My rewrite of the new PPs

Section C-2.1 Purposes.
As a voluntary association of free yet interdependent congregations, the Unitarian Universalist Association will support the health and growth of existing congregations and the formation of new congregations. The Association will devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes.

Stricken: "It will empower the creation of just and diverse congregations that enact Unitarian Universalist Principles in the world." As "the formation of new congregations" had already been mentioned, this sentence serves no purpose other than to introduce the words "just and diverse". And just how are we going to guarantee that these new congregations are "just and diverse"? Will there be ethnic and demographic standards written? If not, does that sentence have any meaning?

Section C-2.2 Identity.
The Unitarian Universalist Association is composed of congregations rooted in the heritage of two religious faiths: the Unitarian heritage ever questioning and ever seeking the unity in all things, and the Universalist heritage ever affirming the power of hope and God’s infinite love. Both traditions have been shaped by those who in every age have summoned individuals and communities to maintain their beliefs in spite of persecution and to struggle for religious freedom.

Replaced: "those" replace "heretics, choice-makers". Not all influential UUs have been heretics, and all human beings are choice-makers.

Section C-2.3 Sources.
The living tradition we share draws from many sources.
Unitarianism and Universalism are grounded on more than two thousand years of Jewish and Christian teachings, traditions, and experiences. Unitarian Universalism is not contained in any single book or creed. It draws from the teachings of the Abrahamic religions, Earth-centered spirituality, and other world religious traditions. It engages perspectives from humanism, mysticism, theism, skepticism, naturalism, and feminist and liberation theologies. It is informed by the arts and the sciences. It trusts the value of direct experiences of mystery and wonder, and it recognizes the sacred may be found within the ordinary.

Stricken: "Wisdom and beauty may be expressed in many forms: in poetry and prose, in story and song, in metaphor and myth, in drama and dance, in fabric and painting, in scripture and music, in drawing and sculpture, in public ritual and solitary practice, in prophetic speech and courageous deed." Evocative and poetic, But completely off topic. This section is a list of our sources, not of how one expresses one's spirituality.

Stricken: "Grateful for the traditions that have strengthened our own, we strive to avoid misappropriation of cultural and religious practices and to seek ways of appreciation that are respectful and welcomed." As others have noted, this is ill defined and divisive. If we want to adopt such a statement, let's debate it and include it in social justice somewhere- not here.

Section C-2.4 Principles.
In order that we might work together in harmony to make our communities and our world more likely to protect and nurture all that is positive and hopeful; and in order that members of our congregations might find spiritual challenge to become their best selves as they worship and work together to create the Beloved Community, we, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to honor and uphold:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person
The sanctity of human life is not dependent upon race, religion, place of birth, or any human institution; it is the condition of our existence. No person's humanity can be denied without damaging all of humanity.

Stricken: "At the core of Unitarian Universalism is recognition of the sanctity of every human being across the lifespan." What does "across the lifespan" mean- from conception? "We are relational creatures, capable of both good and evil." Well, duh. "We have experienced enough brokenness, including in ourselves, to seek the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. We are called to make choices that help to heal and transform ourselves and the world, and to move toward solidarity with all beings." What does "solidarity with all beings" mean? Some kind of PETA thing? The whole paragraph is needlessly confusing.

Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
Grateful for the gift of life and mindful of our own mortality, we seek to respond with generosity and loving action. We are called to live in right relationship with others.

Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth
We seek to enter dialogue with one another in mutual love and respect, honoring our varied backgrounds and paths. We are called to stretch and deepen our faith through religious education, creative engagement, and spiritual practice in our congregations and in our lives.

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
Unitarian Universalism is an evolutionary religion that encourages and supports lifelong spiritual exploration. Unitarian Universalist religious authority lies in the individual, nurtured and tested in congregation and wider community. In a spirit of humility and openness, we are called to seek truth and meaning, wherever found, through experience, reason, intuition, and emotion.

The right of conscience and the use of democratic processes
We affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of democratic processes within our congregations and in society at large. We are called to promote fairness, accountability, honesty, and transparency.

Replaced: "We seek to ensure that all voices are heard, especially those often left out on the margins." This is bound to spark unfortunate dissuasions as to exactly who is on the margins and how to ensure their voices are heard. Unnecessarily provocative.

The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
We seek to create, sustain, and celebrate multi-generational and multi-cultural communities where oppression cannot thrive and where hope and peace flourish.

Stricken: "We are called to counter legacies of injustice and to foster reconciliation." Is this meant to enshrine public policy decisions on affirmative action, slavery reparations, and reconciliation councils as a religious requirement? Unnecessarily provocative.

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
We honor the World that gave us birth, realizing that our good and the Earth's are inextricably intertwined. We recognize the need for sacrifice as we build a world that is both just and sustainable. We are called to be good stewards, restoring the Earth.
As free yet interdependent congregations, we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust, kindness, and support. Should we break this covenant, we will seek to repair the relationship and recommit to the promises we have made.

Replaced: "Inspired by the beauty and holiness of the Earth," Are we Gaians? Many UUs don't recognize anything as "holy". "we become more willing to relinquish material desires." Are we now followers of John Lennon, "Imagine no possessions"? Unnecessary.

Stricken: "and protecting all beings." Another PETA reference? Is this a call for vegetarianism?

Section C-2.5 Inclusion.
We strive to be an association of congregations that welcome persons of every identity while calling them to act in right relationship. We encourage the fullest participation, with no person excluded solely on the basis of age or identity.
Structures of power have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with certain identities, abilities, and histories. Dissatisfied with mere non-discrimination, we commit to structuring congregational and associational life in ways that empower and enhance the efforts and experiences of every participant.

Stricken: "allowed by law," What does that mean? Why would we allow the law to tell us who to fellowship with?

Section C-2.6 Freedom of Belief.
Freedom of belief is central to the Unitarian Universalist heritage. Nothing in these bylaws shall be deemed to infringe upon individual freedom of belief. Although no statement of belief can be required as a creedal test for individual membership in a congregation or congregational affiliation with the Association, congregations are free to establish their own statements of purpose, covenants, and bonds of union.

Comments?