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"Centered In Love" (YouTube video) by David Jackoway, Trustee of the MidAmerica Region. In this sermon, David Jackoway discusses the proposed changes to the Principles section of Article II, which lists our seven principles and six sources. He describes why these changes are being proposed and reactions to the proposal.

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Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis

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Sermon, April 30, 2023: “Centered in Love” by David Jackoway

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This curriculum is designed for active, neurodiverse 9 to 14 year olds who benefit from more experiential learning. Rev. Caitlin has developed a range of such engaging sessions and exercises, to be used sequentially or combined with other curricula throughout the year.

Rev. Caitlin names as the guiding question for the curriculum: “How do our Unitarian Universalist Values challenge us - and what tools do they call and guide us to create, as we take on life’s challenges?”

The curriculum contains eight unique sessions: the first two are focused on "Love", and the following six explore each of the proposed values. Each session offers a variety of elements that can be adapted to meet your group’s specific learning and accessibility needs. The document also includes a four-part adaptation for a 24-hour overnight junior youth group retreat.

Learn more here

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Click the image above to return to the Faithful Conversations landing page!

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This resource is a multi-layered tool that blends small group ministry and worship resources for congregations as our Association moves into the next stage of the bylaws adoption process. Congregations are encouraged to use Amplifying the Charge for shared learning, reflection, and worship this spring, in anticipation of the vote at this year’s General Assembly.

Created by QuianaDenae Perkins, Learning Resident in the UUA Mid-America Region and a third-year seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry, Amplifying the Charge provides four themed sections: Who Am I? How Did We Get Here? What Keeps Us Here? and Where Are We Going? It guides congregants to explore each section of Amplifying the Charge together as participants engage in covenanted, small group ministry conversations, collective worship, or both.

Download Amplifying the Charge (PDF, 33 pages). Engage religious professionals, worship team, lay leaders, and others to integrate four weeks of worship resources and four weeks of small group ministry into your spring congregational calendar!

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The Handy Guide to the Values of Unitarian Universalism

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The Handy Guide to the Values of Unitarian Universalism

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This video introduces a new way to remember the Article II proposed values. It is concise, and explains the hand gestures for each value with corresponding visuals.

Download the accompanying coloring book for a hands-on learning activity! (8 pages, PDF)

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Free Course Offered by the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF)

This workshop, led by the Rev. Dr. Michael Tino, invites participants to explore the history of and proposed changes to Article 2 of the UUA By-Laws, currently our Principles and Sources. Participants are given the option of pausing the video for group discussion at various points.

While the video is 37 minutes long, the workshop is intended to be done over 90 minutes to 2 hours.

All materials are offered free of charge.

Love at the Center Course Materials

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New Children’s Curriculum Has Love, and LEGO®, at the Center

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New Children’s Curriculum Has Love, and LEGO®, at the Center

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The 17 sessions in this curriculum introduce the Article II values (pluralism, interdependence, generosity, equity, justice, transformation, and love, plus kindness) through storybooks, discussion, and play activities. Each session includes an opening circle with an opening question and centering exercise, a story with discussion prompts, and a choice of play activities that carry out the theme of the day (including at least one simple LEGO build). Three appendices include a list of the centering exercises used in the curriculum, a crowd-sourced list of books for each value, and a list of materials needed to implement the curriculum. This curriculum is intended for elementary grades (1st-5th).

Download LEGO ValUUes (PDF, 102 pgs) for 17 weeks of Article II learning for grades 1-5.

The author, Kathy E. Smith, CRE, (she/her) has been a professional religious educator since 2006. She currently serves as Director of Family Ministries for the Unitarian Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She previously served as religious educator for congregations in Fort Worth and Plano, Texas, and as Coordinator of Youth Activities for the Joseph Priestley District. She frequently writes curricula for her congregation and is delighted to share this LEGO® ValUUes curriculum with the broader denomination.

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6 Session Curriculum by Sara Krakauer

Sara adapted her original collaborative easter egg hunt for all ages into a larger curriculum to teach the Article II values over six sessions. Each session includes an engaging and unique activity designed for elementary-age children with literacy skills.

Download here (42 pgs, PDF)

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UU World Article: Reflections on the 1980s Article II Revision—and Why it’s Time to Revise Again

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UU World Article: Reflections on the 1980s Article II Revision—and Why it’s Time to Revise Again

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UU World Article: Reflections on the 1980s Article II Revision—and Why it’s Time to Revise Again by Elaine McArdle. The UU World interviewed one of the surviving members of the 1981-1985 Purposes and Principles Committee that produced our current Article II. “I am thrilled to see that the work we did is being revisited! It is exciting to see the participation, engagement, and re-working of our core values and purpose.” - Rev. Diane M. W. Miller

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In some ways, you could say that the Rev. Diane M. W. Miller's son Graham Durrall is a Unitarian Universalist bylaws baby.

