 3003
Plenary IV features debate on Study Action Issues
Moderator Diane Olson called the fourth Plenary of the UUA
General Assembly to order at 8:45 AM. Plenaries are taking
place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s Back
Bay, with well over 2,000 delegates from more than 775 congregations
taking part in debate.
Following announcements by UUA Secretary Wayne Arnason, an
introduction of members of the Commission on Social Witness
followed: Chair Richard Nugent, and members Jan Carlsson Bull,
Barbara Child, Robert Sarley, and Chris Trace, and Scott Keeler,
staff assistant. Nugent explained the study action issue debate
process, and Olson called on sponsors of proposed
study/action issues to present their issues and make opening
statements.
1. Weapons of Mass Destruction.
The sponsor statement was offered by Kathy Newharn, from the
UU meeting of South Berkshire, Great Barrington, MA. She said
in part, “It is crucial to abolish these weapons…they
create dangerous situations for the world, shaping the way
nations interact. They wreak havoc on the environment …our
world and life itself is threatened. UUs have worked hard
to oppose nuclear weapons, issuing 15 statements since 1961.
The US has shifted from a policy of containment to one of
dominance and proliferation, a frightening mix. Last year,
I joined over 500 women in Geneva to support this resolution.
UUs can once again help lead the way if you want justice work
for peace.”
2. Indigenous Peoples.
The sponsor statement was offered by Nancy Mazarella of the
Delaware UU Fellowship of Delaware, OH. She said, “Indigenous
people were the original inhabitants of North and South America,
but here, we are focusing on Native Americans in US territories.
Genocide was pushed on these people during the founding of
our country. Today native people still suffer repression,
bigotry and dominance against their normative ways. That should
concern UUs as we are rooted in Emerson’s transcendental
principals. In the US, more than 500 federally-recognized
tribes exist. Most members live a tenuous identity. We should
speak out as we did at GA 2001 against unwarranted merchandising
of Native American symbols, names, and mascots. This is a
study action issue which only moves us in a positive direction
for our movement.”
3. Human Rights and Peace.
The sponsor statement was presented by James Hall, First Parish
in Arlington, MA. He said, “There are three pre-eminent
reasons for voting for the human rights and peace study action
issue. There is no more important issue facing humanity in
these frightening times than to attain peace in the world…we
UUs are right in what we believe in, and we have an opportunity
and obligation to bring peace to the world. Our UU covenant
has long affirmed our belief in human rights, in the inherent
worth and dignity of every person, and the right of conscience
and use of the democratic process…thus we UUs have a
positive message of hope and optimism. We are one people who
have the same aspirations for ourselves and our children.
We UUs can be instrumental in helping to bring about a world
for peace and justice.”
4. Criminal Justice and Prison Reform.
Sharon Fisher from the UU Fellowship of Newark, DE presented
the advocacy statement. She said, “UUs have been at
the forefront of prison reform since the time of Dorothy Day
in the 1900’s. In 1999, 1.5 million children had at
least 1 parent in jail. Statistics in all states show that
rates of the incarcerated are biased against poor women, African
Americans, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people,
and people of color. It is time we recognize that the revolving
door of prisons is not reforming or helping anyone at all.
We must not forget the millions of jobs that are investing
in the criminal justice system in the US. The conditions for
working prisoners are among the worst in the world: there
are no health benefits, no safety standards, no unions, and
no strikes allowed. We can change this.”
5. Civil Unions and Same Sex Marriage.
The Rev. Mark Belletini, Minister of the First Unitarian Universalist
Church, Columbus, Ohio, presented the advocacy statement.
He said in part, “I have to admit that with the Canadian
decision to allow same sex civil marriage and this week’s
Supreme Court decision, there is fresh wind filling the sails
of this study action issue. This is an issue of justice, equity
and compassion which will help us grow spiritually in the
process. This issue illustrates our principles. Whereas the
1990s told us ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’
our ancestors have urged us, ‘do ask, do tell,’
about your life and your love. Unfortunately, history has
distorted this issue…” Belletini cited examples
of famous persons through history who had same sex partners,
including Henry VIII and King John Sigismund. He said, “The
wind is in the sails. The time to establish justice for millions
of us in the country is upon us.”
Meg Riley, Director of the Advocacy and Witness staff group,
was asked to speak to the delegate body about possible considerations
in supporting a potential Action of Immediate Witness.
Riley said, “As you consider how you might want to
cast your vote, I urge you to think strategically about your
vote and how you want to use its power. This is not just about
which issues you find compelling. You are not being asked,
‘which matters more to you, human rights, peace or same
sex marriage, or criminal justice or indigenous peoples rights.’
