Unitarian Universalist congregations voluntarily belong to the Unitarian Universalist Association. “The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is to equip congregations for health and vitality, to support and train lay and professional leaders, and to advance Unitarian Universalist values in the world.” (From UUA website)
Each of the 900+ member congregations send delegates to the annual meeting called General Assembly (GA). At that meeting the business of the Association is conducted. This includes organizational business such as by-laws and elections. It also provides opportunities to learn and explore topics related to our religion. There are workshops, worship services, lectures. The WARE Lecture is a highlight, always a nationally known leader in a field related to our values. This year we are honored to hear from Ibram X Kendi.
Unitarian Universalism is governed by what is known as Congregational Polity: “Each UU congregation is autonomous – congregational leaders set their own priorities and choose their own ministers and staff. Congregations vote for the leaders of the UUA, who oversee the central staff and resources. The UUA supports congregations in their work by training ministers, publishing books and the UU World magazine, providing religious education curricula, offering shared services, coordinating social justice activities, and more.” (From UUA website)
At this year’s GA, your QUUF delegates will be voting on candidates for UUA Board of Trustees. We want your help guiding us in this process. Last week you were encouraged to attend a zoom candidates forum to hear from two candidates for position 7 and two for position 11. Click here to read their bios.
Tonight, Friday, June 10 from 7-8pm is a Zoom QUUF Questions and Comments meeting for you to express your views on the candidates, and to listen to others.
At our Annual Meeting this coming Sunday, there will be a Zoom poll for you to express your choice in candidates. Please join us tonight for this important educational opportunity to participate in the democratic process within Unitarian Universalism. And of course, attend QUUF’s Annual Meeting at 1pm on June 12.
Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition. It is written into our by-laws and our covenant that we grow and change with the times. It is important to know our roots and our priorities and the scope of our religion. We have a lot we can learn from connecting with the larger movement, and discerning what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. It is good to be on this journey with you.