In the fall of 1981, Miller, pregnant with Graham, was serving as the new minister at First Church in Belmont, Massachusetts, when she was asked to join a committee to examine the Unitarian Universalist Association Principles and Purposes as stated in Article II of the bylaws. A few months earlier, General Assembly 1981 had voted to review this aspect of the bylaws, which had been created twenty years earlier during the consolidation of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. Among other concerns, the language of the 1961 bylaws was gendered, and overall, it felt dated, Miller recalls, so she and five other UUs-Rev. Walter Royal Jones, Jr., G. Peter Fleck, Linnea Pearson, Priscilla Ledbury, and Rev. Harry Hoehler-set out to create a new statement of UU values.

"I was appointed as a young, feminist minister, given that much of the impetus for change had come from women seeking more inclusive language and perspectives," Miller says. "There was enough groundswell of people who wanted to change the language around feminism, for one thing, but there were many other reasons. People were ready for some different expressions in there."

Over the next four years, as Miller's son was born and grew into a toddler, a new set of bylaws was born, too, through the work of the Purposes and Principles Committee and the input of thousands of Unitarians Universalists around the country. The committee reviewed its charge and covenants and statements of faith, sent questionnaires to UU congregations seeking input, and came up with some draft language. It was a time of great creation. "The first year was an amazing year for me," Miller recalls. "I was starting a new ministry, and I was pregnant at the same time."

Graham was just six weeks old when he accompanied his mother to the 1982 General Assembly in New Brunswick, Maine. "I remember standing in the back of this big hallway bouncing a baby, and then I had to get up and give my short report," Miller recalls, so she handed the infant to a friend so she could speak to delegates. And as the committee absorbed comments from UUs and congregations around the country and revised their work, she often brought her nursing baby with her to committee meetings.

But neither Miller nor her son were at GA 1984 when delegates overwhelmingly voted in favor of the new bylaws, which, with amendments at GA, came to include Seven Principles and Five Sources that have remained largely unchanged for four decades as the faith's values statement and moral guide (a Sixth Source, earth-centered religions, was added in 1995). Busy with her young toddler, Miller stayed home that year, watching from afar as the work she and her colleagues had done came to fruition. (The language received final approval at GA 1985; Article II bylaw changes require approval at two consecutive GAs.)

Today, Miller's son is a grown man, a parent himself who works as an electrician in Salina, Kansas, where Miller lives, too, in order to help out with her two grandkids. Time passes-both Jones and Fletcher of the original committee are "with the ancestors," as Miller, now 74, puts it. Just as people grow and change, so should human institutions, Miller believes-which is why she is delighted that the Principles and Sources that she and so many others worked hard to forge are once again being examined.

"I am thrilled to see that the work we did is being revisited! It is exciting to see the participation, engagement, and re-working of our core values and purpose."

"Times change! We have changed! Hallelujah!" says Miller. "A statement of who we are, in our own words, need not be fixed in generations past."

For the past two years, a new Article II Study Commission has worked to review and meet the requirement to revise the bylaws that were last revised when Miller's son was a little boy. This summer, at General Assembly 2023, delegates will vote on proposed revisions to Article II of the bylaws-specifically, the Principles and Sources. Delegates will be able to offer amendments formally, and if a new version of Article II receives a simple majority vote of approval, a final vote will be held at GA 2024.

"To me, a lot of time has passed, and I think it's great we're doing it again," says Miller, who has preached on her support of the proposed bylaws. "I am thrilled to see that the work we did is being revisited! It is exciting to see the participation, engagement, and re-working of our core values and purpose."

While the current Principles and Sources are cherished by many, Miller wants UUs to understand that they are neither sacred nor mystical texts. "They were not given on tablets on a mountaintop. They emerged from a small group of dedicated UUs in living memory, with tremendous input from UU church members, church leaders, congregational meetings, and clergy," she says. "How glad I am to see these core statements and values being widely examined once again!"

For example, when the '80s committee was trying to draft the Principles, it got stuck on trying to include the myriad religious and non-religious viewpoints that comprise the faith. So Hoehler, who was co-minister at First Parish Church in Weston, Massachusetts, with his wife, Rev. Judy L. Hoehler, suggested creating a separate statement expressing the historical sources of the UU tradition. "Everything clicked after that," Miller explains, and thus were born the Sources.

At the time, "there were a number of theological tensions-not battles, but different points of view that made up the UUA at that time," recalls Hoehler, who is now 94 and lives in Seattle with Judy. "That's why I felt we should look at our sources. What did we have in common, and what were the sources that differentiated us but that we still respected with regard to those different points of view?"

The fact that UUs landed on Seven Principles as opposed to some other number has no particular significance. "Seven is a classically mystical number in ancient religions, but it's just what we came up with," Miller says, noting that the committee originally offered Six Principles, while the Seventh-regarding the interdependent web of life-was suggested by Rev. Paul L'Herrou at GA. "I'm sure we never said we have to have seven because that's a nice round theological number, it's just to say what we wanted to say."

While she herself is not involved in the work of the current commission, Miller strongly supports the proposed revisions-"I would say what struck me the most is that love is at the center, and love is the word that now captures so much of what is special, what is holy, what is divine," she says-and she looks forward to lively debate about the proposal at GA 2023. "This is participatory theology. It is inclusive and alive. I am hopeful that we will, together, forge a new statement for these times."

Miller knows that some UUs may not be enthusiastic about changing Article II, whether because they are attached to the current version or because they may feel it's not a pressing issue right now. But as she looks back at the objections UUs voiced forty years ago-which are collected in the committee's 1982 report known as the Purple Book-she notes they are strikingly similar.

