The first UUA Presidential Forum is this weekend at the UU Church of Arlington, VA. Today is the deadline to register to attend in person and registration for online attendance will continue up until the event begins.

Public forums for the presidential candidate will be hosted four times before GA 2023. They are intended to allow UUs to learn more about the candidate for UUA President, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt. All forums will be multiplatform and all will require registration.

Register here for this weekend’s forum: https://bit.ly/3JihzH9 Learn more about upcoming forums: https://bit.ly/3yF1uXd



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“Stickiness of mind—how our minds tend to fixate on one idea—happens everywhere," observes Tomo Hillbo. "I hear people complaining about an event even after changes have been made. I encounter people who keep assuming something about me and I have to keep reminding them that it may be true for some.”

“Oppressive systems thrive in minds that are sticky, no matter how good our intentions are."

https://bit.ly/3ZzsSSh


We must unstick our minds if we want to bring change into the world.

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On this #InternationalWomensDay, we hope you’ll make time to reflect on the progress we’ve made, while knowing there is so much more work still left to do. Let’s #EmbraceEquity and create greater opportunities for all people that identify as women.

In honor of International Women's Day, we reshare this post on Unitarian Universalist women who have shaped history.

https://bit.ly/3hMkcDO


March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the incredible and often overlooked contributions women have made throughout history. Many...

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Unitarian Universalists understand that the full expression of the diversity of gender and sexuality is a gift.

Our commitment to love and justice, to inclusive ministry and prophetic action, is deep and life-affirming. We actively organize to promote the leadership of BIPOC communities and we work to end anti-Black racism, organize for racial justice, disability justice, gender justice, LGBTQIA+ equality, and support reproductive justice, climate justice and more.

We know that we cannot do this work alone. As UUs, we understand that we are part of the interdependent web of all creation. We belong to each other and this knowledge fuels our faithful commitment to unwaveringly fight for justice; to unwaveringly fight for each other.

https://bit.ly/3IZ60oj


As progressive people of faith, we recognize the forces feeding these far-right efforts.

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May we move forward in the world building communities of greater justice, joy, and inclusion in honor of the beautiful, powerful legacy left to us by #JudyHeumann.

#RestInPowerAndPeace


I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the amazing disability rights activist and Beacon Press author, #JudyHeumann. May we all continue our work for justice and carry her legacy forward.

Connect with Judy's life, work and irreverence in this beautiful and intimate memoir that highlights her lifelong resistance to exclusion. https://bit.ly/3JhPDof

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Since 2016, our friends at EqUUal Access have sponsored an annual contest for sermons related to disability that comes with a $500 cash prize. The contest is named after Carolyn Cartland, an early president of EqUUal Access and is intended to highlight disability-related themes and topics.

Do you have an original sermon that might be a good fit for submission? The entry deadline is May 1 and submission details are online at: https://bit.ly/3ZEYzKd



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Bill Reed

,

Staff Writer

“At a moment when so many legislatures are debating hateful laws, our faith affirms what is true yesterday, today, and every day:

Trans people are divine.

There is no such thing as other people’s children.

We join together in fighting for a world in which all of us are free and thriving.”

Thanks to our friends at Side with Love for sharing this heartfelt video.

https://bit.ly/3kItTIw



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The dreams of our forebears inspire our vision of justice. And those dreams wake us in the morn to begin the work anew. - Rev. & Prof. Cornell William Brooks

As UU’s we have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression. Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.



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We share with you a small reminder: “Take care with your energy. Mind your soul. We’re all journeying through.”



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“When so much seems uncertain, it matters that we lean in even more to what we know to be true - the life-saving message of our Unitarian Universalist theology and life-affirming practices of the Beloved Community.” Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray

#SFGLegacy



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Today's somber anniversary calls this source of our Unitarian Universalist faith to mind: A Prayer for People in War By Eric Cherry.

