What happened at General Assembly in Pittsburgh June 21-25?

•

1.   We elected an incredible new President, Dr. Sofia Bentacourt! See her bio here. 

UUs leaders, clergy gathered on stage with a hand on each other and Pres-elect Sofia Betancourt seated at the center

2.   We attended amazing worship services. These can be viewed on the UUA.org  website. video or this link for more information about the service

3.   We thrilled to the music of the General Assembly (GA) choir, with eight (8!) members of UUCC singing.

4.   We attended the Side with Love Rally, where Randy Partain shared the great work of our congregation. (See video on People of UUCC facebook page)

5.   We attended the Banner Parade, workshops, and more

6.   Delegates participated in the democratic, messy, and, at times, fraught process of the business of GA.

  1. Three Actions of Immediate Witness were approved:

    Health equity (PDF 2 pages), Ending the planned “Cop City” training center (PDF 3 pages) in Atlanta, Georgia, and protecting the Rights of Dreamers (PDF 2 pages)  (please read each to learn about recommended actions) 
  2. 5 of the 15 prioritized amendments were accepted to the Proposed Article II. Article II was voted to continue the process of circulating among congregations for the next year. Whether to accept or reject the proposed amended Article II will be decided in June 2024 at virtual General Assembly. Further amendments may be proposed by at least 15 congregations supporting a specific amendment. These will be ready by the fall for viewing.
  3. The business resolution regarding divestment and reparations did not pass, although it did garner 32% support. Dr. Sofia Bentancourt did state that she was committed to divestment and reparations and will work towards that, but that this particular resolution was not written in a way that she could support at this time and she did ask for a no vote. A group of young adults expressed urgency in addressing both issues.

7.   Participating in General Assembly touches all the emotions and more. Heartwarming, heart-opening, frustrating, joyful, disappointing, exhilarating, connecting, soul-heart-mind bending. Most of all, it is amazing to be immersed with the large number of people drawn to UU values, in this beloved community. We experienced the mystery and impact of community. Next year will be all virtual. We look forward to sharing more of our experience of GA in a UUCC service this Fall.