"We heard just about exactly the arguments you are hearing now," she says. "People said, 'Our present statement has served us well for twenty years, so why tamper now?' You hear that now!" Some UUs objected that bylaw revision shouldn't be a top priority, or that it would create divisiveness and confusion, she notes-all arguments resurfacing today.

But Miller urges UUs to see the process at GA 2023 as a remarkable opportunity to shape their faith by discussing what it means to be a UU. It's a process that is rare in organized religion, if not unique to Unitarian Universalism.

"The thing I loved about the process was the actual engagement with theological questions and issues," recalls Miller. "I loved it and loved that we were doing it as a group, as an Association, not only as a committee group but with the whole movement being asked, 'What is our faith today?' To me it's thrilling. To me it's like the Council of Nicaea¹, when people got together and hammered out what they thought. I just find it exciting that we are open to that, that we do not cloak our statements as if they were a revelation from misty times and some divine being. People wrote these around a conference table in a meeting room!"

"If there's anything I could say that would reduce their anxiety about this and help people to see nothing's really going to be lost, [it's] that there will be new ways of teaching and conveying this to children and adults and newcomers that will emerge just as they did for the ones we have now," she says. "And I also think people should enjoy the chance to do theology publicly. To talk about the most important guiding principles and values of their lives, and to be able to do that with other people who share a lot of the same feelings and values you have is a great opportunity. And yes, there's a certain amount of wordsmithing, you might not see everything you like in the final version, but to engage with this is to really ask, 'What are we about?'"

Moreover, she adds, "The Seven Principles will not be lost. They are always part of our heritage. Congregations will continue to use them in various ways. But the UUA bylaws could use new insights and fresh language. We need to reach for a theology of our time."

Miller, who is minister emerita at the Belmont congregation, won't make it to GA in person this year, since she takes care of Graham's 10- and 12-year-old children during the summer. But she will be attending as an online registrant, with her bylaws grandbabies nearby. And she has some advice for all UUs.

"I would say, loosen up, enjoy it! Relish the fact you get to have a part in this process of a new direction, and see if that is something you could live by. They have done lovely work," she says. "I'm very excited."
¹ The Council of Nicaea was a council of Christian bishops convened in AD 325 by the Roman Emperor Constantine I, which attained consensus on certain questions of theology, and from which emerged the initial part of the Nicene Creed.

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For the First Time in Forty Years, Unitarian Universalists May Adopt New Bylaws

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In the 1980s, UUs proposed and adopted transformational changes that have shaped the faith for decades. Here's how that process mirrors what UUs are experiencing now.

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Not sure how to make sense of or move through all that you see here?  Start in this column for some tips for how to explore all that we've gathered!

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Not sure how to make sense of or move through all that you see here?  Start in this column for some tips for how to explore all that we've gathered!

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This is a compendium of resources for exploring Article 2 values, developed by many different people in many different UU congregations.  Each column to the right offers a different category of tools for engagement, offered for use within congregations. SCROLL DOWN to see all that's in each column, and SCROLL TO THE RIGHT to see all of the columns.

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This is a compendium of resources for exploring Article 2 values, developed by many different people in many different UU congregations.  Each column to the right offers a different category of tools for engagement, offered for use within congregations. SCROLL DOWN to see all that's in each column, and SCROLL TO THE RIGHT to see all of the columns.

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Article II Concepts as Pokemon Characters

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Article II Concepts as Pokemon Characters

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Illustration of Article 2 concepts represented as Pokemon characters by Regina McConaghy and Rev. Cindy Landrum.

"Showed elementary kids Article 2 graphic, then this graphic, Eevee The Pokemon (in her many iterations). I asked, "does this look kind of similar?" Eevee is always Eevee, even when she's Leafeon or Jolteon. Love is always love, but we can see Transformation and Generosity as kinds of Love; connected to each other, b/c love is the base form from which they evolve. One kid: 'Oh, I get it! Love is at the middle: the other words are things we do to make the love real!'"

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Reimagining Core Values and Identity by UUA New England Region; Meck Groot and Joe Sullivan. This is an adapted offering from the New England Region (NER). While focusing on the work and proposed changes of Article II, it utilizes the Spiritual Leadership framework that is core to all regional offerings. Additional links, context, and references are included in the main link.

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SL4CC_ Prework for Gathering 6_ January 2023

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Charge to the Article II Study Commission

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Charge to the Article II Study Commission

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Charge to the Article II Study Commission (YouTube video) by previous UUA Board Co-Moderator Elandria Williams.

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Introduction to the Unitarian Universalist Association Article II Study Commission

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Lectio Divina: Article II Study Commission Proposed Values

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Lectio Divina: Article II Study Commission Proposed Values

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Lectio Divina: Article II study commission proposed values by Rev. Karen G. Johnston, building on the brilliance of many through crowdsourcing. With thanks to Rev. Rachel Lonberg for idea. Also YouTube video with music.

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Lectio Divina: Article II Study Commission Proposed Values

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Article II Lectio Divina by Rev. Caitlin Cotter Coilberg.

