Useful links for Post-GA

Hello friends! I think I'm nearly recovered from GA now, so I am beginning to communicate with the rest of the world again.

Did you see these useful links related to General Assembly?
If you attended GA, give your feedback to the GA Planning Committee with this on-line survey (click the links underlined in blue throughout this message and this entire blog).

To check out audio recordings of programs available for purchase as MP3 playable files or on CDs, go to the "GA Learning Center" and click on the "Educational Content" tab. This is pretty cool, though requiring a few more clicks than I'd prefer. GA 2009 is there, too. You can purchase individual sessions or get the complete conference audio package.

Print and photo reporting, as well as on-demand video, transcripts, and workshop handouts are all available on UUA.org. See the breadth of on-line coverage, blog links, etc., at the GA live summary page.  You can even hear Sen. Al Franken, who stopped by for an unscheduled visit and shared a heartfelt personal story that's worth listening to, or hearing again.

Business transacted in plenary sessions, including Social Justice Statements and Annual Reports to the General Assembly, can be found here. This includes the adopted Statement of Conscience on "Creating Peace." There's a link to the current Congregational Study/Action Issue on "Ethical Eating," too (or go there directly by clicking here). You'll find background and resources to help your congregation investigate Food and Environmental Justice through 2012.

Winona LaDuke's Ware Lecture & Indigenous Issues

Winona LaDuke magnificently packed into < 1 hr all the issues we must address to survive as a planet, at least one populated with humans. Winona does this quite lyrically, tying all her factual points into one big circle of actions required. Did I say inspiring? She had that hall, under the dome designed with the inspiration of R. Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic principle of joined triangles, with 3 thousand UU’s all standing in awe of her passion for a society that looks far different from what you will read this AM in any Sunday paper. Winona is not content to talk about this. She wants action! Please go to the UUA web site and watch the podcast.

Winona has endorsed a UU effort to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery and to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples. She spoke about the UN Declaration and the rights still not granted to Indigenous peoples in the UU UN Workshop. She talked about colonialism and conquest at the Ware lecture (based on the Doctrine of Discovery).

A flyer was distributed to those attending the lecture to take this invitation back to their congregations. Please go to the website: www.rd-ad.org for information and actions. Indigenous Peoples nation and worldwide are asking religious movements to do this. The Episcopals as a body repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery in 2009 and Quaker meetings and Quaker organizations are joining the cause. Tarpon Springs, FL UU congregation initiated a statement of conscience on the Doctrine of Discovery in early 2009. They are the first congregation to do so. Both of these, the Doctrine and the Declaration, make weekly appearances in Indian Country today. Both are vital to the cultural preservation of indigenous peoples.

Visit our website. Learn about these issues. Contact us for further information, or to read articles, connect with others who are working on them.

GA in Phoenix Process

Every UU member and friend would have enjoyed observing the process of a room full of thousands of UU’s carefully, respectfully listening to each other’s perspectives on how to best address the many layers of the immigration law in AZ and how that relates to our GA in Phoenix in 2012.

A movement was actively raising cash donations to pay fees related to pulling out. Last number I saw was $20,000 in individual contributions. People were quite adamant about not crossing the picket line and the need to boycott the state.

Then, some very articulate voices from AZ helped delegates to recognize the best approach was to come to AZ, but minimize normal GA activities to focus on social justice work in the community instead of holding lengthy plenary sessions. Apparently, that will be an off year when we are not considering which issue will become study/action issue for the following year, so easy to keep any meeting time to a minimum.

There was quite a bit of debate time spent adding and subtracting language that would limit “normal” GA meeting activities. To me, it was thrilling to watch a huge ship, of thousands of minds moving in one direction, shift quite abruptly to this new idea: continue to commit to AZ, but with the focus on actions to assist the people most oppressed by the immigration bill as currently written. This shift resulted from one or two articulate voices expressing quite passionately what UU’s could do with this as a focus. I was was moved to see this shift manifest, as moderator called for votes. First fairly evenly divided between for and against, but finally a forest of yellow cards go up at once, followed by a handful in final opposition to this solution seeking action vs. talking about it.

It was the most amazing development in what started as a very divisive conflict of positions. Before the vote there was a mini worship service where we centered ourselves to Stand on the Side of Love in our discussion and ultimate decision. Be proud to be a part of this marvelous association of people.

Tragedy in Transylvania

Much sadness in the UU world today, as we learned the tragic news of the murder of two children by, and the suicide of, a Unitarian minister in his Transylvanian church. We grieve for the loss of innocents, and for the torment and despair of our brother, passing all understanding. We grieve, and we hold this community in our hearts.

