Unitarian Universalist Association
Unity Church is a member of the MidAmerica Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association. You'll find current denominational events and information on this page.
Historic News from the UUA General Assembly
Graphic by Tanya Webster (chalicedays.org)
Delegates at General Assembly 2024 voted decisively to approve a new statement of values and beliefs for Unitarian Universalism. This reflects changes to Article II of the UUA Bylaws, which include its “Principles and Purposes” as the foundation of all the work of the UUA, its member congregations, and its covenanted communities. The new values are Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and Transformation, centered around Love. Each value statement has a corresponding statement of covenant calling us to embody and live into our values. Read more about this historic vote: Love at the Center: New UU Statement of Values Passes after Momentous General Assembly Delegate Vote.
The delegates also voted to adopt an important business resolution “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Values” establishing a commitment, within the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and its member congregations, to honor, defend and celebrate the spectrum of gender identity and to affirm that commitment through actions. This will provide a sustaining foundation for the powerful work already underway with UUA staff and volunteers, as well as in our member congregations. This is the first time that an entire denomination has proclaimed the sacredness of transgender people as an article of faith. Read more about the supporting actions the business resolution identifies for the UUA and member congregations.
General Assembly delegates also affirmed three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) and one Responsive Resolution:
The annual Ware Lecture was given by Julia Watts Belser, a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, and a professor of Jewish Studies at Georgetown University and core faculty in its Disability Studies Program. Her latest book is Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole. “Ableism hurts all of us,” she said, adding, “Disability politics can be a catalyst for radical cultural transformation.”
The delegates also voted to adopt an important business resolution “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Values” establishing a commitment, within the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and its member congregations, to honor, defend and celebrate the spectrum of gender identity and to affirm that commitment through actions. This will provide a sustaining foundation for the powerful work already underway with UUA staff and volunteers, as well as in our member congregations. This is the first time that an entire denomination has proclaimed the sacredness of transgender people as an article of faith. Read more about the supporting actions the business resolution identifies for the UUA and member congregations.
General Assembly delegates also affirmed three Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) and one Responsive Resolution:
- AIW: World on Fire: Humanitarian Work and Climate
- AIW: Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19
- AIW: Solidarity with Palestinians
- A Responsive Resolution, “UUA General Assembly Support for October 7 Hostages,” offered in response to the UUA President’s Report, called for the immediate release of all Hamas-held hostages and acknowledged “the real suffering of Jews within our Association and beyond.”
The annual Ware Lecture was given by Julia Watts Belser, a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, and a professor of Jewish Studies at Georgetown University and core faculty in its Disability Studies Program. Her latest book is Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole. “Ableism hurts all of us,” she said, adding, “Disability politics can be a catalyst for radical cultural transformation.”