“We seek to be useful instruments in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and so we rededicate ourselves to living lives examined through the lens of right relationship internationally.
Our prayer is that in this very moment, wisdom and compassion will guide our hands and our hearts.
May it be so.”

https://bit.ly/3kp7jVc



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The Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism is one of the most prestigious awards given by the UUA. Recipients of this award have strengthened the institutions of our denomination, clarified our message in extraordinary ways, and exemplified what Unitarian Universalism stands for.

The UUA Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce the recipient of the 2023 Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism: the Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt. Rev. Bray McNatt will receive the award at General Assembly in June. Please join us as we celebrate her and all that she's given to our faith.



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Sharing this wonderful resource from Side with Love to support LGBTQIA+ siblings and allies to oppose anti-trans legislation that we know is moving in many states across the U.S.

So grateful for the work of the Trans Formations Project in tracking these bills and providing regular updates about what’s on the agenda in different states, which representatives to contact, and how to take action for justice.

Connect with your UU State Action Network or Side With Love by emailing love@uua.org if you need more specific organizing guidance.

https://www.transformationsproject.org/


The Trans Formations Project tracks hateful anti-trans bill proposals in the United States and provides actionable information for holding legislators accountable.

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An ethic of love lives at the heart of our UU faith. It reflects the core question, “How are we to live?”

Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray reminds us “It calls us to courage to continually grow and learn and adapt in ways that foster love and justice. It is not a weak or sentimental love. It burns like the fire at the center of our chalice. It’s fierce in a way that compels us to demand justice in our world, but also fierce in how it calls us to courageous conversations, to radical practices of welcome, compassion, forgiveness, and belonging.”

Share your favorite memories of Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray using #SFGLegacy
https://bit.ly/38Uj93Z



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UUA Executive Vice President Carey McDonald recently shared his insights with Quartz about navigating faith and its unique point of intersection between life and work.

“Being open about your faith can be a way of sharing appropriate parts of yourself,” he said. It isn’t, he added, “isn’t something to hide at work.”

Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/3YTknAF

#FaithAtWork


I spoke with Carey McDonald, the EVP of the Unitarian Universalist Association, about faith and its unique point of intersection between life and work. With faith being a bit of taboo in the workplace, I wanted to know if it should even play a role in our work.

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The Article II Study Commission recently presented its proposed changes to the section of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s bylaws that includes the Principles, Purposes, and Sources. Carey McDonald, executive vice president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, spoke to UU World about the revision process.

McDonald reminds us that the UUA bylaws mandate a regular revision process of Article II every fifteen years. The language in Article II lives in the UUA bylaws and has been revised a number of times over the course of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s history:

“We are a living tradition, which means regularly reviewing and asking ourselves: Does the Article II core language reflect who we are now and who we want to be? “

These proposed changes require that people spend time with this new language and think about what it really means. The changes are supposed to reflect their experience and capture what being a UU means to you.

Read Executive Vice President’s full Q&A here: https://bit.ly/3YYLVF5


UUA Executive Vice President Carey McDonald answers questions about proposed changes to the Principles, Purposes, and Sources.

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As President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray's term winds down in the coming months, the UUA will be sharing content to honor her legacy and contributions to our faith movement. We can’t wait to lift up the beautiful and inspiring pastoral and prophetic messages she’s offered us over these past six years.

We are so grateful for the leadership she’s brought to the UUA, which has guided and nurtured our UU community. This was support we could count on even on the heels of a time of turmoil and change in Unitarian Universalism, and then in an especially fraught period of uncertainty and injustice in the larger world.

We hope you’ll join in, too. In the coming weeks, please tag us or use #SFGlegacy when you share your favorite memories of President Susan. Follow along for our #SFGLegacy campaign.

We begin our storytelling with a recent UU World interview, “Leadership in Unprecedented Times": https://bit.ly/3lzsXq2



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This Valentine's Day (and every day), be the love you wish to see in the world.



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We share with you a line from a poem written by Atena O. Danner.

"My progeny will know that time seeds restoration." Read the entire reflection at UU World.