Saturday afternoon, Plenary - Arizona

My first plenary was exciting, and yet confusing. I wasn’t entirely sure what was happening most of the time, but what I did know got me by. I got there around 5:15 or so, right at the beginning of the Arizona – Immigration movement. As I watched from the front of the hall, I was entranced by this form of debate I had yet to witness before today. Though I was annoyed by the amount of procedure questions throughout the entire thing (Seriously, guys? You don’t need to start several debates about whether or not you can have more time. You’re wasting time just by asking for more time.), the whole event was very amusing to watch.
I got lost several times, and I wasn't entirely sure what they were talking about half the time, but I did get the gist of it. Basically, some people thought we should go about GA 2012 in Arizona as normal, while others thought that GA business should be cancelled in favor of everyone still coming to Arizona but instead of regular meetings, they should boycott Arizona.
At least thats what I think was happening. They got off topic many times so it was hard to tell.
One of the people that stood out more than anyone else was a man who said something along the lines of "we should boycott Arizona, because of the people who cannot boycott: The people of Arizona."
Another was a woman who said something similar to "It is not okay to cross a picket line because of a normal General Assembly, we need to cross a picket line for a real protest."
Those two people almost made me cry. People were applauding like crazy and nodding along and I was just sitting there thinking, 'WOW. These guys ROCK!'
Finally, by the time everyone shared their thoughts (well, mostly...), time was up and at about 6:25 or so they took a vote, and guess what? The original motion carried! Which I think means we're going to Arizona for a protest, but dont hold me to that. I was a bit distracted through parts of it from the ceiling dripping water on me.

Peter Morales addresses the Assembly - Saturday 6/26

Each year at GA, part of the Plenary agenda includes a report from the UUA President. Plenary includes seemingly unending reports that represent vital work of the Association, and I try to appreciate them in that spirit, over the long hours of presentation. But I actually scan through the business agenda and mark when the president is scheduled to speak, so I'm sure to arrive early and settle in to listen. Here's some of what I took in from Peter Morales this year.

Peter noted that while the UUA has been challenged with economic downturn (including a $4 million reduction in revenue this year), and steady decline in numbers of members, we still have bright spots in the stories of our congregations, including those hightlighted as "Breakthrough Congregations." The strength and vitality of our congregations remain in our people, and comes up through our congregations -- we are not a "top-down" faith. Peter is proud of our continuing social witness, particularly in the demonstrations around the country that we are Standing on the Side of Love with people of faith working for justice. Peter is proud of UUA curricula that have been released to assist congregations with religious education for all ages, and for leadership development and social justice consciousness. Peter also noted that the UUA recently moved its investment funds, including staff and minisers' retirement funds, from Fidelity when it refused to commit to socially responsible investing.

Peter is encouraged by the evolution of our UUA website, to make it more user-friendly and current. He's been delighted with the "Religion for Our Time" videos that have been featured on the website, telling the stories of Unitarian Universalism through the acts and presence of our congregations. He's proud that Beacon Press has published the King Legacy, entrusted to us by the family of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Peter spoke of his priority on developing initiatives to support congregational growth and vitality. One such effort will take advantage of the experience of our boldest, fastest growing congregations, in mentoring other congregations who are on the threshhold of growth and greater impact in their communities.

Peter reflected on our gratitude to the countless indivdual UUs whose leadership provides the strength of our faith, and presented a volunteer award to one whose long dedication and involvement has been exemplary. Peter also remains excited about the partnership of the UUA and UU Service Committee, which carries our work for justice and compassion around the world.

Presidential addresses to the General Assembly are often an exercise in trying to cram mention of as many programs and accomplishments as possible into a very short period of time, while still conveying a sense of excitement and personal investment. This first annual report from Peter didn't vary much from the standard formula, but I was touched when Peter choked up as he thanked the Assembly for allowing him to serve as President.

Peter has some rough edges, maybe. But I admire his heart and his authenticity. I'm looking forward to seeing where he takes us.

Friday Morning Worship

I have visions of puppets overtaking our chancels. I have visions of Story for All Ages being acted out by huge caricatures of our ancestors. I have visions of General Assembly Banner Parade being shepherded by twenty foot puppets representing our principles and collective story.

So imagine my delight during Friday morning worship at General Assembly when a fleet of puppets burst down the aisles. Bumble bees, crickets, caribou, wolves, loons, and a huge (I mean huge) whale illustrated the sermon. It was joyful and poignant and appropriate for all ages. What a beautiful example.

If your congregation uses puppets in worship and/or religious education, please contact me.