Unhappy with the new Principles and Purposes

Objections to the proposed Principles and Purposes

Several UU bloggers commented on the second draft of a new UUA Principles and Purposes statement, which the Commission on Appraisal is presenting to the Board of Trustees at its January 14-19 meeting. (If the board approves the draft, it will go before the General Assembly for the first of two annual votes in June 2009. The Commission's draft is here; UU World background is here; the Commission's full report to the board is here.)

The Rev. Thomas Perchlik is interested in the new Sources section that replaces the current Six Sources, but writes:

I really miss the dynamic theological language of the older statement including: the entire “transcending mystery and wonder” section, the entire “words and deeds” section, the phrase “heed the guidance of reason and the results of science,” the phrase “idolatries of the mind and spirit,” as well as “to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.” I would have liked new poetry. (January 8)

At "Monkey Mind," the Rev. James Ishmael Ford urges the Board of Trustees to delete new language about cultural misappropriation from the Commission's proposal before presenting it to the General Assembly. "I am profoundly concerned," he writes, "that this term is too vague to be used in either our bylaws or in any enforceable code of conduct without creating at the very least the substantial potential to do more harm than good" (January 12).

LT, a "Monkey Mind" reader, quips: "You could substitute the whole [Sources section] by saying 'UUism is the heir to all the religions of the world, but only in a good way, and not in a bad way'" (January 7).

The Rev. Cynthia Landrum at "Rev. Cyn" dislikes the change to the Seventh Principle, which replaces "respect for the interdependent web of all existence" with "reverence for the interdependent web of all existence." Furthermore, she sees a dangerous mix in the new document's clauses about cultural misappropriation and seeking forgiveness for broken relationships:

We've brought theology into the principles, covenanted to uphold them, and then imposed a punishment/correction for those who fail to live up to the principles? And this isn't a creedal religion? (January 10)

Assorted thoughts on ministry

The Rev. Christine Robinson reflects that "one thing that has allowed me to stay in ministry and stay in ministry in one place is a high degree of personal tolerance for bumbling" ("iMinister," January 7).

The Rev. Thom Belote publishes an essay about the practice of lighting candles of joy and concern in UU worship services ("RevThom," January 10). He plans to modify the practice in his congregation.

The Rev. Sam Trumbore invited a committee at his church to offer detailed critiques of one of his sermons—and writes that he felt "more than a little shredded by the experience" when he read their comments. Nevertheless, he plans to do it again (January 8).

The Rev. Stephen Lingwood is filling out a profile on a dating website and finds himself wondering how to describe what a professional minister does, without using the word "church" or "minister" ("Reignite," January 7).

The Rev. Colin Bossen sets up a page to index the works of the Rev. Dr. Thandeka, a UU theologian ("The Latest Form of Infidelity," January 8).

Elsewhere this week

The Rev. Dan Harper calls attention to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that "2006 saw the largest number of babies being born since 1961." Harper sees five implications for liberal churches ("Yet Another Unitarian Universalist," January 9).

Joel Monka at "CUUMBAYA" offers six pieces of advice for how theists and atheists can share Unitarian Universalism (January 5).

At "Philocrites," I update my annotated guide to Unitarian Universalist blogs, which now has 185 entries (January 6).

And an Evangelical seminarian writes: "I think we evangelicals do ourselves a disservice by not copy-catting our Unitarian friends," at least when it comes to Sunday school visits to other faith communities ("Viveza," January 12).