UUA General Assembly & Conference Services

Important news from the UUA. Link to Article II vote results shared in the original post.

Love at the Center: New UU Statement of Values Passes after Momentous General Assembly Delegate Vote The years-long democratic process culminated with debate and the GA vote. A two-thirds majority was required for approval.

Check out these workshops related to Skinner House titles at this year’s virtual General Assembly:

Writing the Sacred Journey by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew—workshop: Your Life Story as Scripture

Where Two Worlds Touch by Jade C. Angelica—workshop: Hope and Healing for Alzheimer's: A Spiritual Journey

Trusting Change by Karen Hering—workshop: Engaging Change: the Transformative Power of Pausing

Authentic Selves interviewees Jozeppi Angelo Morelli, Fresh "Lev" White, Lana Patel, and Josef Burwell—workshop: Gender Non-Conforming Stories of Adversity and Hope

A Fire at the Center by Karen Van Fossan—workshop: Water Is Life: People Before Profits

J Mase III, poet and co-editor of The Black Trans Prayer Book, spoke on Thursday, June 20, at , alongside the Prayer Book's co-editor, Lady Dane Figeuroa Edidi, about the importance of sharing stories and learning to tell yourself a new story as we talk about Blackness and reclamation of individual and communal strength from a history of colonization.

During their session, "One of Many Apocalypses: A Black Trans Retelling of the World," J Mase read his poem "Zone of Rarity," which includes the line “Because supremacy always tries to kill things it doesn’t understand." The poem is published in his book "Then I Got Fired."

GA attendees can find the recorded session in the Whova app on Thursday’s agenda.

GA is thought-provoking and inspiring—and busy. We like this meditation on YouTube to help re-center and reset in only 5 minutes. https://youtu.be/inpok4MKVLM?si=cvUUwSrEj5AJuwFS

On Wednesday, before 's official start, Black Lives of UU (BLUU) worship leaders Rev. Mykal O'Neal Slack, Min. Alberita (Albie) Johnson, and Min. Donté Hilliard hosted a Juneteenth service, "The Winding River of Liberation: Savoring Our Moments of Freedom," which included these words. If you'd like to learn more about BLUU, please visit blacklivesuu.org.

As you start each day of General Assembly—or even as you start each session—we invite you to set an intention. Need some ideas? Here are several to get you started:

Today, I will… 💭

Listen to my intuition

Be open to new possibilities

Be present in the moment

Enjoy my creativity

Practice random acts of kindness

Prioritize my mental health

Be forgiving of myself and others

Be kind and generous with others

Show self-love and practice self-care

Have fun!

You’ll find the schedule of speakers and workshops for Friday, June 21, in the GA app and at bit.ly/GA24Fri.

A Message from GA Platinum Sponsor—UU Climate Justice:

Are you excited for the first-ever UU Climate Justice Revival...but...still have so many questions? Is it on Zoom or in person? Can kids participate? Is it a regional or national event?

When we do new and different things, questions are expected! On Saturday, June 22, at 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. MT / 9 a.m PT, join the UU Climate Justice Revival Info Session on Zoom through this link, http://bit.ly/622InfoSession, and get all your questions answered!

You can learn more about the Revival at uuclimatejustice.org.

A Message From GA Platinum Sponsor—Starr King School for the Ministry:

Starr King School for the Ministry is widely known as one of the most progressive theological schools in North America. The school’s distinctive educational approach is rooted in the Unitarian Universalist values of countering oppressions, cultivating multi-religious life and learning, and creating just and sustainable communities.

Starr King emphasizes student-centered, holistic learning that cultivates habits for successful ministry and effective spiritual leadership. Programs include Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Social Change, Concentrations in Chaplaincy and Unitarian Universalism, as well as Certificates in UU Studies, Multi-Religious Studies, Chaplaincy Studies, and Psychedelic Justice & Companioning.

Stop by the Starr King virtual booth on the GA app to discuss your options, connect with Admissions staff, and enter for a chance to win Starr King prizes! Stay up to date on SKSM events at GA by visiting www.sksm.edu/ga.



Image Descriptions:

Image 1 - Graduate with a dark beard and in black regalia holding a diploma that reads "Starr King School for the Ministry" smiling proudly on a stage with a colorful background and a person in red and black academic dress standing behind fixing the graduate's hood.