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Article II Coloring Book for All Ages by Tony Bianca (religious educator).

"I created this for our Lifespan Program at 1st UUSD (San Diego). I print on 11x17 and magazine fold, but could be double-sided on 8.5x11 and stapled on the left."

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Word Clouds from Hymnals by Rev. Dan Schatz.

I’ve seen a lot of discussion about love being at the center, with some finding it particularly meaningful and some finding it particularly meaningless. Recently Rev-Dan Schatz created word clouds by putting the whole hymnals’ texts into a generator. The heart-shaped one is the gray hymnal and the pentagon is the teal. And you see what emerged at the center?

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Article II Commandments by Lee Johnson-Doyle.

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I was so tempted to make a joke about the us constitition article 2 @unitarian universalist #unitarianuniversalism #article2 #equity #inclusion #inclusivelanguage #unitarianuniversalist #unitarianuniversalisttok #faith #religeon #spirtuality #rulesandbylaws #guidelines #noncreedalfaith #change #democracy #debate 

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@unitarian_universalist
I was so tempted to make a joke about the us constitition article 2 @unitarian universalist #unitarianuniversalism #article2 #equity #inclusion #inclusivelanguage #unitarianuniversalist #unitarianuniversalisttok #faith #religeon #spirtuality #rulesandbylaws #guidelines #noncreedalfaith #change #democracy #debate
♬ Ten Duel Commandments - Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jon Rua & Leslie Odom Jr. & Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton

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Playing w/ blocks by Caitlin Cotter Coilberg.

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Just #unitarianuniversalist minister’s kid things, thanks Rev. Caitlin for sharing the #articleII values with your little one!  

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@unitarianuniversalist
Just #unitarianuniversalist minister’s kid things, thanks Rev. Caitlin for sharing the #articleII values with your little one!
♬ original sound - unitarian universalist

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Adding 1 to Love by Karishma Gottfried.

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Replying to @Andrea Perry Lerner did it!!

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@unitarianuniversalist
Replying to @Andrea Perry Lerner did it!!
♬ original sound - unitarian universalist

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Values at the GA Booth 1 by Karishma Gottfried.

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Which is your favorite?? I’ll put a magnet on for you! #articleII #unitarianuniversalist 

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@unitarianuniversalist
Which is your favorite?? I’ll put a magnet on for you! #articleII #unitarianuniversalist
♬ original sound - unitarian universalist

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Comparing principles vs values by Karishma Gottfried.

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They each serve a pUUrpose! #unitarianuniversalist #UUa2 

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@unitarianuniversalist
They each serve a pUUrpose! #unitarianuniversalist #UUa2
♬ Originalton - 🫶🏻

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It's Hard to Believe They're Getting Rid of the Seven Principles

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It's Hard to Believe They're Getting Rid of the Seven Principles

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It's hard to believe they're getting rid of the seven principles by Karishma Gottfried.

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Learn more at the link in my bio! #UUa2 #unitarianuniversalist 

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@unitarianuniversalist
Learn more at the link in my bio! #UUa2 #unitarianuniversalist
♬ original sound - Little fox

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Every vote counts! by Karishma Gottfried.

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Replying to @TriciaJStewart18   Every vote counts! I love being a delegate :) #UUa2 

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@unitarianuniversalist
Replying to @TriciaJStewart18 Every vote counts! I love being a delegate :) #UUa2
♬ original sound - unitarian universalist

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Continue the Conversation by Karishma Gottfried.

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Replying to @cutedimond lunapuppy   Do you want to continue the conversation? #UUa2 

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@unitarianuniversalist
Replying to @cutedimond lunapuppy Do you want to continue the conversation? #UUa2
♬ original sound - unitarian universalist

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Getting rid of the principles?? by Karishma Gottfried.

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Replacing the principles?? #UUa2 #unitarianuniversalist #uuaga2023  

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@unitarianuniversalist
Replacing the principles?? #UUa2 #unitarianuniversalist #uuaga2023
♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

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Article II Lesson Plan for Grades 2-5 by Chrissy Bushyager, CRE.

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Group Processing guide and powerpoint, submitted by Sarah C. Oglesby-Dunegan; Created by Janice Miller and VUU Committee on Shared Ministry @ Valley UU (Chandler, AZ).

"I am sharing a document that shows how we conducted a conversation with 40 participants last weekend. I hope it's useful to some of you. We have 300 members. We are doing an online version next week and a group with diverse views is organizing to create some ideas for amendments. It was better than anticipated--the container held a wide range of view in a safe container and folks left feeling like they learned from each other and were listened to. My Committee on Shared Ministry ran the meeting and I was mostly an observer/listener. I thought some of you might find our slides also helpful. As always, use and adapt dear ones. If we can save each other time, we can save each other in other ways, too!"

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Article II and Our UU "Technology": Change Can Be Uncomfortable!

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Article II and Our UU "Technology": Change Can Be Uncomfortable!

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Time for All Ages: Article II and Our UU "Technology": Change Can Be Uncomfortable! by Rev. Jaimie Dingus. Rev. Jaimie Dingus gives and credit to Carey Nieuwhof. In his article, "10 Predictions About the Future Church and Shifting Attendance Patterns," he writes, “Churches that love their model more than the mission will die.” The idea of model vs. mission that he lays out is the inspiration for this time for all ages.

