,
as well as some other amendments, did not pass. Five amendments did pass:
1. Adds “spiritual development” to the section on the purposes of the UUA.
2. Adds “to support and encourage the creation of new Unitarian Universalist communities” to
the purposes section.
3. Adds “within our congregations and in society at large” to language about democracy in the
Justice section.
4. Rewrites the section on the sources of our faith as follows:
bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association—the statement of values and principles that
UU’s agree upon. More than 2,000 delegates voted, representing UU congregations from all 50
states. The vote was 86% in favor.
The revision is a substantial one, replacing the 7 principles and 6 sources that have articulated
UU values for the past few decades. The new statement of values says that Love is the primary
value of our religion, with Pluralism, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, Equity and
Interdependence as the others. At General Assembly, we debated and voted on a dozen
amendments to the new statement. Proposals to add Peace and Gratitude to the list of values,
as well as some other amendments, did not pass. Five amendments did pass:
1. Adds “spiritual development” to the section on the purposes of the UUA.
2. Adds “to support and encourage the creation of new Unitarian Universalist communities” to
the purposes section.
3. Adds “within our congregations and in society at large” to language about democracy in the
Justice section.
4. Rewrites the section on the sources of our faith as follows:
As Unitarian Universalists, we proclaim that direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder are a
primary source of inspiration. These experiences open our hearts, renew our spirits, and transform our
lives. We draw upon, and are inspired by, sacred, secular and scientific understandings that help us make
meaning and live into our values. We respect the histories, contexts, and cultures in which these understandings
were created and are currently practiced. These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary difficult, and
joyous times. Grateful for the experiences that more us, aware of the religious ancestries we inherit, and
enlivened by the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom.
5. Rewrites the Interdependence section as follows: “We honor the interdependent web of all
existence of which we are a part. With humility and reverence, we covenant to protect Earth
and all beings from exploitation, creating and nurturing sustainable relationships of repair,
mutuality, and justice.”
When the vote was taken, it was with the five amendments above included.
The committee that has worked on this project for the past two years explained that none of
them were completely happy with it. Everyone had to compromise something and nobody got
all of what they wanted. I appreciated that transparency and I think that shows the truth of
how hard it is to get a large group of people to agree on something.
In our UUFCM congregation, we had a discussion and a straw poll vote before General
Assembly in order to inform our delegates how to vote. The straw poll vote was open to
members only and 31 people responded. Half voted for the revisions to Article 2 and half voted
against. Therefore our two UUFCM delegates to General Assembly split their vote (one in favor,
one against). In order for the new statement of values to pass finally, it will need a two-thirds
vote in favor at next year’s General Assembly.
The UUFCM vote (50% in favor) was very different from the national vote (86% in favor). Our
50-50 vote, and the discussions and comments I have heard, show that some people are
enthusiastic, while some are strongly opposed. I look forward to having more conversation.
The statement of values and principles that help to define our religious movement is important.
It is revised every generation or so. I’m glad to be part of the process of discussing what
everyone at UUFCM thinks is most important. We are a community that seeks to support one
another in our lives and to seek together what is most meaningful in life. This process is one
step in that larger journey.
PRAYER:
May all Unitarian Universalists voice their opinions about important matters that define us and
the work we do, including the statement of values and principles.
May we agree to disagree in love.
May our work of building ever-widening communities of love and welcome continue.
Blessed be.
Rev. Drew Frantz
July 12, 2023
existence of which we are a part. With humility and reverence, we covenant to protect Earth
and all beings from exploitation, creating and nurturing sustainable relationships of repair,
mutuality, and justice.”
When the vote was taken, it was with the five amendments above included.
The committee that has worked on this project for the past two years explained that none of
them were completely happy with it. Everyone had to compromise something and nobody got
all of what they wanted. I appreciated that transparency and I think that shows the truth of
how hard it is to get a large group of people to agree on something.
In our UUFCM congregation, we had a discussion and a straw poll vote before General
Assembly in order to inform our delegates how to vote. The straw poll vote was open to
members only and 31 people responded. Half voted for the revisions to Article 2 and half voted
against. Therefore our two UUFCM delegates to General Assembly split their vote (one in favor,
one against). In order for the new statement of values to pass finally, it will need a two-thirds
vote in favor at next year’s General Assembly.
The UUFCM vote (50% in favor) was very different from the national vote (86% in favor). Our
50-50 vote, and the discussions and comments I have heard, show that some people are
enthusiastic, while some are strongly opposed. I look forward to having more conversation.
The statement of values and principles that help to define our religious movement is important.
It is revised every generation or so. I’m glad to be part of the process of discussing what
everyone at UUFCM thinks is most important. We are a community that seeks to support one
another in our lives and to seek together what is most meaningful in life. This process is one
step in that larger journey.
PRAYER:
May all Unitarian Universalists voice their opinions about important matters that define us and
the work we do, including the statement of values and principles.
May we agree to disagree in love.
May our work of building ever-widening communities of love and welcome continue.
Blessed be.
Rev. Drew Frantz
July 12, 2023
RSS Feed