Image 2 - Two individuals stand at a podium in a formal room with wood-paneled walls and a large stone fireplace. The person on the left, wearing glasses and a colorful sweater over a dark outfit, speaks into a microphone. The person on the right, in a dark academic robe, listens attentively. A banner with symbols and the old Starr King School for the Ministry logo hangs on the front of the podium.

Image 3 - Senior person with a white beard speaking and gesturing during a class, sitting in front of a whiteboard with written text and a tablet propped up on the table in front of them.

A Message From GA Platinum Sponsor—The UUA Article II Study Commission

The Article II proposal has generated a burst of energy in sermons, in religious education curricula, in music, in theological reflections, and in UUs’ understanding of what's central to our shared faith. (Love. The answer is Love. As well as our other interrelated values.) Learn more at linktr.ee/a2scuu. The Commission wants to thank all those who engaged in good faith—obviously, we hope it passes, but we were clear from the start that we wanted the process to have value for all those participating. We had faith that it would, and UUs across the country have made good on that faith. Thank you! Let's put Love at the center!

On this first day of our annual General Assembly, we offer these words by the Rev. Christin C. Green excerpted from her prayer, "A Prayer Before Annual Meeting":

"May our minds and hearts be opened this morning
so that the day is able to blossom
and flourish in life giving ways.

May we view each other as partners, comrades,
friends on the journey, headed in a
direction together toward wholeness.

May our voices be gentle and purpose-filled.
May our energy create space for everyone.
May our hands open to one another as help when needed."

Read the text in full in our online WorshipWeb: https://bit.ly/4b2tFQG

Share your light at today! Participating is an act of love and commitment that can lead you to deeper connections and transformation.

Here are 5 ways you can participate and share your light:

1. Delegate chat/tree rooms during General Sessions

2. Cohort groups

3. Whova community boards

4. Session Q&As and feedback

5. Likes, shares, and comments on social media. (Keep an eye out for these hashtags: , , and )

Image Description:

Under a "GA Pro Tips" banner, lit candles of different shapes and sizes shine and glow. The caption says, "Don't hide your light."

Available to all, live on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=tj69V7m8_b8

We are delighted to invite you to this year's Berry Street Essay TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 19th at 7pm ET/ 6pm CT/ 5pm MT/ 4pm PT! If you are registered for Ministry Days you can watch through the Zoom Events portal.

This event is open to the public and you can join us to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj69V7m8_b8

Today's pre- events continue with a screening of the feature film gOD-Talk, now showing in the Whova GA app.

This film is the result of five years spent exploring the lives of seven Black millennials—Atheist, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Ifa, and Spiritualist—and how they reimagine faith in the 21st century.

gOD-Talk is presented courtesy of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in association with the Pew Research Center.

#🍿

Happy Juneteenth! All registrants are invited to join us as we begin today's Juneteenth worship, presented by Black Lives of UU (BLUU).

The 63rd Annual General Assembly is almost here! 🎉 To make the most of your experience, log on to start getting familiar with the participation platforms NOW.🌐

👥 Full-time Delegates:
- Access both the GA delegate platform and the GA app, powered by Whova, for General Sessions, worships, programs, featured speakers, the virtual Exhibit Hall, and more.

🔹 Business-only Delegates:
- Access the GA delegate platform for General Sessions, delegate-only discussions, pro/con mics, and voting.

🗓️ All Registered Attendees:
- Use the GA app, powered by Whova, to view schedules, create your own itinerary, introduce yourselves in community spaces, register for meet-ups, post pictures, and explore the virtual Exhibit Hall.

🤓 Don't wait! Be wise and get an early start, ensuring you'll have better access to volunteer tech support teams should you need them.🤓

A Message From GA Platinum Sponsor - Meadville Lombard Theological School:

At Meadville Lombard, we offer transformative theological education for today’s changing world. From our Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, and Master of Art in Religion degrees to Lifelong Learning (LIGHT), Beloved Conversations, and Spiritual Direction, we have a program for you. You can find all the details at www.meadville.edu.