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Good morning friends! [ If relevant: Later on in our service this morning, we're going to be talking about Change. We are going to talk about how important things change over time. And how the most important things stay the same even when everything around them changes. Then we are going to talk about how Unitarian Universalism is changing, and how what is most important about our faith is going to stay the same.]

When I was thinking about the things that change this week, I started to think about technology.

Technology is something that I have seen change over and over again in my lifetime. Have you noticed it change in your life?

This week I decided to go on an archaeological dig in the storage area of our Church building [ change location as applicable]. As I was digging, I found some pretty cool fossils-technology fossils. Would you like to see them?

[Rev. Jaimie recommends finding examples of old technology as it progresses and changes. She says, "I used a cassette tape, a CD, and an MP3 player; a VHS, a DVD, and Netflix; and then a floppy disk, a thumb drive, and then a google doc. I was hoping for a rotary phone and if you have one, definitely use that!"]
Hold up the "fossils" and show them to the children. Ask them if they know what they are.
What is a cassette for?
What does a floppy disk do? [ Etc. Rev. Jaimie adds, "You'll get a laugh from the congregation if you call a floppy disk a 3D Save Button!"]

These are some excellent fossils.

First we had a cassette, then CDs then MP3 players.
The type of technology changed but something important stayed the same.
What stayed the same? [People want to be able to hear music.]

First we had a VHS tape, then a DVD, and now we have Netflix.
The type of technology changed but something important stayed the same.
What stayed the same? [People want to be able to watch movies.]

First we had a floppy disk, then a thumb drive, then Google docs.
The type of technology changed but something important stayed the same.
What stayed the same? [People want to be able to save and share files.]

Friends, what is most important stays the same, but the way we do it has changed a lot.

And in Unitarian Universalism we have been using the seven Principles as our "technology" for our faith since 1985. That was a long time ago-that's when people made the switch from cassette tapes to CDs.

And now a really wonderful team of leaders has come out with a new technology for our faith. This technology has seven new values. They are Pluralism, Interdependence, Equity, Transformation, Justice, and Generosity, and right in the center is LOVE!

And now it's up to us to figure out if this new technology-these new values-are going to be the next new way that we can live our UU faith in the world.

There is a lot to think about here, and we know that change is hard. It can be uncomfortable, and like any time we learn a new technology it can take a little while to adjust. But we also know that as long as we commit to move forward together in love, we can change and change again and again, and what we love most will stay just the same!

Blessings to you, and now let's sing you off to your classes!
Editor's note: Rev Jaimie Dingus gives and credit to Carey Nieuwhof. In his article, "10 Predictions About the Future Church and Shifting Attendance Patterns," he writes, "Churches that love their model more than the mission will die." The idea of model vs. mission that he lays out is the inspiration for this time for all ages.

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"I Am Love: A Book of Compassion" illustrated children's book by Susan Verde, art by Peter H Reynolds, read aloud. Submitted by Corinna Whiteaker-Lewis.

This picture book captures much of what the proposed change is trying to express, esp. as it shows all the different ways love is embodied through our actions. The child depicted is non-gender specific and is dressed in trans flag colors.

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I Am Love: A Book of Compassion (I Am Books)

Celebrate kindness, compassion, self-care, and love in all its forms in this instant New York Times bestseller!

Love means showing kindness, living with gratitude, and taking care of our minds and bodies. Letting our hearts lead the way can help move us closer to a better world.

From the bestselling team that created I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human, and I Am One comes a celebration of love in all its forms. Grounded in mindfulness and wellness, I Am Love asks readers to look inward when they feel afraid, angry, hurt, or sad. When a storm is brewing inside us and the skies grow dark, the transformative power of love lets the light back in.

Includes heart-opening yoga poses and a guided meditation.

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Celebrate kindness, compassion, self-care, and love in all its forms in this instant New York Times bestseller! Love means showing kindness, living with gratitude, and taking care of our minds and bodies. Letting our hearts lead the way can help move us closer to a better world.

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"Love at the Center" (YouTube video) by Rev. Monica Dobbins. Part two of series, focuses on Love through the work of bell hooks.

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First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City

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"Love at the Center" (February 26, 2023)

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"The Future of Our Living Tradition" (YouTube video) by Rev. Monica Dobbins. Part one of series, "Breaks the News".

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First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City

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"The Future of Our Living Tradition" (February 19, 2023)

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Hold Space for Vulnerability: Youth Service on Article 2 Values

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Hold Space for Vulnerability: Youth Service on Article 2 Values

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Hold Space for Vulnerability: Youth Service on Article 2 Values (YouTube video) by Rev. Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson. Credit youth: Max Larson, Myles Pointer-Mac, Jasper Murray-Benz, Kailey Thieme, Nolan Watters, Ryan Bruch, Liam Bruch, Thomas Pahl, Vera LeFort.

