By Kathy Stevenson, co-chair of the Denominational Affairs Committee

On June 22 and 23, congregations with representation at the UUA General Assembly will determine whether Article II will be revised or remain the same. Because we are a living tradition, without a creed (statement of belief), our purpose, values, and inspirations are written into our legal document. Because we have no creed, we are considered a covenantal community – we covenant (promise) with each other on HOW we will be together. At QUUF we have 2 documents of covenant.

Our Covenant Statement is: We are travelers. We meet for a moment in this sacred place, to love, to share, to serve. Let us use compassion, curiosity, reverence and respect while seeking our truths. In this way, we will support a just and joyful community, and this moment shall endure.

Our Right Relations Covenant is a detailed guide to how to live our Covenant Statement.

The proposed revision of Article II shifts our UUA statements on how we live as Unitarian Universalists from principles and sources to values and inspirations. In addition, rather than a broad statement of covenant, each value has specific actions that we covenant to strive for.

When we were first shown the proposed revision 2 years ago we were asked to read it through, out loud, three times, before doing what humans naturally do, judge. And then to notice: were we inspired, curious, or defensive? I experienced all of those reactions. About 6 months later I remember the moment of awe – when I felt fully the beauty and brilliance of what the Study Commission had presented to us. Anchored by the word love, were 6 (now 8), ways that we, as UUs, express and practice love. Each value is an avenue to a more specific way of communicating and demonstrating love. And each value is accompanied with a guide on how to live into that value.

Rev. Linda’s sermon on May 19 was about Article II. Your Denominational Affairs Committee has offered a comparison to the current Article II for people to express thoughts and feelings, and to listen to each other. At our Annual Meeting on June 9, those present will be asked to express their opinions on the Proposed Revision.

With that guidance, your 8 General Assembly delegates will add our voice to the decision about adopting the proposed Article II. From what we have gathered from our congregants, there is excitement in this new opportunity to explore who and what we are as Unitarian Universalists.