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- What is the NAUA?In Denominational AffairsOctober 23, 2024Hi Jim, I am not sure I understand your use of the word "hurtful" in your comments to the posting of the information about NAUA. "Hurtful" implies an intent to do either physical or emotional harm, neither of which exists here. The word "hurtful" going forward should not be used by anyone wishing to stifle open discussion simply because the listener may not want to hear or may not be in agreement with what is expressed. No matter what recommendations come out of the current Discernment process, UUSE is going to have to engage in open and sometimes difficult opposing viewpoints. Thanks for listening. Ann Stowe2
- DAC Survey of UUSE-UUA TouchpointsIn Denominational Affairs·October 23, 2024Here is the full text of the Denominational Affairs Committee Survey of UUSE-UUA touchpoints, compiled in September 20242124
- What is the NAUA?In Denominational AffairsOctober 24, 2024You are equating Ekloff to abolitionists and those that he has offended to slave owners. I don't find that analogy even remotely accurate. Again, I have no problem with people having contrary opinions, but how they express those opinions is also important. My initial comment above was intended to provide some much needed transparency about the founding of the NAUA and why it came about, and in my opinion, I did that appropriately. If you disagree, that's fine.11
- What is the NAUA?In Denominational AffairsOctober 23, 2024Hi Ann, I would be glad to clarify my chosen terminology. I used the term "hurtful" appropriately to describe what the impact of Ecklof's own choice of terminology is to me and to others. I am not commenting on his intent. I don't profess to understand his intent. I fully support him and everyone else to have opposing viewpoints and to express them, but when he says things like the UUism has become a "cult", and UU ministers have been "indocrinated", and the the UUA has "become something so unrecognizable, and so nebulous, and so meaningless that it will not continue unless they decide to connect to their roots and get some saner people leading it", I find that hurtful. (By the way, per the Oxford dictionary, "hurtful" is defined as "causing distress to someone's feelings").1
- What is the NAUA?In Denominational AffairsOctober 21, 2024The NAUA was founded in opposition to the UUA during the UUA's move towards an increased emphasis on social justice and the rewrite of Article II. One of the founders of the NAUA, Dr Rev Todd Eckloff, preaches extensively about the UUA having turned Unitarian Universalism into a "cult" and indocrinating UUA ministers. These same sentiments can be found repeatedly in the NAUA website, their monthly magazine, etc. All of this is quite hurtful to many in the UUA, UUA ministers, and congregants at UUSE. I'm shocked the UUSE Denominational Affairs Committee is actively promoting this organization at UUSE, especially during this time of discernment about our relationship to the UUA. And the lack of transparency about what the NAUA is and why it was created is worrisome at best.13
- Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt in person at West Hartford 10/20/2024In Denominational Affairs·October 17, 2024Sunday Worship UU West Hartford with Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, UUA President Sunday, October 20 Worship Service: 10 AM with Rev. Dr. Adam Robersmith Can’t make it in person? Join us online: https://www.youtube.com/@theuniversalistchurchwesth5818/streams Our worship services are live-streamed on YouTube every Sunday at 10 AM EST. Click the link above to view a live service or to browse previously recorded services.2124
- Leadership Ministry Network Gathering (UUA)In Denominational Affairs·October 11, 2024Congregational lay leaders and associate lay volunteers come together to share experiences, support one another, and reflect on the blessings and challenges of lay leadership. Click HERE for more information.1113
- Update from the UUA Discernment Task ForceIn Denominational Affairs·October 2, 2024Sept 20th 2024 Over the past three weeks the Discernment Task Force has been meeting with members of the congregation to discuss what, in their view, a good discernment process would look like. Members of the Task Force have met with members of the Policy Board, the minister, and the director of Children and Youth Ministries (CYM). We also reached out to folks who were active in raising concerns about the new Article 2 and the UUA. In addition, we met with folks who reached out to us, following our E-Blast (August 29) seeking input on what a good process would be. In addition, we identified additional folks to ensure different demographics were represented, for example a range of generations, people with children, people without children. We engaged with 35 people, of whom 33 agreed to share their views. NEXT STEPS Sept 23 The Task Force will meet to identify themes that emerged from our conversations with stakeholders. The congregation can expect a brief report – via a dedicated eblast, via the CYM weekly email, on UUSE’s Facebook page, and as an insert in the Sunday order of service -- regarding the main themes that emerged. Oct 6 The Task Force will have a four-hour meeting to design a process of congregational engagement based on the input received. The congregation can expect an overall description and timeline of opportunities for congregational engagement soon after this meeting -- via a dedicated eblast, via the CYM weekly email, on UUSE’s Facebook page, and as an insert in the Sunday order of service. Second half of Oct and November: likely time frame for congregational engagement events. Late December/Early January: Report to the Policy Board Discernment Task Force Members: Trisha Corey-Lisle, chair; Desiree Holian-Borgnis; David Lacoss; Sage Nitzan; Sylvia Ounpuu; Sid Soderholm; Monica van Beusekom; Lynn Dove, Policy Board Liaison Summary of mission of UUA Discernment Task Force: The UUA Discernment Task Force will design and implement a process by which UUSE members and friends can: 1) listen to each other’s concerns about the UUA and Unitarian Universalism; 2) determine together the institutional relationship we wish to have with the UUA; and 3) determine what changes to the UUSE constitution, if any, will enable us to formalize that relationship. #specialEBlast-9-20-241127
- Proposed Congregational Study/Action IssuesIn Denominational Affairs·March 18, 2025Click HERE to learn more about how to offer feedback on the 3 proposed Congregational Study/Action Issues which will be on the business agenda for UUA General Assembly 2025 (where one will be selected for 3 years of study, reflection, and action). The 3 issues are: Abolition Is Faith Formation Fat Liberation: Building Justice and Inclusion for Larger Bodies Housing: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion104
- Celebrating in Song at GAIn Denominational Affairs·March 18, 2025Click HERE for a post about the Hymn Sing at GA and a Blessing in Song recording. Also information iis provided about what is being done to provide good air quality at the Baltimore Convention Center.104
- Families at GAIn Denominational Affairs·March 18, 2025Click HERE for information about efforts being made to make GA a multigenerational experience. There is info about resources for families at GA, children's programs at GA, etc.102
- UUA Elections AnnouncementIn Denominational Affairs·March 18, 2025Click HERE to read the article about choosing a Moderator for the UUA. This is an important role. The individual or team elected will serve as the Chief Governance Officer at the UUA for the next 6 years. Bill Young (a former member of UUSE and formerly Secretary of the UUA) is running with colleague Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson as a co-moderator Candidate Team.104
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