Our Youth Service this Sunday centered the Article 2 values, with youth exploring each value through images & stories from their lives. Grateful to Jil Novenski for the inspirational idea. Service Description: Change is uncomfortable and hard; it makes us feel vulnerable. Yet, Brené Brown tells us “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.” Last month, Rev. Jennifer spoke about our living tradition turning more towards love, and our opportunity to embrace upcoming changes in our stated core UU theological values. Join our Youth as they “try on” the newly stated UU theological values in a service that explores the Article II proposed changes.

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March 5, Annual Youth Service "Hold Space for Vulnerability"

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Slides on current and proposed Article II and their relationship by Rev. Dr. Cynthia Landrum.

Please use attribution if using the slide with the word cloud or the slide with my personal graphic at the end.

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2023-01 - UU Principles & Article II.pptx

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A2 Amendment Process by Rebecca ("Bek") Wheeler, President, UU Fellowship of the Peninsula (Newport News, VA).

PowerPoint slides explaining the amendment process for Article 2 -- see sermon "Cusp of a Moment (YouTube)" by the same author, for an additional resource to consider. This works best when downloaded and shown in PowerPoint.

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"Proposed changes, Article II" 20-min. video by Minister Rev. Jami A. Yandle & DRE Corinna Whiteaker-Lewis @ San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

See sermon "Article 2, What Does It Do" and story "I Am Love" in the stories section for an additional resource to consider (suggested or written by same religious professional).

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Link: Flower Communion Service by Katie Resendiz de Perez. For flower communion, I adapted "A Crown for Corina," to be both desert and article 2 centric. I am linking the story adaptation, the worship service script, and the slides we used in the comments. Use as you will. It's wildflower season here in the desert. So, this is our chalkboard for the month. I'll add things in the background as the month goes on; a butterfly for transformation, a spider web for interdependence, etc.

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"Article Two, What Does It Do" (YouTube video) by Minister Rev. Jami A. Yandle & DRE Corinna Whiteaker-Lewis @ San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

See video "Proposed Changes, Article II" and story "I Am Love" for additional resources to consider (suggested or written by same religious professional).

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"I was having difficulty remembering the seven values so I made up a song to make them more memorable. Now I would like to share my song to help other UUs become more comfortable with the words."

This memorable tune can be used in worship, religious education, and more!

Download the official notation (PDF)

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The JETPIG Song by Soren Austenfeld and Sara Krakauer

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The JETPIG Song by Soren Austenfeld and Sara Krakauer

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This fun and accessible take on the new values expresses the spirit of the values in a new way. It also includes original hand movements that can be found in the video above.

"We taught the song to our congregation during worship a few weeks ago, and several adults shared with us afterward that they found the concise and plain language of the song helpful in their own understanding of the new values/framework."

Download sheet music (PDF)

Download large sheet music (PDF, 3 pages)

Chorus

What makes you a true UU? Love at the core of what you do!

We commit to work as a team to make our values more than a dream.

JETPIG helps us keep in mind six values that UU's have defined.

Verse 1

Justice means we make things fair. We vote, speak up, and act with care.

Equity is when every one gets what they need for work and fun.

Transformation means we change, and we can still grow at every age.

Verse 2

Pluralism is how we say we know there's not just one right way.

Interdependence means we're connected so our Earth and its people are respected.

Generosity is the last: we can learn to share before we're asked.

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First Parish Malden Unitarian Universalist Church 

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21 Songs Exploring A2 Values, by Rev. Kimberley Debus.

We sing our theology... In other words, singing is faith formation for everyone of every age.

As we consider the work of the Article II Commission and the proposal to organize the affirmation of our living faith into seven values, we can turn to our hymns to see how those are reflected in the songs we already sing together. It is true that some of the songs in Singing the Living Tradition (STLT) and Singing the Journey (STJ) may feel out of date or antiquated. Many new songs have been written since STJ was published in 2005, and many more will be written to reflect the faith we are growing and living into. Yet many of the hymns collected in those two hymnals are still fresh, alive, and reflective of the core values of our faith.

How to Use This Resource

Use in worship services that reflect on the values outlined by the commission

Use as musical breaks/a time of meditation in Article II discussion groups

Use as “hymn of the month”

Use in discussion groups about our hymns and how they reflect our theology

Use in faith formation/lifespan faith development classes

Add them to playlists that you listen to in the car, in your home, etc.

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Trees of Justice: Story and Art by Emily C. Jones and Lex Jones (Download: PDF, 2 pgs)

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Love at the Center Wonderbox (ft. JETPIG) by Adrienne Summerlot (Download: PDF, 2 pgs)

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Meet JETPIG! Time for All Ages by Paula Gribble (Download PDF, 2 pgs)

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The Cusp of a Moment: Discerning What it Means to be Unitarian Universalist

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The Cusp of a Moment: Discerning What it Means to be Unitarian Universalist

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The Cusp of a Moment: Discerning What it Means to be Unitarian Universalist" (YouTube) by Rebecca ("Bek") Wheeler, President, UU Fellowship of the Peninsula (Newport News, VA).

This worshipful but fully interactive talk seeks to invoke curiosity about the proposed A2, inviting listeners to see the proposal as a natural and logical embodiment of our long-term commitment to re-see UU for today and the next generation. Thus, the proposed A2 does not "throw out" the 7 principles, but extends and deepens how we articulate what it means to be UU.