The work you do now is a love letter for those who are on their way. What will you leave your progeny?

https://bit.ly/3S16IWk

PC:ancestorsintraining



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“Advocacy is hard work. It takes strength in adversity, perseverance in disappointment. My parents prepared me for this work in many ways, every day. Their example taught me to be strong. My faith lifted me up.”

In Kathy Bradley’s s personal experience with navigating the complexities of caregiving relying on her Presbyterian faith, we are reminded caregiving is a gift of love and compassion to another, but it is also a privilege, giving both the caregiver and the one who receives care a chance to explore unknown territory together.

https://bit.ly/3YOU4vo

Are you interested in Unitarian Universalist practices and values to help navigate the challenges of caregiving? Find programs and resources for you or your congregations here:https://bit.ly/3RUXf2w


Kathy Bradley’s experience with navigating the complexities of long-term care and the founding of Our Mother’s Voice.

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UU the Vote’s 2022 initiative was to help organize, educate, and empower voters across the country. More than 3,000 volunteers from 400 UU congregations contacted more than 2 million voters in 2022. UU the Vote worked in all 50 states, with a special focus on 12 states.

Enjoy the review of UU the Vote 2022 here:https://bit.ly/3JZ1vfC

Last March UU the Vote launched the Good Trouble Congregation program, nine months before congregations took action with UU the Vote.The Good Trouble Congregations program is an invitation to stretch ourselves and our communities to resist racist and anti-democratic attacks on our communities and institutions.

Now is the time to join together for a national celebration to honor the work of UU the Vote 2022.

Join us on February 28 at 7:00pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT for the Good Trouble Celebration. Come hear from partners, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray and a special keynote speaker.

RSVP today!
https://bit.ly/3Ys5t4H


UU the Vote, the UUA's nonpartisan civic engagement initiative, was back in 2022 to help organize, educate, and empower voters across the country. More than ...

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The UU Congregation of the Susquehanna Valley UUCSVPA turned attendees into active participants for an MLK Day service. The UUCSVPA took on a unique approach to make their services more interactive. Based on an architectural model of Buckminster Fuller, congregants built a physical declaration of their resolutions to impact societal issues they care about in small, concrete ways.

This project was a great way to provide valuable guidance on how to tackle justice issues as a congregation collectively. What a fun and interactive activity for congregants of all ages!

Read the full story here:https://bit.ly/3lfvvJD











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To support congregational study and discussion, here is a video clip of the Article II Study Commission just reading their proposed new language. We encourage congregations and communities to share this video widely as we all work together to embody our Unitarian Universalist living tradition.

https://bit.ly/3I8ngrN


The Article II Study Commission reads its proposed changes to the Article II Bylaws at a meeting of the UUA Board of Trustees.

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In the spirit of love, we offer you this statement from Braver Wiser.

“We don’t always recognize it, but love shows up even more in the messy, vulnerable places. Love shows up in the form of a friend seeking forgiveness. Love shows up every time we interrupt bad oppressive comments and jokes. Love shows up in complicated conversations.”

Read the full message:https://bit.ly/3lcp36q

pc:zeaink



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It’s important that we keep talking about the ways that privilege show up in our communities, making some opportunities accessible to some people. Privilege and power stifle the lives of those who have none.‌

How can we continue to use empathy to take action to change systems founded in privilege and unequal access to power?



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UUA Secretary Bill Young has announced that a referendum election on the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt’s nomination will be held this year. Rev. Dr. Betancourt was nominated by the UUA Presidential Search Committee on November 15, 2022 and accepted the nomination. As previously announced, a second candidate identified by the Presidential Search Committee did not accept the nomination.

From December 1, 2022 through February 1, 2023 there was a period where individuals were able to become a candidate for UUA President by receiving petition signatures from fifty congregations in three regions of the Association. As of the petition deadline on February 1, no petitions were submitted.

Learn more about the 2023 UUA Presidential election process, including upcoming regional forums where members and delegates can learn more about Rev. Dr. Betancourt, on our website: https://bit.ly/3hm3Cy6.


Elections of leaders to serve Unitarian Universalism are at the heart of the 5th Principle of our faith.

