UUA News & Events: News in 2004

News 2004

Hot Issues

Freedom To Marry

Voter Registration

Front Page News in 2004

9/17/04 Vote approaches in US House on Federal Marriage Amendment
As early as the week of September 20th, the U.S. House of Representatives is planning to debate and vote on a proposed Constitutional amendment that would outlaw same-sex marriage in the United States.

Although the Senate rejected the same amendment this summer on procedural grounds, the House is moving forward with its version of the bill. The Federal Marriage Amendment states plainly that "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union between a man and a woman." The amendment would permanently deny same-sex couples the benefits of civil marriage, including spousal health care and survivor benefits. If the Federal Marriage Amendment is adopted, it will mark the first time in American history that the Constitution will be changed to restrict, rather than expand, the rights of an entire group of Americans.

The UUA Washington Office has sent a letter of opposition to all members of the House of Representatives. Now it's time for you to make your voice heard! In phone calls, letters, faxes, and e-mails, we hope you will urge your Representative to vote against the Federal Marriage Amendment. For more information, visit the UUA Washington Office webpage.

9/17/04 Nurture the joys of giving with "Offerings: Remarks on Passing the Plate" by Robert Thayer
Ever wonder how to turn asking for money into the art of giving and receiving that is graced with a compelling anecdote sure to open pocketbooks? Author Robert Thayer, a retired minister, former member of the UUA’s Annual Program Fund Committee, and a strong advocate for stewardship education in congregations, tells us how! Enjoy this new title from Skinner House Books, now available through the UUA Bookstore.

9/07/04 News from Hurricane-Ravaged Florida: Report from Rev. Mary Higgins, Florida District Executive

9/03/04 The UUA continues its Get Out The Vote efforts with the "Have Faith and Vote" Campaign
UU congregations throughout the country have answered Bill Sinkford's call to increase participation in this year's election. Over two hundred congregations have reported on their unique voting projects aimed at registration, mobilization, and advocacy, and the reports are still coming in! The UUA has supported Get-Out-The-Vote efforts by creating and distributing resources (available at www.uua.org/voting) and by helping congregations form partnerships on the local level with organizations already involved with voter mobilization. The UUA has also been an active member of the Faithful Democracy coalition, which this summer announced its Have Faith and Vote campaign . The campaign includes advocacy resources, a covenant for people of faith to make pledges to get to the polls on Election Day, and a number of fun, interfaith, non-partisan materials, available to congregations for their voting work during this election year. MORE>>

9/01/04 The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide
“If you are reading this, perhaps you've just discovered Unitarian Universalism and want to learn a bit about this liberal faith to see if it might be right for you. Or perhaps you've been attending a Unitarian Universalist congregation and are considering becoming a member...Whatever the reason, and wherever you are on your personal religious journey, this small volume can be a valuable resource. In it, you will find no creed of belief to which you must subscribe to be a Unitarian Universalist, no statement of doctrine. Unitarian Universalists value the individual spiritual journey and believe that there is no one right way to lead a religious life. For us, religion is ultimately not about what you think. Religion is about how you live. Ours is a faith of deeds, not creeds.” — from the Preface by Rev. William G. Sinkford, UUA President

This latest edition of the UU Pocket Guide continues to be a foundational tool in our rich liberal religious tradition. The perfect book for visitors, newcomers and anyone else who wants to learn more about UU faith heritage. Click here to purchase!

August 2004

8/26/04 Sinkford Arrested while Protesting at Sudanese Embassy

8/26/04 ABC's for UU Newcomers: A Brief Introduction to Unitarian Universalism by William Cleary
"Delightful and extremely informative for those new to Unitarian Universalism, or who have been UU's for years. A great eye opener for potential UU's!" Customer Review: The Rev. Robert Senghas

Based on the old fashioned children's books called an abecedary, this book is designed to lightheartedly introduce adults to the basics of Unitarian Universalism. Each letter introduces a UU concept and is decorated with a rhyming couplet. Includes heroes and heroines of the UU movement, interfaith prayers and prayers from around the world. Click here to purchase from the UUA Bookstore!

8/18/04 We Are Unitarian Universalists
With its historical roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions, Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion -- that is, a religion that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. We are a "non-creedal" religion: we do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. MORE>>

New to the UUA and Unitarian Universalism? Be sure to visit these helpful pages:

8/16/04 Florida UUs Come Together in Charley’s Wake

8/12/04 California Supreme Court voids same-sex marriages; UUA President issues statement

8/12/04 Ohio UU Congregations Focus on Voter Registration and Mobilization Efforts

8/5/04 Diverse Coalition Issues Unity Statement and Call to Action on Sudan

July 2004

7/30/04 Explore a key issue facing American society today: The Separation of Church and State
A new poll conducted by NBC news recently asked Americans what they were most concerned about as the November elections approached. One of the top five responses: the separation of church and state. Now, in a new Beacon Press title edited by Forrest Church, you can learn more about this fundamental freedom and what the founding fathers of this country have written about it. In passages by Patrick Henry ("In Defense of Religious Liberty"), Thomas Jefferson ("Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom"), George Washington ("Letters on Religious Laws"), James Madison ("A Detached Memorandum") and others detail how they purposely set up a separation between religion and government, ensuring that the government would remain free from the dictates of religious organizations (such as the Church of England) and guaranteeing the people's right to practice any religion they chose. If ever there was a book for this time in our history -- as Americans prepare to make pivotal decisions about our government and our future – this is such a title. Buy it NOW from the UUA Bookstore!

