July 07 Board Bulletin

Can you imagine what it is like to be surrounded by 5,500 UUs? The atmosphere was electric at the 2007 General Assembly in Portland , Oregon . No one imagined such a turnout. This was the second largest GA ever, the first having been held in Boston . There were problems to overcome, such as arriving at a meeting room only to find it overflowing, or getting the scooter etiquette right as we encountered new drivers and large numbers of folks trying to thread their way through the crowds. Wisely, the GA planners included a team of volunteers to handle right relations issues. This team helped to keep us sensitive to each other and our surroundings. It was awesome to experience such a large crowd treating each other with friendship and respect.

Your delegates witnessed a lively debate over the Statement of Conscience (SOC) “Moral Values for a Pluralistic Society,” up for vote after beginning as a Study/Action Issue at the 2005 GA. Some delegates thought it was too wordy, a bit defensive in tone, and needlessly contrasting ourselves with the religious right in articulating our moral stance; they were for referring the statement back to the Commission on Social Witness (CSW) for further work. Other delegates felt that, with amendments, it reflected our core UU values and we should not delay, as we need the statement now for our advocacy work and the coming elections. A number of amendments were approved, and eventually the SOC passed. Now it goes to the legal department for review. It should be posted on the UUA website in its final form in a few weeks. When it is available, our congregation will have an opportunity to learn more about the SOC and how we might act on it.

The six proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) were all adopted. AIW s are actions deemed to require more rapid approval than a Statement of Conscience, which requires a four-year process to enact. The six AIWs are to support UN convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women; support immigrant families; support comprehensive sexuality education; stop US sponsored torture, repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; pass the Employment Non Discrimination Act with Transgender Inclusion and Protection.

Believe or not, this is a really a brief summary of what your delegates encountered at this year’s General Assembly. Doubtless, they all have their own observations as to what went on. Why don’t you ask them? They are: Bob Meyerson, Karen Urbano and Meg Jurich.

~Meg Jurich

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