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We hold the family of Tyre Nichols in our love and prayers in this time of devastating grief and loss. In June 2020 we denounced “the inherent violence of policing. Three years later, we continue to be confronted with these truths about systemic brutality.

Policing and law enforcement continues to be fundamentally broken—we need a system that recognizes the humanity of all people at its foundation. The death of Tyre Nichols is a reminder that violence faced by Black people at the hands of law enforcement continues to be pervasive.

As UUs, we are in solidarity with the Black leaders, organizers, and community members fighting for justice and for the systematic changes that will end police violence. This is an urgent moral crisis. We need to fundamentally reimagine public safety. We must take action now.

Read our President's Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray entire statement here:https://bit.ly/3kMGBFM


Reoccurring police violence triggers trauma, anguish and our collective demand for justice.

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Two years ago, the UUA Board appointed a commission of Unitarian Universalists to integrate various grassroots conversations about changes to the Principles and lead a discernment process for the whole Association to review Article II of our Bylaws. From presentations and input at General Assembly to more than 10,000 survey responses, to over 4,600 participants in their feedback sessions, the Article II Study Commission listened and shaped an Article II that has the potential to lead us farther along the path of living our aspirations faithfully within and beyond our UU community.

We are so grateful for all that UUs do to move our living tradition forward. Please download, watch and share this video with your congregation or community today: https://bit.ly/3X41lGN


After two years of study and thousands of conversations with Unitarian Universalists, the Article II Study Commission presented the final draft of their prop...

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We are happy to announce our publishing imprint, Skinner House Books has formed a new distribution partnership with Consortium® Book Sales & Distribution, a brand of Ingram Content Group.

Ingram Content Group is one of the nation’s largest book distributors. Consortium®, a brand of Ingram Publisher Services, is home to a community of award-winning publishers that believe in the power of independent voices. Consortium grew out of a small book wholesaling cooperative in 1985 to become a full-service distributor, quickly earning a reputation as an advocate for independent publishers. Consortium now represents more than 130 independent publishers.

“Skinner House is a welcome addition to Consortium’s growing list of publishers that focus on spiritual wellness and we appreciate their commitment to justice and compassion from an ecumenical perspective,”- Julie Schaper, Consortium’s president.
https://bit.ly/3Y3MCMU

If you are interested in exploring Skinner House titles, please visit https://bit.ly/3RiYokk.



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We echo President Susan Frederick-Gray's support for The Article II Study Commission. We are thankful for the work of all of the Commission members.

Read their report in full and learn more about how they came to draft a proposed new formulation of our beloved UU Principles and Purpose. https://bit.ly/39ECzqV


The Article II Study Commission has completed two years of study and I am grateful for the commitment, care and thoughtful work of all of the Commission members. Read their report in full and learn more about how they came to draft a proposed new formulation of our beloved UU Principles and Purpose. https://bit.ly/39ECzqV

In many ways, the work is now just beginning. Stay involved as congregations and their delegates discuss this new draft, suggest amendments and vote on whether or not to move new language forward at General Assembly this June. This is an important time in our democratically-governed living tradition and we need everyone's participation.

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Our hearts mourn for the people of the community in Monterey Park.

It does not have to be this way. Our leaders must act. Unitarian Universalists are ready to work with elected and community officials to support responsible gun legislation measures.

Fundamental to who we are as UUs are the beliefs in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the goals of peace, liberty and justice for all. These core values are part of the Seven Principles that every UU community affirms. We mourn with the people of Monterey Park and we remain in solidarity with the AAPI community across this nation.

Read UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray's full statement online at:https://bit.ly/3WC7Ksi


Too many American communities can relate to the grief that Monterey Park is experiencing because they, too, have experienced lives lost to gun violence.

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On this anniversary of #RoeVWade, the landscape has changed precipitously since the Supreme Court reversed 50 years of precedent last June with the Dobbs v. Jackson decision.

As UUs, we have an ongoing moral obligation to support comprehensive reproductive care, because reproductive care is healthcare. We know that such care is essential to the well-being and safety of individuals and families. On this 50th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment – our faithful religious commitment – to supporting Reproductive Justice on behalf of women and pregnant people across this country.



