From June 21-25, more than 2,300 Unitarian Universalists traveled to Pittsburgh. Among them were two of our Delegates, Grace Colton and Dave Baumgart, Board President Signe Lalish, friends Cecelia and Julia Hayes, and staff member Nicole Duff. They were joined by our other Delegates online including Paul Buehrens, Maury Edwards, Ryam Hill, Marcy Langrock, and Mike Radow. Other staff members, Rev. María Cristina and Rebecca Chatfield also attended online.
Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt was elected to serve as President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) with more than 95% of the vote. Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt was appointed interim co-president of the UUA in 2017, and was the UUA’s first woman president. Now she will be both the first out queer individual and the first woman of color elected to the role.
“Unitarian Universalism has a vital, liberating message for our time. Our nation and denomination are experiencing challenges in a time of significant division, change and radicalization,” said Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt. “But together, I know we can serve one another, organize for justice, widen the circle of concern, collectively imagine new ways forward in community, and grow spiritually. I am looking forward to the continued work of radical inclusion, faithful witness, and the embrace of a wide range of voices and leaders for our faith.”
Additionally, UU delegates from all 50 states representing 715 congregations participated in voting democratically on denominational business including the new proposed bylaws for the association. Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws – “Principles and Purposes” – is the foundation for all of the work of the UUA, its member congregations and covenanted communities. Delegates voted to advance recommended changes to Article II, which last underwent a wholesale revision in 1987. A final vote on the revised Article II will take place at the all virtual General Assembly in 2024.
East Shore’s own delegates wanted to share about their experiences. Stay tuned for details about a GA Delegate Forum and a worship service. Here is what they say:
Paul Buehrens
Attending GA as a delegate via zoom was actually easy. Attending the program itself was also easy, and more fun by far. I got to hear the main talk to the UUMA about fascism, and it was so meaty I decided to sign up for two follow-up webinars. I also believe the threat of fascism here has never been stronger than it was on January 6, and it’s still a threat. I heard the talk from Imani Perry, author of Breathe, which Jeanne Lamont and I offered to the congregation as a common read if not a UUA common read. It was gratifying to see Article II amendments that were sensible and reasonable, and others fail, and then for the revision to get overwhelming support by 86%. I’m sure it will pass the all virtual GA next year and enter the bylaws of the UUA, while nothing historical is ever lost to our memories! Next year, YOU should consider being a delegate for ESUC!
Dave Baumgart
This was my first GA and my first impressions were: This is a BIG event, it is overwhelming in several respects, and the other participants are very friendly and willing to help me determine how to best participate. The program guide was about a 100 pages, so there were many opportunities to attend workshops that would be interesting to me. It took several hours of review to determine my best response to all the business items, aligned with how I believe the East Shore members would want me to vote. I was surprised to learn there were 3 different processes for processing the business resolution, the AWI’s, and the Article II amendments. My greatest enjoyment came from the wonderful music, and carrying the East Shore Banner with Grace Colton into the Assembly Hall.
I will definitely want to go to the 2025 GA (2024 will be virtual only). Many thanks to my fellow ESUC participants, especially Nicole, Maury, Grace, and Rev. María Cristina for their guidance.
Ryam Hill
I attended GA as a business only representative via zoom. This allowed me to attend the business sessions and read all the online discussion which helped me with the votes taken. The sessions were informative, and I enjoyed hearing from UU members of congregations all over the country. The processes for amendments, resolutions, being a candidate, etc., go on over months. Keeping up with UUA activities is key to being part of the governing and decision making that will impact all the member churches. I look forward to East Shore learning more about and participating more fully in this larger process, so we are well represented and well-informed on current issues. It’s what we pay our dues to support, and there is exciting work going on that East Shore can be part of. And happily, Article II passed with a large majority.
Grace Colton
I attended Disrupting Church: Creating What’s Next and was reminded that taking risks in times of change can have joy in it. Knowing how to deal with conflict, apologize and repair goes a long way toward making lemonade out of lemons. Also, the UUA is continuing to integrate the Widening the Circle of Concern’s recommendations into how it operates and Article II was approved by about 86% of delegates to continue being discussed for the next year before a final vote at GA 2024, which will be all online.
Mike Radow
I was struck by how orderly we managed to move through a full agenda. With proper space for celebration, music. Even though the divestment and reparations business item was rejected, I hope the younger UUs keep trying. As always, reaching across divides is the key. What impressed me most was the continual modelling of accountability, as reported and shown by the care team. They admitted mistakes, avowed that “we will do better”, and nicely reminded us to be mindful of everyone’s accessibility needs.
Nicole Duff
This was my fourth in-person General Assembly and I find them more and more meaningful each year. This year I was thankful for the passionate sermons and wonderful music, but I found myself often drawn to the exhibit hall. In my role with the UU Association of Membership Professionals, I spent time talking to so many ministers, religious professionals, and members from across the country about the future of Unitarian Universalism. And from my view… the future is bright!