What matters most is not always the most helpful question
to ask when considering what is the best study action for
our UU movement to choose in order to make a difference over
the next two years. If you think strategically you might ask
some other questions as we examine the issues where we might
choose to focus our limited resources for assessing issues:
- Grounding: does this issue have authentic and deep UU
roots?
- Fit: is there a match between our resources, aspirations
and ability to make a difference?
- Opportunity – do we have an opportunity to be heard
on this issue?
Riley reviewed the criteria for assessing the potential grounding,
fit, and opportunity of each issue and concluded, “there
is something to be said for doing something that is possible,
and doing it well.”
Olson then invited advocacy statements to commence on each
of the proposed study/action issues.
Karen Regal, lay minister from the UU Congregation of Atlanta,
spoke in favor of the action supporting indigenous people.
She said, “Native people do not have religious freedom
yet. The use of peyote has to go through the US Drug Enforcement
Agency, and the religious belief that Native Americans are
savage people continues. The lifespan of the Native American
male is 47 years compared to our life expectancy of 72. Supporting
this action will help us to advance green sanctuary actions
and social justice causes.”
Marilyn Jackson, member of First Parish in Arlington MA,
spoke in favor of the world peace proposed action. She said,
“Why does a world that embraces human rights also embrace
peace? ON Dec. 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal
declaration of human rights. It proclaims a world where people
will enjoy freedom of speech as a highest aspiration of the
people. Almost all of Latin America has adopted liberal forms
of government…communism has been overthrown in eastern
Europe and the Soviet Union….freedom and democracy is
the demand throughout the world. Recognition of the inherent
dignity of all people…is a sign of peace in the world.”
Steve Kelley from Orlando, Florida spoke in favor of criminal
justice and prison reform. He said, “I have decided
to support [this] item. We have a great deal of enthusiasm
by youth for this. They have promoted this for four years.
It is very pertinent to the statement of conscience passed
last year on the war on drugs. Over forty percent of prisoners
are in jail for drug-related crimes. In my home state, the
tens of thousands of disenfranchised felons did not get to
vote; we might have had a different president had this not
happened.”
Steve Bells, from the Unitarian Church of All Souls, New
York City, spoke in favor of the proposed action on same sex
marriage. He said, “The Interweave Board has unanimously
endorsed this issue. Thanks to our friends in Canada and Justice
Anthony Kennedy, the world is focusing on same sex marriage.
AOL’s (America OnLine) poll said 51 percent supported
same sex marriage. Even people who don’t see themselves
as gay can support this issue. As a religious institution
we can play a role in educating the institution of religion
in an understanding that marriage with all of the rights and
protections of the constitution can include same sex people.
Same sex marriage has become a hot button issue of our time.
Adopting this issue can make a real difference in how society
addresses this issue.”
Carolyn Stetston, First Unitarian Society of Albany, spoke
in favor of the proposed action regarding weapons of mass
destruction. She said, “I am a bio-terrorism response
planner for a state agency. I can speak to the threat of weapons
of mass destruction. It is that fact and the magnitude of
resources our government is making to address that threat,
that shapes our destiny. We do not understand [the impact
of] our choices in making and creating this situation, which
realizes our own worst fears. This is not about the presence
of weapons in nation states, but the fact that the weapons
could be available to people over whom we have no control…”
A vote was taken on the delegate body’s preferences,
and while the votes were counted, Olson called for a reported
from the Committee on Committees and Nominating Committee
which was given by Calvin Dame and Young Kim, the
chairs, respectively, of those bodies.
The Journey Toward
Wholeness Transformation Committe report  was given by Chair James Hobart along
with the other members of the committee: Sophia Bettancourt,
Kurt Kuhwald, Linda Olson Peebles, Emily Ricketts, Leon Spencer,
Susan Suchoki Brown, Kim Varney, and Simona Munson, staff
and Taquiena Boston, President’s Representative.
The participants reviewed the history of the committee, formed
at GA 1997. Sections of the report were presented as a responsive
reading with the delegates and the committee participating
equally.
Following the presentation, Diane Olson asked for the delegate
body’s consideration of a donation to Friends
of the UUA. She said, in asking their consideration,
“I know you honor the Planning Committee’s request
to not make unexpected requests for donations. And we are
totally committed to that request. But there are occasions
when issues related to the well being of the Association move
us to ask you for help. This is the largest gathering of UUs
we have ever experienced. We would like to request your help.
We are short $100,000 in income from Friends of the UUA, income
that we need. And in this difficult economy, we are struggling
to reduce expenses without reducing our services. The board
and I have already included $3,300 toward this request. You
should not feel uncomfortable if your economic circumstances
if you can’t make a gift, but look into the generosity
of your heart, and help us if you can. Thank you so much.”
Meg Riley’s report followed, with her narrative highlighting
the work of the Advocacy and Witness staff group.
