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

[Green Gaia]

Link
Boston, MA -- November 9, 2004) In conjunction with a press conference sponsored today by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, UUA president William Sinkford issued this statement about Unitarian Universalist moral values. The press conference was held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, and featured representatives from several denominations addressing the topic, “Defining ‘Moral Values’ For the Next Four Years.” The full text of Rev. Sinkford’s statement is below.

Statement from the Rev. William G. Sinkford

Moral values are not just particular opinions on “hot button” topics in a divisive election year. Moral values grow out of our calling as religious people to work to create the Beloved Community. Moral values instruct us to “love our neighbors as ourselves” and always to ask the question, “Who is my neighbor?” They are fundamentally inclusive rather than exclusive, and they call on generosity of spirit rather than mean spiritedness.

In this post election season, let me express some of the moral values held dear by the Unitarian Universalist community, which I lead, and by many other progressive people of faith:

• We believe that feeding the hungry and clothing the naked are moral duties, and we will continue to work on behalf of economic justice.
• We believe that ensuring equal civil rights for gay and lesbian families is our moral duty, and we will continue to work for Marriage Equality nationwide.
• We believe that serving as stewards of the earth is a moral duty, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the environment.
• We believe that safeguarding a woman’s right to choose is a moral duty, and we will vigorously oppose any efforts to eliminate or significantly compromise reproductive freedom.
• We believe that providing affordable health care for all Americans is a moral duty, and we will continue to advocate for medical rights for the young, the old, the frail, and all of those in need.

[Ellie_A]

Is there a conservative group of UU’s? If so could you post a contact to them?

[Green Gaia]

What do you mean by "conservative"?

[Ellie_A]

I will simply take that as a no.

Thank you

[Green Gaia]

Well, after a Google seach, this is all I came up with: http://www.geocities.com/conservativeuu/

Generally UUs are liberal because of our focus on social progress and tolerance for all.

[Davidium]

I am a UU, and I am often considered a conservative....

There are several different political groups within the UUA.... including a small collection of Libertarians such as myself. Truely, it depends on what you mean by conservative....

UU's are from all walks of life, and from all political persuasions.... though there is a high number of those who are socially liberal... there are also many I have met who are socially liberal but fiscally conservative and even some of us who side with Republicans on Foreign policy....

I personally believe that the UUA would serve itself to focus more on spiritual issues, and the defense of the separation of Church and State than other more notable left of center causes. There is a place for politics in the UUA, but I do not beleive that place is the Pulpit....

And I am a dedicated UU and an aspirant to UU ministry....

Here is the website for the most recognized UU Conservative group..

http://www.cfuu.org/

Reason and Respect in all you say and do....

David Pyle
Galveston Island, Republic of Texas...

[Ellie_A]

[quote=Davidium]I personally believe that the UUA would serve itself to focus more on spiritual issues, and the defense of the separation of Church and State than other more notable left of center causes. There is a place for politics in the UUA, but I do not beleive that place is the Pulpit....QUOTE]

This I completely agree with. I have missed my UU background. I come from a long line of Unitarians that can be traced back to Ben Franklin in fact, who as you know was Unitarian. I love my spirituality but have found myself shying away from fellowships because I do not feel comfortable with the political side.



Thanks to you and Maize. I will check into the site you linked and maybe I can find my niche again as a UU.

[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?

[Ellie_A]

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?

The links thay have posted look very interesting. I am hoping I can find a home back where I grew up!

[Davidium]

Ok, I will argue devils advocate here....

Many of my fellow Unitarians would be quite surprised at me defending the place of Political action within the UU...

I think there is a place, not for politics, but rather for social action. Politics is talking about problems, and trying to get the government to fix them...Social action should be working yourself to solve problems.

Instead of leading a political campaign against homelessness, I think UU's should open a shelter, or run a soup kitchen.

Instead of working on political campaigns, I think that UU's should voulnteer with Habitat for Humanity.

Instead of protesting in front of a state house, I think that UU's would be better off to work in drug rehab center.

There are plenty of political action groups... But social action is action within society to make things better. Instead of trying to get politicans to care, I promote going yourself into the fray and making a difference.

Take action to make things better, not politics.

You will find that doing so is indeed very, very spiritual...

Reason and Respect in all you say and do,

David Pyle