After a discussion on June 2 that featured pro and con speakers, UUFCM members expressed their opinion on Article II through a vote. A “Yes” vote indicated support for the changes, including the new language of UU values Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence and Generosity centered around Love. A “No” vote indicated a preference for keeping the current language, including the seven principles. Amendments were also voted upon.
30 members voted, out of 75 total members of UUFCM. Friends and visitors are not allowed to vote.
Main Question
On the main question, 14 voted “Yes” (47%) and 16 voted “No” (53%). This result is very similar to the vote taken a year ago, when the congregation was also split roughly 50/50. This may indicate that further discussion is needed—there are deep divisions in this congregation on this important issue. One comment against the changes said, “let's wait and see where they take us before we commit or affirm.” One comment for the changes said, “It seems like perhaps the concerns about increasingly top-down leadership are separate from the question of the value of the proposed text, unless approval of this revision is seen as a proxy for a vote of (non)confidence in UUA leadership?”
First Amendment
The first amendment was supported with 25 “Yes” votes (83%) and 5 “No” votes (17%). This amendment would add Reason as a UU value alongside Generosity, Justice, Equity and the others.
Second Amendment
The second amendment was supported with 22 “Yes” votes (76%) and 7 “No” votes (24%). This amendment would add Peace as a UU value alongside Generosity, Justice, Equity and the others.
Final Two Amendments
The last two amendments concerned the wording of the Equity value. 50% voted to support the first amendment adding a sentence to Equity; 67% voted to support changing the first sentence of the Equity language.
All of these UUFCM votes will inform the UUFCM delegates to General Assembly. Our congregation gets two votes at G.A., and our delegates are Sierra Burke and Mary Alsager. Anyone is welcome to observe the business meetings of General Assembly, which we will broadcast in our sanctuary.