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Dear Friend, 

It’s hard to stomach the news from Eastern Europe—the devastation of Ukraine, the refugee crisis, and what appear to be war crimes happening in plain view. 

The current crisis is one more iteration of recent mass migrations out of war zones, including families with young children desperate for the basic security of food and shelter. The images of crowded train platforms evoke the horrors of World War II when desperate families left their homes to flee coming onslaught.

I'm quoting the UUA's recent statement when I say that we are also mindful that the authoritarian, imperialistic ideology seeking to deny Ukrainians their rights to live free and independently, under the false, anti-Semitic guise of “denazification,” is directly tied to colonialist ideologies globally and here in the U.S. that endanger the health, well-being, and lives of BIPOC individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other marginalized populations.

There is so much that we can do. We at the UUA encourage Unitarian Universalists to contribute to relief efforts through the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). UUSC will be working with the Hungarian Unitarian Church and other partners in Eastern Europe to provide aid to those displaced by sudden war.

UUSC has a long history of refugee support work, stretching back to their earliest days when they helped Jewish refugees escape Nazi persecution. Through our attention and generosity, we can save lives and relieve suffering.

May our generosity assure those in harm’s way that they are not alone in their trials.

May the ministry of our congregations and the lived faith of individual Unitarian Universalists contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

Recent news from the UUA and President Susan Frederick-Gray

• Supporting Those Impacted by the Crisis in Ukraine (Press release, March 7)
• UPLIFT: Disability Day of Mourning (Uplift blog, March 1)
• Diversity of Sexuality and Gender is a Gift (Press release, February 25)
• From Texas to Ukraine: Interdependence over Imperialism (Side with Love statement, February 25)

Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Responses from Side with Love, Hungarian Unitarian Church, and UUSC

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Unitarian Universalist organizations have been responding. The UUA issued a statement, "Supporting Those Impacted by the Crisis in Ukraine." To quote the Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray:

"We continue to join in solidarity with so many around the world and pray for the people of Ukraine. Our hearts go out to those who are enduring devastating loss of life, violence, instability, and upheaval due to Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Our UU faith calls us to remain committed to justice and we believe we have a moral responsibility to support the creation of peace and the equal rights of all people.”

Side with Love's director, the Rev. Ashley Horan released a statement on Feb. 25, From Texas to Ukraine: Interdependence Over Imperialism, saying:

"Our faith aspires to build a different kind of world. At its best, Unitarian Universalism gracefully holds at its center a reverence for both the individual and the collective. Our congregations covenant to affirm and promote “the inherent worth and dignity of every human being” alongside “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” In practice, this means working for a world in which individual freedoms are in balance with collective thriving."

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) director, the Rev. Mary Katherine Morn, issued “We Demand An End to the Bloodshed”: UUSC Responds to Vladimir Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine. Morn also listed several international NGOs working in and around Ukraine as suggested recipients of support: HIAS, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, the International Rescue Committee, the Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan, and Win Without War.

Hungarian Unitarian Church, based in Romania, helping refugees

The Hungarian Unitarian Church, based in Cluj/Kolozsvár, Romania, is helping families fleeing Ukraine. The Hungarian Unitarian Church has issued a call for aid (PDF) that includes information on how to send money to their organization directly. The church can be contacted by email at unit.gondviseles@gmail.com or by phone +40 740 083 039.

UU@UN: Congregations Invited to Host Spring Seminar Events

The theme “Displacement and Human Rights: All In for Climate Justice,” aims to instill in UU youth and adults a commitment to global engagement and the skills to take action locally for climate and migration justice. Learn more about the 2022 Seminar and local gatherings. Registration (with flexible rates) is open through April 3, 2022.

MacLean Award: Nominate Religious Educators by March 31 

Nominations are open through March 2022 for the annual Angus H. MacLean award for excellence in religious education.

The UUA presents the Angus H. MacLean award each year to someone who has made outstanding contributions to religious education. The award was established in 1972 by the St. Lawrence University Theological School Alumni Association and the Religious Education Department of the UUA. A committee chaired by the UUA's Lifespan Faith Engagement Director will select a recipient. Anyone may nominate a recipient.

To nominate someone, share the nominee's qualities, achievements, and contributions relevant to the award criteria and provide the nominee’s contact information and basic biographical data. Email your nomination to religiouseducation@uua.org.