During , Meadville Lombard will be co-hosting a watch party with First Unitarian Church of Chicago. If you’re in the Chicago area, join us on Thursday and Friday, June 20 and 21, in downtown Chicago at the Meadville Lombard campus, and on Saturday, June 22, at First Unitarian in the Hyde Park neighborhood. If you're attending virtually, we'll also have plenty of Zoom sessions you can plug into. Find the full details by visiting www.meadville.edu/general-assembly-2024.



Image Descriptions:

Image 1 - The Meadville Lombard 2024 commencement class poses in their caps and gowns, holding their diplomas, on the steps of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago. The class ranges in age from 20 to 80.

Image 2 - The Meadville Lombard Theological School logo, with the words, "Education for every step of your journey."

A Message From GA Platinum Sponsor—UU the Conversation:

We have discovered from our national Zoom town hall meetings that there is wide disagreement among UUs on the proposed language in Article II.

There are so many unanswered questions, too many undefined words in the proposed rewrite of Article II, and too many UUs who remain unaware of what is being proposed.

All UU delegates must take the time to understand and discuss the changes before they vote.

Our website provides thoughtful information on the changes in the Proposed Article II and the implication of those changes.

Visit our virtual booth, or uutheconversation.org.



Image Description:

A cartoon image of a person saying, “Have we heard all the points of view on the proposed article II?” Accompanying text reads, "UU the Conversation is dedicated to engaging all UUs in this important decision. Visit uutheconversation.org.”

A Message from GA Platinum Sponsor—inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop:

The word ‘inspirit’ is rich in meaning. It can mean to fill with spirit, to encourage, to exhilarate, or to bestow with strength or purpose. inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop offers books to support people of all faiths and seekers alike in engaging with spiritual questions. Find books to help nurture your faith, connect with your history, and ground and enhance your crucial work for social justice.

inSpirit also offers a wide range of fair-trade gifts and merchandise that proudly support public advocacy campaigns like ‘Side with Love’ and ‘UU the Vote.’

Visit shopinspirit.org.



Image Descriptions:

Image 1 - A shelf of books in a bookstore with a category sign above reading "Books for Seekers"

Image 2 - The corner of a bookstore, with shelves holding books and merchandise including bags, rally signs, and pins, under category signs reading "Church Resources" and "UU Identity."

Image 3 - A bookstore display of children's books. On the wall is a canvas print of the cover of the book “Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families,” which features photos of a diverse array of happy families.

Thursday, June 20, at , be part of the powerful tradition of the Synergy Worship Service (AKA the Bridging Service), when UU young people bridge from Youth to Young Adult.

GA registration is required for this livestreamed service starting at 7 p.m. ET | 6 CT | 5 MT | 4 PT. Learn more at bit.ly/synergyworship.

🪩 Afterwards, everyone is invited to celebrate at the virtual Synergy After-Party. GA registration is not required for the party. Simply RSVP at bit.ly/synergyparty and prepare to join UU youth, emerging adults, family, supporters of all ages, the National Emerging Adult Taskforce (NEAT), and the Young Adult Revival Network (YARN) for a fantastic celebration.

The party starts right after the service, at 8 p.m. ET | 7 CT | 6 MT | 5 PT. See you there!

Your General Assembly registration includes pre-GA events before the official June 20 kick-off. On Wednesday, June 19, join Black Lives of UU, along with vocalist and composer Melanie DeMore, for a Juneteenth worship, ‘Honoring Juneteenth – The Winding River of Liberation: Savoring Our Moments of Freedom.’

Learn more at bit.ly/preGAjuneteenth

You can register for GA at uua.org/ga/registration



Image descriptions:
1. Text-only, repeated in the caption.

2. Worship leader Rev. Mykal O'Neal Slack wears frameless glasses, leaning head against hand with a gentle smile.

3. With silver hoop earrings and a red flower in her hair, worship leader Min. Alberta (Albie) Johnson tilts her head as she flashes a smile.

4. A curved sidewalk stretches behind worship leader Min. Donte Hilliard, wrapped in a red knit scarf, grinning from behind translucent-framed glasses.

Our GA theme, “Love unites, stories ignite,” extends to younger attendees ages 5 to 13 too!

Last year's religious-education duo, Jenn Blosser and Sam Wilson 💃🏼🕺🏻 (who are also members of the Order of the Goldfish , Lotus, and Chalice), return to lead this year's program.