Service Description: As Unitarian Universalists, we honor the change of our earthly seasons. Now, we recognize a different turning — a fresh season within Unitarian Universalism itself. For only the second time since our Association formed in 1961, we are re-seeing, re-appraising, and re-writing the statements of what it means to be UU. Bek Wheeler will introduce and share the UUA proposal to move from Principles and Sources to Values and Inspirations. As you contemplate these new envisionings, what speaks to you? What resonates? What perplexes? What inspires or invites you? Come, come, whoever you are! Share in this new season of discerning and owning Unitarian Universalism.

See accompanying A2 Amendment Process slideshow, linked in the Slideshows section.

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​The Cusp of a Moment: Discerning What It Means to Be Unitarian Universalist

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Prophecy and Change (YouTube video) by Rob Spirko, Article II Study Commission.

A sermon preached at First UU Nashville which covers some info about A2 and our process, as well as the nature of prophecy, change, and what I see the values as able to do for us.

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First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville

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"Revised UU Principles" Rob Spirko. 4/30/23

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"What's Love Got to Do With It?" by Elaine Gallagher Gehrmann.

One of our central Unitarian Universalist values is love. The recent report by the UUA’s Article II Study Commission reaffirms this, putting love literally in the center of our shared values, and saying, “We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.” This morning we will explore the spiritual discipline of love.

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Wait a Minute! Discussion and Practice for Building Beloved Community 

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Wait a Minute! Discussion and Practice for Building Beloved Community 

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Click the above image for a short video conversation with the developer of the Wait a Minute! program. It was designed by a member of the Tennessee Valley UU Church to provide a space for deep listening, respectful discussion and inspiration to work together to build the Beloved Community. CLICK HERE for access to all Wait a Minute session materials.

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Please Note: Some of the resources shared here were created as the Article 2 process and conversation evolved. Some language may have changed since the creation of a resource. 

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Please Note: Some of the resources shared here were created as the Article 2 process and conversation evolved. Some language may have changed since the creation of a resource. 

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Please check language closely for any adaptations needed to reflect the final Article 2 language as officially adopted.

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The Article II Study Commission invites you to continue the conversation. The page linked above offers resources for personal and community reflection and discussion developed and shared during the study leading up to the proposal.

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The Article II Study Commission invites you into this study. Find below resources for personal and community reflection and discussion....

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The Power of JETPIG by Kathy Underwood.

(Download PDF, 6 pgs)

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The Power of JETPIG - a Time for All Ages

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CLICK HERE for Article II Values Graphics by Catherine Farmer Loya

The folder linked above contains a variety of flower-petal graphics with words as well as symbols for each of the A2 values, as well as individual images of each of the symbols.

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Activity by Emily C. Jones

This activity is inspired by the tradition of "trick or treating," but can be implemented in any season! It is an intergenerational activity that has opportunities for youth leadership. As children go searching door to door, they are greeted by different members of their community who will help teach them about the values through symbolic goodies.

Download Searching for Our Values (4 pages, PDF)

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by Jenn Blosser

These simple group art projects have been a staple of Jenn Blosser’s work in religious education for children, youth, and adults since 2015. They consist of a large image which has been cut into (relatively) even square tiles. Participants work on coloring in the tiles individually, without knowing what the final image will be. Then, the tiles are assembled to reveal the completed image in all its mish-mash, colorful glory.

Collaborative art mosaics can be used in a worship service, as a community building activity, as a project in a religious education class, as a bonding activity at a leadership retreat, and more. Aside from whatever message the final image communicates, the process of coloring the tiles and assembling the mosaic is faith formation itself - teaching lessons about being a part of something larger than oneself.

This series of medium-sized mosaics was designed to enhance community discussion and learning about the Values and Covenants of Article II.

Detailed Instructions (Word, 3 pages)

Complete Coloring Book (PDF, 7 pages)

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UUA Article II Study Commission - Background & Info

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UUA Article II Study Commission - Background & Info

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History of Article II and the Study Commission

Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Bylaws, Principles and Purposes, is the foundation for all of the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted communities. It is the covenant to which all of our congregations and covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA.

Our current Principles and Purposes were last revised in 1987. At General Assembly (GA) 2017, there was discussion of amending the Principles to add an 8th Principle, addressing racism, and an amended 1st Principle, addressing non-human life. The 5th Principle was the subject of a report in 2009, which dealt with the ways in which GA and other Unitarian Universalist (UU) gatherings do and don't embody an inclusive democratic process. The 7th Principle has also been the subject of discussions about possible amendments.

There have been many projects, resolutions, task forces and other strategies that have come from the Board, Commission on Appraisal and grassroots groups which encourage us to take a look at our principles, purposes, bylaws and rules. It is time for us to do a review and make changes so that we are living into the Unitarian Universalism of the future, a Unitarian Universalism that holds us in times of great need and ethical, moral and spiritual crises. We are in one of those times now.

In response to those discussions, the UUA Board committed to establishing this Article II Study Commission to complete this study and offer a revised Article II.

Summarizing two years of work with UU individuals, groups and leaders, this report offers a proposed new draft of Article II of the UUA Bylaws. Read the report (PDF 26 pages)

Article II Study Report

The Article II Study Commission has completed its two year study. They submitted their Article II Study Report (PDF) to the UUA Board of Trustees at their meeting held on January 20, 2023. The report includes the Study Commission's initial recommended revisions to Article II.