Congregational Climate Convergence on March 22 (Virtual)

Congregational Climate Convergence: Community Nourishment and Skill Building for Green Teams, Eco- & Social Justice Lay Leaders, and Religious Professionals. By the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth, Side with Love, and Green Sanctuary 2030.

Hosted by Side with Love Climate Justice Organizer Rachel Myslivy, the Congregational Climate Convergence is a virtual day of networking and support for local UU climate organizing with Side with Love, Green Sanctuary 2030, and the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth. Join us for community nourishment and skill building for green teams, eco- and social justice lay leaders, and religious professionals, from 10 am to 1:30 pm Pacific / 1 pm to 4:30 pm Eastern on Tuesday, March 22. Register here.

Beacon Press: Helene Atwan to Retire this July

General Assembly 2022: Portland, OR, and Virtual Options

Virtual Registration for GA is now open. Do you enjoy the convenience and accessibility of remote General Assembly participation? GA 2022 again offers virtual attendance with robust programming and enhanced delegate discussion tools. Here are the types of registration and brief information about each:

In-person: includes all live events plus GA app virtual content

In-person registration is required for all live GA events and programming taking place in Portland, Oregon. This includes access to virtual content on the GA app. In-person registration is the same process for delegates and non-delegates; and delegates may register before, or after determining their delegate status.

Virtual: required for GA app virtual content, including Ware lecture

Fully virtual registration is required for access to virtual GA programming on the GA app, including workshops, worship services, the Ware lecture, the virtual exhibit hall, entertainment, and networking.

Business-only: GA delegate platform during General Sessions, no GA app

Business Only virtual registration provides access to the GA delegate platform for discussion and voting during General Sessions. Payment is not required, but a donation to offset production in platform costs is suggested. Business Only registrants will have access to delegate chat rooms, but not have access to the GA app, GA programming, on-demand library, or networking opportunities. GA delegates are strongly encouraged to register as full virtual registrants. 

Upcoming Events

2021-2022 Taproot: National BIPOC Space, Second Thursdays

Spring dates are March 10, April 14, May 12 | 8-9:15 pm ET / 5-6:15 pm PT

Black, Indigenous and People of Color Leaders rooted in the Unitarian Universalist congregations are invited to take part in this monthly, virtual gathering as we explore the pillars of rest and renewal, analysis building, and leadership development in creating means by which to ground ourselves in resilient communities of care. This space is explicitly for people identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC). Learn more and register here.

Monthly Gathering for Trans and Nonbinary UUs of All Ages

Tuesday, March 22 | 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT

Join the UPLIFT monthly gatherings focused on trans, nonbinary, and other not (completely or at all) cis UUs. Join us to connect with other trans/nonbinary UUs and co-create support and community across our faith. All you need to bring is yourself (and other trans/nonbinary friends, if you’d like)! These gatherings focus on getting to know each other and on sharing our collective dreams, ideas, and talents for this space. Expansive definitions of trans, nonbinary, and UU all apply. If you are interested in this space, and you aren’t cisgender, it’s a space for you. Learn more and register here.

Article II Study Commission Theological Panel: Conversation on Purpose

Thursday, March 24 | 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT

The Article II Study Commission is hosting several public conversations, bring together a panel of speakers and ask them a few questions on a theme. Those in attendance are provided a survey link to think further on the questions being discussed to provide the Study Commission with their thoughts. What is our mission as Unitarian Universalists? What are called to do in the world? How do we, as individuals and as an organization, answer that call? Register to attend.

UUA Board of Trustees March Events

Board Meeting, Thursday, March 24 - Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Board welcomes guests to observe the Board meeting. We are glad you are here. We hope you will participate when invited. Video, audio, chat, and captioning for the board meeting will be available via Zoom. Advanced registration is required to attend the open portions of each meeting. Register to attend the open portions of the meeting on March 24-26, 2022.

Spring Convening of the Commission on Social Witness

Wednesday, March 30 | 7 pm to 9:30 pm ET / 4 pm to 6:30 pm PT

Join to learn from UU leaders on the most recent statements and come ready to share what you have done and what you’ve struggled with this year on these calls to action. Then join in imagining newly emerging calls to action for 2022. We will review the new process for Actions of Immediate Witness for 2022 and share ideas for 2022 calls to social witness action. Register to attend. 

Seasons of Giving is the monthly e-newsletter from the UUA's Stewardship and Development Office. Questions can be directed to Suzanne Murray at development@uua.org or (617) 948-4392.

Check UUA.org and UUWorld.org, as well as UUA regional websites, for the latest updates.