They'll give children the opportunity to unite with their peers and ignite their imaginations.

To start, children receive a printable PDF packet filled with activities, information, games, puzzles, and more to help them explore our GA theme and open the door to family conversations about the discussions happening at General Session.

They'll also be invited to join two virtual gatherings, featuring games, check-ins, and open discussions about the Values & Covenants of Article II. Videos on-demand are also available, which children can watch either on their own or with family.

Add children to your adult registration at no cost, at https://www.uua.org/ga/registration.

Need help adding your child? Just email us at [email protected].



Image description: The words “General Assembly Activities for Kids” are accompanied by simple, illustrated flowers. The biggest, tallest flower has the General Assembly logo as its center and is getting a shower from an overhead watering can.

On Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, at General Assembly, plan to join UU Climate Justice Coalition members and other attendees who share your interests and concerns to explore climate justice as an anti-racism issue, as a civil rights issue, and as spiritual work.

You can check out more Cohorts and other events on the General Assembly schedule at bit.ly/4bnodsB



Image Description: On a red background, photos of speakers Rev. Kelly Dignan, Rachel Myslivy, Pablo DeJesus, and Rev. Peggy Clarke accompany text reading “Cohort Spotlight: Climate Justice - Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22.”

📚 BOOK GIVEAWAY! 📚
📚
🗣️ We're giving away 2 copies of Rev. Dr. Anastasia Kidd's eye-opening book, "Fat Church: Claiming a Gospel of Fat Liberation."

To be entered into our random drawing: Like this post, share it (please make the audience public, or we won't know you shared it!), or follow our account—or combine any of these to increase your chances. Two winners will be drawn on May 27 and contacted by May 29. No purchase necessary.

During , plan to hear Rev. Dr. Kidd and Tigress - iofthetigress Osborn, executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), on Saturday, June 22. They'll discuss religious institutions' role in diet culture and public health myths, and how religious institutions can be part of a future where embracing diversity has no size limit.

Secure your spot at the May 29 Zoom webinar "What to Expect at GA 2024," brought to you by the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees.

Join us to learn how to access the delegate platform and navigate the GA app, Commission on Social Witness information, and more ➡️ bit.ly/3JFMvSw



Image description: Attendees at a past General Assembly during check-in, talking with each other and looking through programs and other printed information.

Explore how to create radical welcome through accessible spaces for congregations and education. Access the Fahs Lecture, "Love as Accessibility: Buildings & Beyond," on demand starting June 1 with your General Assembly registration.

🗓️ See our full schedule of workshops, speakers, worship services, general sessions and more, coming up at General Assembly, June 20–23: uua.org/ga/program/schedule

“Beloved Conversations” is a learning community that believes working toward racial justice is one of the practices of faithful Unitarian Universalism. registrants can access this on-demand program starting June 1.

Explore everything coming up during the virtual 2024 General Assembly, June 20–23, at uua.org/ga.

"A Q***r Theyology of Unitarian Universalism" explores q***r existence beyond binaries. Available on-demand starting June 1 for registrants.

Explore the lineup and register at uua.org/ga



Image Description:
Rev. Lane-Mairead Campbell and Rev. Michael J. Crumpler speaker headshots

Plan to hear the annual Ware Lecture on Saturday, June 22, given this year by Julia Watts Belser. A graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, Belser is a rabbi, scholar, spiritual teacher, and activist for disability and gender justice.

Learn more about Belser and the list of past Ware lecturers, including Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Dr. Cornell West, Krista Tippet, Mary Oliver, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at https://bit.ly/44up87M.

Image Description: Headshot of Julia Watts Belser, pictured outdoors

On June 22 at , Rev. Dr. Anastasia Kidd, theological educator and author of the book Fat Church, and Tigress - iofthetigress Osborn, executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), talk about religious institutions' roles in diet culture and public health myths, and how to create a future where embracing diversity has no size limit.

Learn more about the session: bit.ly/3wfE2Cq

Register for General Assembly here: bit.ly/3UE5kM6



Image descriptions:
Smiling headshots of General Assembly Featured Speakers Rev. Dr. Anastasia Kidd, wearing black-and-yellow-rimmed cat-eye glasses, and Tigress Osborn, who has curly hair and wears hoop earrings.