7/30/04 Are you a congregational leader? The August congregational packet is online for you!
While it's still summer, if you're a congregational leader, you're starting to think about fall: committee meetings, leadership retreats, important information on recently-passed 2004 General Assembly actions; ways to fund your congregation or district dreams; ways to help our youth lead more effectively. All this and more can be found in the new congregational packet, available on the web now!7/30/04 Thinking about Unitarian Universalism?

Welcome to this free faith! Find out more about Unitarian Universalism online, join one of our many email lists or find answers to some of the questions you may be asking as you explore Unitarian Universalism.

7/19/04 GA passes actions on civil liberties, global warming, federal marriage amendment
At the recently concluded UUA General Assembly in Long Beach, delegates passed a new Statement of Conscience on Civil Liberties, a study action issue on Global Warming, and six actions of immediate witness. Click here to read about the issues passed at GA in chronological order. The full text of the Statement of Conscience on Civil Liberties says, in part, "Unitarian Universalists are gravely concerned with the current erosion of American civil liberties. Our criminal justice system has seen increases in police brutality, harsher sentencing, racial profiling, and a call by our leaders for quicker resort to the death penalty. The "War on Drugs" has given the United States the dubious distinction of having the highest incarceration rate among economically advanced nations. Federal funding for faith-based initiatives has threatened religious liberty by compromising the independence and equality of different religious groups.

Later, the statement says, "As people of faith, and as Americans, we are called to action. We are called to reclaim our heritage as Unitarian Universalists and become vigilant stewards of our democracy. We are called as individuals, as congregations, and as an association of congregations to let our leaders know that some current policies are unacceptable." To find out more about how you can take action to defend our civil liberties, go to the UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy site.

7/19/04 Become involved in growing healthy UU congregations!
Now's the time to include books in your summer reading list that can help your UU congregation grow stronger and more vibrant! Check out Tom Owen-Towle's new book, "Growing a Beloved Community: Twelve Hallmarks of a Healthy Congregation". Owen-Towle says, "Rather than focus on the dumb and destructive things our parishes do, which are all too familiar, I've chosen to accentuate the positive, arouse the possibilities, and spur us on toward the very best we can become." -Tom Owen-Towle . Order your copy now from the UUA Bookstore!

7/19/04 Complete coverage of the UUA General Assembly is now available!
Check out our streaming video and reports and photos of hundreds of GA events. All streaming media events are available for viewing with a free Real Player. GA 04 lives on through the services of uua.org to provide archival information and continuing education for UUs around the world!

7/13/04 Say NO to Federal Marriage Amendment
(Boston, July 13, 2004) The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Wednesday, July 14 on a Constitutional amendment that would outlaw same-sex marriage in the United States. We urge your immediate action to call your senator, based on the UUA's longtime support of same sex marriage through is 1996 Resolution of Immediate Witness in support of the right to marry for same sex couples and the 2004 Action of Immediate Witness (“Oppose Federal Marriage Amendment”). A copy of the 2004 UUA Action has been sent to each Senator's office, and we need your further help to ensure that this amendment is defeated. Please take the time NOW to call your Senators and voice opposition to this cynical manipulation of the democratic process.

For information on how to contact your elected officials, go to http://capwiz.com/hrc/dbq/officials/ . If you are a member of the clergy, please take the time to sign on to an interfaith clergy letter opposing the FMA, hosted by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism . For comprehensive information on the proposed constitutional amendment, see the UUA Washington Office's Issue Brief on the Federal Marriage Amendment.

7/7/04 Closing Celebration Features Installation of Moderator, Eclectic Music, and an Invitation to Ft. Worth

June 2004

6/29/04 GA Hometown Press Release

6/28/04 Service of the Living Tradition Honors Ministers, Religious Educators

6/26/04 General Assembly 2004 Opens with Pageantry and Inspiration

6/25/04 Ernesto Cortés delivers keynote speech at UUMA and LREDA

6/24/04 General Assembly 2004

6/20/04 Welcome to Long Beach, Home of General Assembly 2004

May 2004

5/20/04 A Day to Remember: Fifty same sex couples married on May 20 at Arlington Street Church

5/17/04 Legal at Last: Julie and Hillary Goodridge Married at UUA Headquarters

5/17/04 Living History: Massachusetts Towns Issue Licenses to Same Sex Couples

5/11/04 Reflections on Human Dignity and the Aftermath of War

5/11/04 Check out the new UU WORLD: "Same Sex Marriage Moves Into High Gear"
In the new issue of UU World, writer Neil Miller takes a closer look at the coming changes that will be brought by marriage equality in Massachusetts, as the struggle for marriage equality continues to unfold in other states around the U.S. He writes, "A renewed culture war pitting conservative Christians against the aspirations of same-sex couples appears unlikely to reverse a very real march of progress. Even though same-sex marriage isn't on the legal horizon in most states anytime soon, American culture has come a very long way since the Stonewall riots that launched the gay movement thirty-five years ago." Read this article and other features in the current issue of UU World here.

