Delegates resoundingly approve resolution on Ariz. GA

Posted by Christopher L. Walton on Saturday, June 26, 2010 · 11 Comments

The 2010 General Assembly has just approved the substitute business resolution that calls for a “Justice General Assembly” in Phoenix, Ariz., in 2012 “for the purposes of witnessing on immigration, racial and economic justice . . . in which business is limited to the minimum required by our bylaws.” The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the resolution.

Update: Here are links to UU World‘s earlier coverage of the debate about going to Arizona:

Delegates focus debate on substitute resolution (Plenary V, 6.26.10)
Preparing for debate: ‘We’re all Arizona’ (Plenary V, 6.26.10)
Revised resolution on Phoenix General Assembly 2012 (6.26.10)
Immigration is new Study/Action Issue (Plenary IV, 6.26.10)
Mini-assembly: Focus GA in Ariz. on justice, not business (Mini-assembly, 6.25.10)
Financial Advisor: We can afford to take on immigration (Plenary III, 6.25.10)
Votes cast for new Congregational Study/Action Issue (Plenary III, 6.25.10)
Mini-assembly proposes going to Ariz. in 2012 (Mini-assembly, 6.24.10)
General Assembly agenda includes contentious issues (6.21.10)
Antiracism groups raise concerns about Arizona GA (6.18.10)
UUA president urges UUs not to boycott Phoenix GA (6.14.10)
Unitarian Universalists debate boycotting Arizona (6.7.10)
Board calls for General Assembly boycott of Arizona (5.10.10)

Filed under GA 2010 · Tagged with Arizona, business resolution, immigration, uuga

http://twitter.com/UUXMNR Adrian L. Hilliard

I unconsciously held my breath while the vote was taking place. Pleased with the results. Committing to come to Phoenix in 2012. Thank you GA for holding each other in love, even when in disagreement. And God Bless Gini Courter!
RevKimi

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Three cheers for the UUA
ChrisBarghout

Question: When is being a scab running through a social justice boycott not an act of moral weakness?

Answer: When Unitarians are going to loose a bit of money if they show solidarity with immigrants. We call it “witnessing”. We find a few (yes, Latino leadership is near unanimous in supporting boycott) who will work with us and try to call a spade something else than a spade.

As a person of color, I see through the rhetoric of the UUA. With democratic backing for this reolution, it amply demonstrates why UU's have completely failed to integrate their congregations and why the future looks very much the same. I for one will look to the hundreds of civic, and religious organizations who honor this boycott for social justice leadership.
OhioKim

I think it was the right decision. Our staying home and pouting would not have done any good. Our getting in the game and shouting and witnessing for justice is a moral necessity.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1503518476 Patrice Curtis

Take courage friends.
The way is often hard, the path is never clear, and the stakes are very high.
Take courage.
For deep down, there is another truth: you are not alone. – Wayne B. Arnason, Singing the Living Tradition

Let us go to Arizona. Let us share love, at the site of pain and despair. Let us be part of transformation.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=549978201 Barbara Face

yes, adrian, please come to az to show your support in favor of standing on the side of love
senwcb

So very sad. I hope you all pat yourselves on the back as you “bear witness”. Your future actions will do nothing to help the situation while this action of very publicly voting not to support the boycott speaks volumes. My family will not be there with you, as Arizona is not a safe place for us. I had hoped for better, but cannot say that I am not surprised.
Pingback: Courter: ‘The Work is Just Beginning’ « uuworld.org : General Assembly
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/VTEJFRO4R6JOIL564UB7G36YHY mclean

Act of moral cowardice. I am ashamed.
UUDREAMER

Chris,

I am saddened to see your response. After a difficult and draining series of discussions a thoughtful democratic process was followed and a decision was voted in. Throughout the experience people were respectful and courteous, and made every effort to remain in covenant and right relation with one another. I understand your frustration, but not your disrespect. I admire your passion and desire to work for social justice, but I believe that starts with treating each other with respect. I hope that you will find it in your heart to act according to our faith within this online conversation.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rob-Smith/630957590 Rob Smith

And when does the time for flinging hurtful rhetoric and mistrust back and forth end, and the time for coming together and being the change we want to see in the world begin? It was no simple matter for so many people, with so many diverse views on this topic to come to almost unanimous consensus. It took a lot of love, a lot of listening, a lot of crying, a lot of arguing, and most of all a lot of faith in one another.

uuworld.org : General Assembly

Delegates resoundingly approve resolution on Ariz. GA