Minilogue - February 2007

Peacemaking

By the Rev. Bruce Johnson

Each year at the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association, delegates from our member congregations across the country select a “study/action issue” to be referred back for consideration at the local level before being voted on as a “statement of conscience” at a subsequent GA. In the past few years, statements on global warming and criminal justice/prison reform have emerged from this process (the former with significant participation on the part of UUCUV members). The entire study/action cycle has recently been modified to allow for four years of study and amendment by local congregations. This was done with the intent of making the whole process more deeply deliberative and democratic.

The topic chosen for the 2006-2010 cycle is, appropriately, a large one. Presented in the form of a question, the issue is: “Should the Unitarian Universalist Association reject the use of any and all kinds of violence and war to resolve disputes between peoples and nations and adopt a principle of seeking just peace through nonviolent means?”

The statement goes on to note that, “historically, Unitarian Universalists have agreed with the theory and practice of “just war” or use of force in self-defense to preserve the life of another person. However, we have also supported peace and disarmament in over eighty resolutions since our merger in 1961....As a religious denomination, we need to clarify our positions and apply our covenant to affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.”

Possible study questions and actions are suggested, and a 32-page resource guide has been put together by the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy (available online at http://www.uua.org/csw/CSAIguide_PM06.pdf).

It is difficult to predict what this study/action issue will look like in 2010. It’s hard to know what the world will look like in 2010. But one thing is certain: the shape of the final “statement of conscience” will be determined by those who choose to participate in the process. James Luther Adams, the great UU theologian and social ethicist of the last century, spoke of the “humdrum work of democracy” as the slow, often frustrating process of discussion, dialogue, and shared decision-making which it is both our privilege and our responsibility to practice. Unitarian Universalists are committed to engage in the democratic process, not only in public and political life, but also within our congregations and our denomination. Unlike more hierarchically organized religious traditions, we arrive at our public moral and ethical statements through a grass-roots process which involves - theoretically -every member of every congregation. It is an imperfect, time-consuming, and messy system, but it is a treasured part of our religious heritage. We’ve bitten off a pretty big chunk here, certainly enough to keep us busy for the next four years (while continuing to work on issues like global warming). Not everyone will want to weigh in on this question, and some may feel that it’s too daunting a task. I’m not discouraged, however. I remember the words of the poet, Rumi, who advised religious seekers to, “start a huge, foolish project like Noah. It makes absolutely no difference what people think of you.” If you’d like to be a part of this “huge, foolish project,” this democratic process, this conversation on Peacemaking, let me know. Your thoughts will be welcomed and valued.

In growing faith,

Bruce