Sinkford Issues Statement on Unitarian Universalist "Moral Values" (ritual, Earth)

[Green Gaia]

David, social action is one of the reason I love the UU church so much, especially my church. We are socially active, not just politically, we do that too of course, but taking social action. We do not run a shelter or a soup kitchen, but we do support one that's already well established in the community. We support programs for drug rehab, single parents, we sponsoring a Bosnian refugee family and provided them with a furnished apartment, transportation, and support services while they settled into their new country, supporting enviromental programs, and a whole slew of other things that I'm forgetting this morning.

So I agree with you, action is important, but I don't think we can ignore politics completely, simply because some things will not be changed or even noticed if that route is not taken. Both are important, and both are working towards change.

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by huajiro

I am having a hard time with that...I am very attracted to Unitarianism because of its focus. Then you start seeing different politcal groups within it. What does spirituality have to do with politcs? Isn't the whole idea behind Unitarianism acceptance and tolerance?

huajiro, it has been my experience, that when a UU identifies as Republican or conservative it is because of the fiscal or economic side of the party's stance. These people are still very much for acceptance and tolerance and are right beside their UU sisters and brothers at social action events. I think there is a place for both. They wouldn't be UU if they didn't accept the P&P, which calls for tolerance and respect for all.

[Ellie_A]

Believe me; I do not feel tolerance when I express a different view in a fellowship (this has happened at all the fellowships I have attended lately). As for the list or UU morals that started this thread I really only agree with one, and partially on some of the others. I feel bad as a UU not to be recognized with the way it is written... WE this, and WE that, but the truth is not really we... it is MANY! Those of us who have been on the other side of the issues have become scared to voice our opinions, why is that? There are quite a few that feel the same way I do, and thanks to the links provided I have been able to find some of them. I feel that I have found a place where I can fit in again.

[Green Gaia]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Ellie. Perhaps you could explain the "morals" listed in the OP that you do not agree with so I can understand better where you're coming from, thanks.

[Ellie_A]

Originally Posted by Maize

I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Ellie. Perhaps you could explain the "morals" listed in the OP that you do not agree with so I can understand better where you're coming from, thanks.

Thank you for making my point! The answer is in your request.

[Green Gaia]

I was only trying to understand you better Ellie, sorry if I offended you.

[Ellie_A]

You did not offend. I do feel however, that by saying I do not agree should suffice. You seem to be an intelligent woman, and I am sure you know (yes “assuming” is bad) what the other side of the fence is with out me having to explain it. The issue is not the "Morals" though. It is the fact when I mention that I do not agree I feel pushed to have to defend my ideals. Asking me to explain so that you can better understand is not important. I do not need to know why you agree with the list of “morals” for me to accept you. This kind of conversation happen repeatedly. I have learned through experience in the fellowships I have attended when I do state my side it becomes a debate. I do not see this as tolerance.

[Green Gaia]

I don't need you to agree with the list or with me for me to accept you. I already accept you as a fellow UU and human. Simple as that. I was simply curious about your beliefs. Sorry for the confusion. I won't ask anything else.

[Davidium]

Ellie,

For many years I had participated in the UU on the outskirts... I had attended and left two fellowships... all due to political action that i did not agree with. I too had felt that there was too much focus on the Politics and not enough on the spiritual. In one I attended, small group ministries (chalice circles, Covenant groups) focusing on social issues outnumbered spiritual issues two to one.

I will say that I am lucky in having found a small fellowship that is more focused on the spiritual than the political... but I will put forth this for you to ponder Ellie...

If the UUA is to learn to accept those who are more politically moderate or even conservative, then they need to learn that you can hold such views and still be a religious liberal. The UUA needs its conservatives, in order to continue its growth as an organization. In other words, if your fellowship seems to be intolerant of such views as you hold, then that is a sign of how badly they need you.

Maize, I do agree with you that there is a place for political action as well as social action. In fact, i am somewhat involved in political work in defense of separation of Church and State. I just do not believe that the place for that political work and speech is the pulpit... But that is just me!

And if there is an issue that will have me in the street carrying a placard, it is that issue. But in my opinion our priority list should be as follows:

1. Fellowship and supporting each other.
2. Spiritual Growth of our members.
3. Intellictual growth of our members.
4. Social action and charity.
5. Political Action.

Reason and Respect in all you say and do,
David Pyle