Be a part of the Article III conversation (Welcome Congregation Statement)

Between services on Oct. 13 and Oct. 27, you’re invited to an informal discussion in the sanctuary about the proposed changes to Article III of the UUCSH bylaws. A third informal discussion will be in November, date to be determined. We’ll gather at 10:10 so you just enough time to grab a cup of coffee!

These readings may be helpful as you dig into learning about and better understanding our relationship as Unitarian Universalists to justice, equity, and inclusion.

• Widening the Circle of Concern  
  • From the section titled “Accountability and Resources”: Action: Request that all Unitarian Universalist–related organizations examine their commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity work and include such a commitment in their bylaws.
• Dismantle White Supremacy
• (Divorcing) White Supremacy Culture

We look forward to our discussions! If you are unable to attend, you can also share your thoughts electronically with the Beloved Conversations Team / Sunnyhill Board.

The current UUCSH bylaws have not been updated since 2016. The Board has begun the revision process, and their goal is to complete revisions in two steps.

Step 1:

Article III: Welcoming Congregation Statement

In January 2024, the Board approached the Beloved Conversations team to review Article III. The team’s approach was to consider whether Article III clearly expressed a congregational commitment to seeking racial justice in all areas of life at Sunnyhill. The proposed text was reviewed by the Board, additional changes were made at the Board’s suggestion, and the final proposed text was approved by the Board in August 2024.

The congregation was invited on Sunday, September 29, to reflect on the proposed text and attend one of three informal meetings to share their thoughts and perspectives. Posters will current and proposed text went on display in Fellowship Hall in early September. Dates for the informal meetings will be shared in the Beat as they are scheduled.

Changes to the bylaws are voted on by the congregation, and the Board hopes to have this vote at the annual Budget Meeting in December. If this is not feasible, the Board will call for a special vote in early 2025.

Step 2:

Review of the remaining bylaws will be completed in 2025. A committee composed of current and past Board members with at least one non-board member will work on the revisions. Educational/feedback sessions will be scheduled for the congregation so all members can review and provide feedback. We are committed to a presentation/vote during the April congregational meeting.

The current language for Article III: Welcoming Congregation Statement

This religious community welcomes people of various life situations, abilities, and viewpoints. We celebrate human diversity in all it’s wonderful forms. We affirm and respect each other, rejoicing in each individual’s unique gifts. This affirmation is relevant to all dimensions of congregational life, including membership, hiring practices, leadership, and worship.

Proposed language: 

We commit to pursuing anti-racist, multicultural, and non-binary initiatives in all areas of congregational life, including membership, hiring practices, leadership, and worship. To further this commitment, Members acknowledge that the white supremacy culture in America has allowed, and continues to allow, individuals who identify as white to gain social and economic advantage to the detriment of persons of color. Members agree to undertake honest inquiry, even when uncomfortable, to understand how institutional practices and policies perpetuate a white supremacy culture that continues to privilege those who identify as white.