March 14, 2024

Something Unique About Church Friends

A few weeks ago, my sermon considered ways we periodically “reboot” our personal lives and reflected on the process over the last 3+ years to “reboot” our UU faith. The UU principles were adopted 40 years ago, and the bylaws require a periodic review. I’ve presented and preached on the potential UU updates to the principles a few other times this year, and several guest ministers have offered perspectives.

During the discussion, people shared stories about times they’d rebooted their lives and the impacts. At coffee hour, I heard more stories about how long ago 40 years seemed, complete with fun anecdotes of what folks were up to 40 years ago.

On the update to the UUA bylaws, there was general agreement that a thorough re-examination of the principles after 40 years made sense. During the discussion, we talked about the ways anti-racism and anti-oppression commitments are directly included in the value statements and the associated expectation of accountability in the proposal. One person shared appreciation for the centering of love in the values. Another had hoped “truth” would be emphasized more (it is part of the pluralism value). I sensed gratitude for the process used to review the principles. 

Thanks to all for the heartfelt discussion on the topic. We’ll schedule time after a few upcoming services to continue the conversation.

If you have questions on the next steps at the UUA on these changes, have input, or would like to be a delegate from UUCR “at” General Assembly (it’s virtual this year!), please let me or a Board member know. 

In anticipation,

Rev. Sue