Linda McCaffrey was recognized in Riley’s report as
president of the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation
who has helped the UUWF to support women’s issues. Riley
said, “The gift of the UUWF to provide matching funds
to establish an internship in the UUA Washington Office to
focus on women’s issues, establishes a permanent legacy
to support the social justice work for which Clara Barton
stood and for which the UUWF has been widely recognized.”
McAffrey then continued with a report on activities of the
UU Women’s Federation, saying, “we created a restructuring
TF to see how we could do business in a better way. It included
members Patsy Madden, Phyllis Rickter, Denny Davidoff, Arlene
Johnson, and Justice Waidner. McAffrey said, “The UUWF
Board has been visionary in saying, ‘let’s do
this and not put money back in our own pockets. And,”
said McAffrey, “I want to thank Denny Davidoff. She
continues to be a leader of an amazing kind, going all over
the country to talk about this [internship program]. This
is transforming work that we are engaged in…we thank
you for your attention, and perhaps, and your donations to
support this work.”
Olson, announcing the result of the votes for a new study/action
issue, stated that a runoff vote between two of the proposed
items was required. The total number of votes cast was 1,733,
meaning that the number required for majority is 867. A runoff
was called for between human rights and peace, (521 votes),
and criminal justice and prison reform, (555 votes). A vote
would be taken later in the plenary.
Olson called for a report on Socially
Responsible Investing, and asked the Rev. Sidney Morris.
Wearing a clerical robe, which she described as a “symbol
of questing and reverence,” Morris said she used the
robe to “symbolize that worship and learning are not
separate from that most mundane of topics, money. ‘Money,
which represents the pros of life and is hardly spoken of
in parlors without apologies is in its effects and laws as
beautiful as roses’ (Emerson).”
Morris explained that Socially Responsible Investing isn’t
just about investing, it is about the way we are invested
and embraced, enmeshed, in the great global financial system
of which we are a part. “So far the system we have devised
does not ennoble us…we must ennoble it. Being financially
responsible means being present to every purchase we make
in our own lives. We must be present to every investment we
make. Do you know what you own, should you be lucky enough
to have investments? Are you looking forward to retiring on
money you made from diamonds or tobacco? We must show up and
speak our values to companies,” she said.
She concluded, “Let’s lead the life of integrity
we are called to by our faith.”
Olson called for debate on the second year Statement
of Conscience – on Economic Globalization.
Rev. Richard Nugent, chair of the Commission on Social Witness,
reminded delegates that this issue first began when it was
proposed by the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation
of Portland Oregon in 2000. Two years of study, action and
reflection have followed, as well as local advocacy activities,
feedback to the Commission, and the language has been revised
and refined by congregations after it was mailed last October.
120 attended a 3 hour mini-assembly to offer possible amendments.
Debate commenced on the proposed action, with Ward Morehouse
of Frederick, MD, urging support and saying, “I salute
the Commission on Social Witness, because this is an issue
whose time has clearly come.” A speaker opposed to the
action said, “this is a subject where individual understanding
comes slowly and in pieces, so it is not surprising that there
is a clash of those understandings; in the larger picture
there is little disagreement …” Speaking in favor
of the motion, another delegate said, “I went with a
delegation of the UUs for Just Economic Community to Mexico
to see the effects of 9 years of NAFTA – we met with
various people and everywhere the message was, ‘NAFTA
is a disaster for the people – dumping of products,
etc., people displaced.”
Molly Goulet of Durham, NH: Made a motion to defer the statement
for another year because it doesn’t address rights of
indigenous people and issues of slave wages, simplicity and
sustainability. (This motion is not debatable and a motion
cannot be deferred for more than one year). The motion requires
a 2/3vote. The motion failed. The main motion returned to
the floor, and proposal of amendments commenced.
Olson then called for the runoff election on proposed
first year study action issues, and tellers went
off to count the votes while other business continued.
Amendments to the proposed statement of conscience on economic
globalization:
Michael Scott, member of First Universalist Church of Rochester,
NY, proposed deletion of a sentence which had been inserted
by the CSW as lines 25-27 saying, “Studies show that
rates of economic growth throughout the world have been lower
from 1980-2000 than from 1960-1980, which suggests that globalization
has contributed to increasing poverty and inequality.”
This motion carried.
Another proposed amendment failed, and a delegate called
the question, which the delegate body affirmed. The main motion
was voted on, to approve the proposed Statement of Conscience
as amended. The vote carried.
Finally, Olson announced the results of the runoff election
on the proposed first year study action issue, stating that
“Criminal Justice and Prison Reform” had won.
After Process Observations by Tamara Payne Alex and announcements
by Secretary Wayne Arnason, the plenary stood in recess until
Sunday afternoon following the Service of the Living Tradition.
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