Special Board Meeting

Well, after much research, conversation, questioning, contemplation, some gnashing of teeth, many questions, and lots of disgust at the actions of the Arizona legislature and governor, the UUA Board determined last night to propose a resolution for consideration at General Assembly in Minneapolis to move General Assembly 2012 to a location outside of Arizona.

Here’s the resolution:

“Whereas the state of Arizona has recently enacted a law, SB 1070, that runs counter to our first principle, affirming the worth and dignity of every person,

Whereas the Association stands in solidarity with allies using a widespread economic boycott of Arizona as leverage for Love against this hateful legislation;

Be it resolved: we will not meet in a state of fear.

Accordingly, the Assembly hereby:

• Directs the UUA General Assembly Planning Committee to recommend to the Board of Trustees an alternate location for General Assembly 2012 at a location outside the state of Arizona;

• Pledges to generate from Member Congregations the amount sufficient to cancel arrangements in Phoenix for GA 2012;

• Pledges further to generate an equal or greater amount to fund ongoing efforts to Stand on the Side of Love in Arizona.

• Pledges to renew and redouble our efforts to become a multicultural, anti racist Association; to live as a people standing faithfully in opposition to systemic racism in our congregations, local communities, and in our own lives.”


So, what happens next? The resolution above will be on the GA business agenda. Delegates will be asked to vote on this resolution. However prior to any vote, delegates will have the opportunity – no, the obligation -- to learn:
• about the new law,
• its anticipated affects,
• the financial affect on our association of defaulting on existing contracts with hotels in Phoenix,
• the nature of the fund raising commitment involved in this resolution (to cover our own costs as well as support for “Standing On The Side of Love in Arizona,”
• the views of leaders of the Phoenix UU congregations and of the Pacific Southwest District,
• et cetera – there’s a lot involved here.

Please, discuss these issues within your congregations. In my next blog entry, I’ll summarize, as best I can, the various factors that the Board wrestled with. Hopefully, all this will lead to discussions among delegates, members of congregations with each other, delegates with their congregations, members and congregations with your respective UUA trustees.

DELEGATES: Come to Minneapolis prepared: to learn; to seriously weigh the factors involved; to come to a reasoned, carefully thought out decision; and to vote.