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This weekend, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v Wade decision.

We share with you a statement from Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, president of the UUA, regarding the 50th anniversary.

"Unitarian Universalists remain committed to Reproductive Justice. Since the Dobbs decision in June 2022, we have helped to organize ballot initiatives to protect access to abortion and provided trainings on organizing for Reproductive Justice for congregations. Across the country, UUs are working within their communities to help promote Reproductive Justice and protect access to reproductive care. We know that this work will be ongoing for years to come and we are dedicated to doing it."

Read the full statement:https://bit.ly/3XIX1Nz



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Ahead of Sunday’s 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, a group of clergy members announced a new lawsuit challenging Missouri’s abortion bans.

The Rev. Krista Taves, who serves as a minister at Eliot Unitarian Chapel in Kirkwood and First Unitarian Church in Alton, is one of the thirteen plaintiffs on this lawsuit.

Since well before Roe v. Wade, Unitarian Universalists have declared unequivocally that we support every person’s right to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive health. We are so grateful for the role that UU's continue to play in the fight for reproductive justice.

Read about the lawsuit here:https://bit.ly/3iTbxUq


They argue the law violates the Missouri Constitution, which bars state government from establishing preferences for any faith.

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The year has just begun, and there is so much time for you to set out and leave your mark.

We hope for you, this little piece of motivation is a launching pad into further exploration of what a difference you can make this year.

How will you be contributing to making 2023 a more just, equitable, and regenerative world?

pc:rebeccaillustratir



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UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray offers some history and perspective on changes to Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purpose, along with a link to the final report from the Article II Study Commission, which includes its proposal for a rewritten Article II of the UUA Bylaws. Congregational delegates will vote on the final language at General Assembly in June.

https://bit.ly/3Hfhm7V


May we enter our conversations with a spirit of curiosity, holding off attachment to outcomes.

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There was a time that Californians desperately needed rain, something to quench the climate-change-fueled drought. Unfortunately, the water from the storms are now surging over riverbanks, disrupting power lines, rushing through communities, toppling trees, and creating avalanches of mud.

We continue to hold all those impacted in love and prayer. If your congregation has been impacted by the rains in California, consider reaching out for support. And if you would like to help, please consider making a disaster fund gift today.

https://bit.ly/3l4x7RW

https://wapo.st/3DlpC47


Weather experts say the worst is probably over after nearly a month of atmospheric river storms that have deluged California.

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Even when life as we have known it might seem destroyed and hope has abandoned us, somehow how life has held us and breathed us into a new being. Life has called us to rise in fullness!

Don't forget to make time to live.

pc:jamesjunk.co



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“While giving up flying can feel like a choice to curb your own freedom, travel and the opportunity to experience different cultures, its increasing role in climate change is putting many of our most cherished environments at risk.”

We are constantly reminded of the choices we can make in our day-to-day life to lessen our personal impact on the environment. We must continue to discern ways to address climate change! How can you help?

https://bbc.in/3XtBJnc


For those of us that take regular holidays abroad and travel on business, flying makes up a considerable chunk of our carbon footprint, but are there ways of reducing those emissions?

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Side with Love is thrilled to announce 30 Days of Love 2023! Their annual month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice, #30DaysOfLove will go from today through Valentine’s Day.

This year’s #30DaysOfLove is a love letter, a warm hug, and a spiritual balm for all of the individuals, families, religious professionals, partners & communities that embody side with love's values and work for justice & liberation year round.



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In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we share this article by Cornel West from the UU World archives, reprinted with permission from West’s introduction to the Beacon Press book “The Radical King.”

"Does America have the capacity to heed the radical Martin Luther King Jr., or must America sanitize King in order to evade and avoid his challenge?”

Read more in UU World. https://bit.ly/33Fb4xe


Does America have the capacity to heed the radical Martin Luther King Jr., or must America sanitize King in order to evade and avoid his challenge?

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