5/11/04 Explore the need for policy reform in the Middle East with Beacon Press' "Resurrecting Empire: Western Footprints and America's Perilous Path in the Middle East"
In his new and compelling book, writer Rashid Khalidi takes a close look at US policy in the middle east. This new title, begun as the US initiated war with Iraq, examines the record of Western involvement in the region and analyzes the likely outcome of our most recent Middle East incursions. The book suggests that America's leaders seem blindly committed to an ahistorical path of conflict, occupation, and colonial rule. Our current policies ignore rather than incorporate the lessons of experience. Learn more here.

April 2004

4/29/04 April 24 Program at All Souls Church Features Carol Moseley Braun (includes video)

4/27/2004 Join a Covenant Group at GA!
Covenant Groups are changing our congregations for the better and they can do the same for your 2004 GA experience. For the first time ever, Small Group Ministries will be offering havens of community in the midst of our hectic annual gathering of delegates from around the world. Here's your chance to meet and connect with up to eight others right away in Long Beach.

Whether you are an experienced GA attendee or a first-timer, whether you are a member of a Covenant Group in your congregation or Covenant Groups are new to you, this pilot program offers the opportunity to enhance your GA experience. In these groups, eight people will meet four times for one hour with a facilitator trained in helping participants experience the intimacy and community that are the heart and soul of Covenant Groups.

For easy access to more information and registration forms to become a Covenant Group member or facilitator, visit the UUA web site at www.uua.org. There you can type in “GA Covenant Groups” in the “search our site” box and you'll be taken to the right spot. Spaces are still available, and this program is limited to the first 750 who apply, so register now to maximize your GA experience.

4/26/2004 2,000 UUs gather in Washington for March for Women's Lives on April 25

4/24/2004 UUs Gather in Washington to Support the March for Women's Lives
Thousands of Unitarian Universalists are converging on the nation's capital for what promises to be the largest pro-choice demonstration in our country's history. The April 25 March for Women's Lives, which is co-sponsored by the Feminist Majority , NARAL Pro-Choice America , the National Organization for Women , and Planned Parenthood Federation of America , is also supported by a number of other progressive organizations and religious groups.

4/23/2004 Register NOW for the UUA General Assembly in Long Beach!
Want to join thousands of UUs from across the US and around the world? Are you a lay or professional leader in your congregation who wants more information on ways to deepen connection, grow in your faith, and learn new ideas that can benefit your congregation and district? Want to take part in terrific programs that connect you to folksinger Holly Near, former Clinton Cabinet member Robert Reich, actor Ed Begley, Jr. and Beacon Press authors? Then you need to come to GA and be part of the future of UUism! Go to http://www.uua.org/ga/reg.html to find out more and register today!

4/23/2004 Deepen your connection to UUs around the world - join a UUA email list!
Did you know that there are over 250 email lists operated by the UUA which can serve your needs as a congregational leader, ministry professional, or inquirer about our faith? Go to our email list site to find an online community to meet your needs. For up-to-date information about UUA news and events, subscribe to uua-l, our list carrying up to date news about UUA happenings! For information and advocacy tips from the UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy, subscribe to advocacy-news, and for news about our upcoming General Assembly in Long Beach, join uua-ga!

4/23/2004 Clarification Regarding the UUA's Stance on Polyamory

4/9/2004 Is Your Congregation Bursting at the Seams? We have help for you!
The UUA's congregational services group has a new resource on adding worship services which can help your congregation to manage the growth you're experiencing and continue to reach out to the community!

4/9/2004 Reading is a Spiritual Practice!
The UUA Bookstore offers new titles every week. During this season of rebirth and renewal, celebrate life with these new titles. "Singing in the Night" from Skinner House Books, a collected set of meditations by Jane Ellen Mauldin, David Rankin, Gordon McKeeman, and Kaaren Anderson. Beacon Press proudly presents "Why I Wake Early" by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver. Interested in more new titles and religious education resources and pamphlets? Visit the UUA Bookstore online.

March 2004

03/30/04 Statement by the Rev. William G. Sinkford, President, Unitarian Universalist Association, Regarding Massachusetts Constitutional Convention Vote to Prohibit Same Sex Marriage

03/20/04 Fateful Decisions, One Year Later
One year ago, the United States entered into war with Iraq in the name of combatting terrorism. What have learned in the year that has past? Reflect on the UUA's 2003 web coverage of the War with Iraq , changes in Civil Liberties actions and laws made in the name of the war on terror, and reflections from the Shalom Center, The Interfaith Alliance on responding non-violently to terrorism and non-violence, and the National Council of Churches.

03/16/04 Unitarian Universalist Ministers Charged With Solemnizing Unlicensed Marriages

03/08/04 An Open Letter to President Bush, by the Rev. Meg A. Riley