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General Assembly News
GA 2023 is a wrap! Pittsburgh is a fascinating city and it was a joy to see colleagues and fellow UUs from all over the world gather together to remember what matters most to us. I'd also like to extend an extra big thank you to everyone who supported our Youth Group attending GA this year and getting to connect with other UUs who live far outside our own individual congregation. It is good to remember that our tradition is far bigger than any one congregation and we are all connected by our common faith.
There were some important votes this year. First, we have elected a new Unitarian Universalist Association President, the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, who will lead our denomination for the next six years. I have extraordinary faith in Rev. Dr. Sofia's capacity to lead our denomination and help us imagine all that we can be in this ever complicated world.
Second, was the vote to continue working on the Article II process, which updates our UUA bylaws with new principles. There was much discussion and a few thoughtful amendments to Article II as it was originally proposed. I remain very impressed by the word of the Article II study commission and all the work they did. The General Assembly passed this preliminary language by 86.3% yes to 13.7% no, which means the official vote to adopt Article II will be on next year's GA ballot.
Third was a business initiative vote about divesting from fossil fuels and paying reparations, presented by a group of young activists. Though the goal of this initiative was admirable, the actual implications as it was written would have had the opposite effect of the goal. Thus, this resolution was not supported by the UUA staff or Rev. Dr. Sofia, who is an environmental ethicist, and was not passed by the General Assembly. The UUA remains committed to the work of divestment and reparations in ways that are deeply grounded in our UU values and our relationships.
Next year GA will be fully virtual and all are welcome to register and engage with this opportunity for collective learning, deepening, and celebrating.
Blessings,
Rev. Laurel
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