by Holly Bussey, Liaison, Denominational Affairs

With love centered as a core value of the faith, more than 3,400 Unitarian Universalists from around the country and world gathered for an all-virtual Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly (GA) 2024, June 20–23. GA brought together 2,757 credentialed delegates from 734 congregations in 50 states as well as Washington, D.C., Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico, France, and the Philippines. The assembly’s theme, “Love Unites, Stories Ignite,” celebrated the profound impact of love as a binding force that transcends boundaries and divisions.

In that spirit, after years of discussions and debate, delegates adopted a new statement of shared UU values. With 80% of voting delegates choosing to adopt changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws, the newly stated values of the faith are Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and Transformation, centered around Love.

Under UUA bylaws, a two-thirds vote to change Article II was required; the new statement was approved by 80.2% of voting delegates (2,025 votes) to 19.8% (499 votes), with 21 delegates abstaining (0.8%).

Additionally, General Assembly passed several Actions of Immediate Witness:

• “Solidarity with Palestinians” passed with 73.5% of the vote
• A Responsive Resolution, “UUA General Assembly Support for October 7 Hostages,” called for the immediate release of all Hamas-held hostages and acknowledged “the real suffering of Jews within our Association and beyond.”  77% in favor.
• “World on Fire Humanitarian Work and Climate Change.”  95.6% in favor.
• “Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19” (Allowing people to wear masks as some states now outlaw them).  86.1% in favor.  

One of GA’s most powerful and moving moments came during a contentious discussion of a proposed business resolution, “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values.” As the final speaker in favor of the resolution, the Rev. JeKaren Olaoya repeatedly and emphatically affirmed to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people, “I love you. I love you. I love you.” Her heartfelt expression was circulated widely online, reiterating the centrality of love as a core value of our faith. The resolution passed overwhelmingly with 91.8% in favor.

In a reflection of the UUA’s commitment to democracy and anti-oppressive work, this year’s GA implemented for the first time a technique during business sessions called “progressive stack,” to give marginalized groups a greater chance to speak, prioritizing voices that hadn’t already spoken.

Also new was a team of process observers whose role was to help ensure business discussions remained constructive and respectful. (See related article by Lisa Schilansky.)

More details will be available at the August 11 service or contact any of your fellow congregants to ask questions and thank them for their service: Maria Baratta, Holly Bussey (alternate), Heather Edwards, Jane Root, Ellen Spedding, and Jim Sanders.