The Unitarian Universalists Association's Article II Study Commission, Board of Trustees, and Administration and Staff have received a lot of questions regarding the Article II study and proposed revisions. We have curated this list of answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

2023 General Assembly Amendment Process

Following the presentation of the Article II Study Proposal (YouTube) in January 2023, the Board of Trustees developed a congregational engagement and amendment process. The UUA's goal was to maximize discussion and engagement with the initial Article II Study Commission proposal (PDF), which addresses the foundational values and purposes of our faith community.

The Board of Trustees established a four phase process to support the Co-Moderators in prioritizing amendments on the General Assembly agenda.

April 2023, Unitarian Universalists were invited to submit suggestions and ideas on how to modifying the proposed Article II, through an online form. All qualifying suggestions were posted on an online forum for public discussion at discuss.uua.org.

May 2023, the Board's General Assembly Moderation Team, the ModSquad, hosted three amendment discussion workshops. Workshops were open to anyone and focused on areas where multiple amendment ideas had been submitted, to help proposers connect with each other to develop formal amendments where their ideas align.

June 2023: After the final General Assembly Agenda was published and the delegate platform was open, delegates could submit one (1) amendment per delegate. Amendments were accepted through the Article II mini-assembly at the General Assembly.

2023 General Assembly: The ModSquad and Article II Study Commission reviewed the over ninety (90) submitted amendments and prioritized fifteen (15) on the General Assembly agenda as directed by the bylaws. Amendments selected went through the collaborative process and represented repeated themes in the formally submitted amendments. The General Assembly adopted and referred five (5) amendments (PDF) to the Article II Study Commission for consideration and incorporation into the final proposal.

Shared UU Values Flower

The Shared Values flower, found in the final proposed revision to Article II, is available for Unitarian Universalist congregations to use, without fee or special permission from the artist, as long as certain requirements are met.
Shared UU Values Flower Images and Permissions

2024 General Assembly Final Article II Revision Consideration

The Article II Study Commission completed the final draft of its proposed revision to Article II (PDF) in October 2023. The Study Commission and the UUA Board of Trustees have shared letters about the final proposal and upcoming processes.

Amendments to the Article II Study Commission's proposed revision were submitted by 11:59pm Eastern on February 1, 2024.

Each amendment submitted by congregational petition under Section C-15.1(c)(4) of the UUA Bylaws had a primary congregational sponsor. Each primary congregational sponsor was the primary sponsor of one amendment to the proposal. Amendments met the following standards to be considered:

only applied to a single section of the Article II proposal;

matched the structure of the UUA Bylaws and Rules; and

could not conflict with other rules, bylaws, or adopted statements.

had the support of at least 15 certified UUA congregations.

The Board reviewed all submitted amendments to ensure they met the standards listed above. All submitted amendments which were received and supported by the deadline and met these standards were publicly posted on the Discussion Forum on February 2, 2024. We encourage you to carefully read and discuss it with members of your congregations and communities.

Continuing the Conversation Resources

New Article II Congregational Resources from the Field

In an effort to support congregations to continue to engage with the proposed Article II revision, UUA staff have collected and commissioned new Article II resources from the field to supplement the original Article II Study Commission resources.

Theological Reflection

Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud'homme was commissioned to provide this Theological Reflection of the proposed Article II revisions (PDF) to deepen spiritual and theological conversations around the proposal.

UU World Article

On December 7, 2023, UU World published an article, "As Unitarian Universalists Reassess Core Beliefs, Article II Study Commission Reflects on Progress Made," about the work of the Article II Study Commission and where the conversation is right now. We encourage you to read and share it with your communities.The final proposed revision to Article II was completed by the Article II Study Commission in October 2023.

Amplifying the Charge

The Amplifying the Charge (PDF, 33 pages) resource is a multi-layered tool that blends small group ministry and worship resources for congregations as our Association moves into the next stage of the bylaws adoption process. Engage religious professionals, worship team, lay leaders, and others to integrate four weeks of worship resources and four weeks of small group ministry into your spring congregational calendar!

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Information about the Article II Study Commission and Its New Article II Proposals

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Unite! Ignite! General Assembly 2024 Activity Packet for Kids

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Unite! Ignite! General Assembly 2024 Activity Packet for Kids

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This activity and resource packet, created by Jenn Blosser and Sam Wilson, was designed to complement the virtual program offered for children and youth at GA 2024 - but can be used by anyone! With A2 coloring pages, definitions in kid-friendly language, activity sheets, a template to write and illustrate a story, and even an invitation to write a letter to UUA president Sofía Betancourt, this packet can be used by young folks independently or jointly with an adult to dive deeper into the Values of A2 and the sacred work GA.

(Download PDF, 32 pages)

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Artists from the field have offered their work for public use.

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Dorothy May Emerson, Mary McKinnon Ganz, Rebecca Ann Parker

Thought-provoking perspectives on putting liberal religious values into action to address real problems in local communities and in the world.
Buy This Book More from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop

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Artists from the field have shared their work here.