2024 General Assembly Outcomes

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The General Assembly, a significant event in our UU community, was held from June 20 to 23, bringing us together in a unique virtual setting. This initial report will not cover the full range of actions, activities, workshops, and worship. We look forward to an opportunity for a fuller discussion of the non-business aspects of GA on Sunday, October 20.

This year, four delegates represented our congregation: Laurie Albright, John Bacon, Carol Gay, and Valerie McFadden. We were also represented by Rev. Randy, who served as a delegate in their capacity as a UU minister.

Decisions were made by the 2500+ delegates voting. Decisions that will delight some of us, disturb some of us, and confuse, mystify, or bewilder others. The business meetings lasted about four hours each day. The discussions and voting were generally orderly, and it was clear that a democratic outcome was reached for the various measures voted on. Perspectives Pro and Con were heard for each item brought to a vote. There were some cases where the interaction was marred by uncivil behavior. Rev. Randy reiterated a quote from the moderators in their sermon last Sunday. To paraphrase, it is best to distinguish between different perspectives and attacks on one’s personhood. This insight was missing in some responses to people’s testimony on the various actions.

The primary action was the approval of the Article II amendment. The faith’s new expression of shared values was adopted. The values described are Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and Transformation, centered around Love. UU World Announcement

Before voting on Article II, four Amendments to the revision were considered: two to change the Equity value, one to add Peace as a Value, and one to add Reason as a Value. The Wheeler amendment, which delegate Laurie Albright helped to develop, changed the wording of the Equity Value to  “We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.” This very popular revision was adopted. The other three amendments were not adopted.

We note that the Article II vote is a UUA bylaw change, but it does not stop us from continuing to hold the 7 Principles from the 1985/1989 revisions as our primary touchstones.

The notable votes, which required a 2/3 majority (3/4 majority for amendments to Proposed Revision) to pass, were as follows:

  • Proposed Revision to Article II as amended: Passed at 81%
    • Amendment to Proposed Article II: Equity: Every person is inherently worthy: Adopted with 93% support. It is included in Article II.
    • Amendment to Proposed Article II: Equity Calls Us to Listen, Understand, Respect, Respond: Not adopted with 28% support
    • Amendment to Proposed Article II: Peace as a UU Value: Not adopted with 35% support
    • Amendment to Proposed Article II: Reason and the Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning:  Not adopted with 30% support
  • Business Resolution: Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values. Passed at 92%
  • AIW: World on Fire: Humanitarian Work and Climate Change: Affirmed at 96%
  • AIW: Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 Affirmed at 86%
  • AIW: Solidarity with Palestinians Affirmed at 74%
  • Responsive Resolution: UUA General Assembly Support for October 7 Hostages: Affirmed at 77%

The decisions made by delegates at GA can raise a variety of questions and emotions. The four delegates welcome conversations about GA’s business from our fellow congregants. We are happy to share our observations and experiences. Our email addresses are below.

Randy shared with us that they intend for this to be a significant piece of the service on July 7, inviting us to consider possibilities rather than receive any of the results as limitations. All of us share the awareness that there is potential grief present in any change.

If any of these issues stir up a desire for pastoral care, please reach out to Rev. Randy by email at [email protected] or by phone at (216) 245-8373. You can also reach out to the Lay Pastoral Care Team at [email protected] to schedule time with a fellow congregant trained to serve as an impartial listener.

In fellowship,
Laurie Albright ([email protected])
John Bacon ([email protected])
Carol Gay ([email protected])
Valerie McFadden ([email protected])

Want more info? Here are some helpful links:

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