“Taking Positions as a Congregation” Forums
By Michelle CollinsOur first forum was held in February and was led by the Rev. Terry Ellen, a member of TUUC and executive director of UU's for Social Justice.
Instead of talking about specifics and procedures, we found ourselves asking and exploring questions rather than answering them. How important is it for a church to make a formal position? Is it worth it? Would it energize us more? Would it inspire growth? How frequently will the church be asked to take a position? Is there a level of importance since there are so many issues? Why would we choose to take a stand on something as a congregation?
Many stressed the importance of the process and of finding balance in anything that we do or say as a whole congregation. We are a community with a lot of diversity, not only of theologies but also different passions and positions. Among the group, there was general agreement about a couple of things. First, special attention should be paid to ensuring an education and dialogue phase prior to voting on an issue. Second, we should think beyond a simple majority as we begin to formulate specifics about voting on these sorts of statements and actions.
At our second forum, which took place on March 16th, we found ourselves wondering about how it might work for our congregation to begin exploring potential issues and subsequent actions. Why might some issues get chosen? What impact can we have as an institution rather than just as individuals? How do we continue to respect our diversity while exploring issues as a whole? Words like energy, willingness, inspiration, and excitement kept coming up. Is addressing specific issues something that we as a congregation can get excited about? Are we willing to go the extra miles to consider controversial issues, as an institution? What would be the place of a Denominational Affairs Committee in this process?
So, what were our conclusions? First, here is a general summary of the process that formed from our many thoughts:
1. Issue with possible actions is brought up (criteria not yet established)
a. Issue chosen by denominational affairs or SAC – based on survey or poll
b. Issue brought up by individual and led by that individual
c. Congregation approached by an outside group for a particular action
2. Need a point person or group for each issue and relevant actions
3. Education and dialogue in a variety of venues
4. Specific actions are brought up for appropriate decision-making process
5. If approved, actions taken; if not approved, more education or decision to not pursue action as a congregation
We plan to follow up in a couple of ways. Look for one last forum to take place sometime in April where we will begin to explore the process with specific ideas. Look for a table in the lobby where we will be polling the members and friends of TUUC to find out what social issues you would like to see addressed in some way in our life together, as a congregation. Please be sure to stop by – all of our voices matter.
Click here for minutes from the January meeting.
Click here for minutes from the March meeting.