Christopher Stedman speaks eloquently in praise of the good in liberal religious communities where individuals can respect and support his Humanist stance and decries the closed-mindedness of atheists, agnostics, and humanists who reject anything to do with religion.
Thanks Chris!
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/eboo_patel/2009/11/respecting_religion_staying_se.html
Friday, November 20, 2009
Notes from Defying Gravity Day workshop
Youth Track at “Defying Gravity” day.
Presented by Bob Fox (Katie was ill and unable to be there, some other youth stepped up so that there was youth contribution, not all just Bob.)
What is the purpose of a youth group (YRUU group)?
Who is in charge?
***Send Youth and Adults to TRAINING!!!***
Recognize a tension between youth who are experiencing fantastic worship, connection, empowerment at cons and youth who aren’t (who are isolated in congregations)
Idea: Youth can co-host a con with another congregation. E.g. an experienced congregation without the facility can help an inexperienced congregation willing to provide space.
Youth techniques that are good for facilitating conversations
Note:
Youth culture is good at disagreement that is kinder than adult culture. Adults tend to be harsher and more direct about criticism which often can kill a brainstorm session.
Youth have more tolerance for chaos - Adults need to learn chaos tolerance. It is a good skill to have and does not detract from the benefits of the experience.
The process is critical and is of equal value to the outcome - it isn't worth it to get an outcome if the process sucks
Adults can learn a great deal from youth.
Presented by Bob Fox (Katie was ill and unable to be there, some other youth stepped up so that there was youth contribution, not all just Bob.)
What is the purpose of a youth group (YRUU group)?
- Incubate leadership skills through empowering the youth
- Build relationships between youth and adults
- Worship and Social justice and service by and for youth
- Explore and develop UU religious Identity
- Celebrate the diverse gifts of each individual
- Social connections and fun grounded in UU values (Make sure to include some Youth-only time)
- Sacred space: a refuge from shallow judgmental world
- To make the world a better place
Who is in charge?
- Youth and adults together: Collaborate to create programming that fosters empowerment (not entitlement)
- Youth Leaders
- Adult Advisors
- Some things are not up for vote (for instance safety concerns)
- With empowerment comes accountability and responsibility
***Send Youth and Adults to TRAINING!!!***
Recognize a tension between youth who are experiencing fantastic worship, connection, empowerment at cons and youth who aren’t (who are isolated in congregations)
Idea: Youth can co-host a con with another congregation. E.g. an experienced congregation without the facility can help an inexperienced congregation willing to provide space.
Youth techniques that are good for facilitating conversations
- ‘I agree’ as a non verbal (ASL) Yes sign, used to indicate support for an idea without interrupting the speaker or flow of conversation
- ‘I disagree’ as a non verbal “cut” sign
- ‘Silence please’ hand signal called “silent coyote”
- Stacking: keeping track of everyone who had their hand up to speak, in order, so that people don’t have to keep their hands up
- Request cut in line to speak when stacking: hand signal “piggyback” Used when your comment directly follows on to previous speakers comment.
- Step Back/Step Forward: a reminder for those who tend to talk a lot to hold back and for those who are shy or reluctant to speak to make the effort. This applies particularly to stepping back for members of privileged groups (Adults, Whites, etc.)
- 'off topic' : a hand signal called "irrelevant elephant"
- 'Tangent' : a hand signal similar to the "left turn signal" used by bicyclists
- No harshing on mellows: a reminder to respect other people's points of view and mood states. Don't push someone to change (especially don't push them to join a particular group activity.)
- Energy Monitor: A person or team assigned to watch the dynamics of the group. They will watch for *people feeling left out *tangents *power dynamics *low energy (and introduce an "energy break" if needed.)
- Touch Groups: Didn't get a clear definition but think it is something like small group ministry
- Energy Breaks: Remembering that human bodies need to move... songs and play activities to get out ya-yas and raise the energy of the group
Note:
Youth culture is good at disagreement that is kinder than adult culture. Adults tend to be harsher and more direct about criticism which often can kill a brainstorm session.
Youth have more tolerance for chaos - Adults need to learn chaos tolerance. It is a good skill to have and does not detract from the benefits of the experience.
The process is critical and is of equal value to the outcome - it isn't worth it to get an outcome if the process sucks
Adults can learn a great deal from youth.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tapestry of Faith
Over the past couple of years the Unitarian Universalist Association has worked with several curriculum writers to create a robust, coordinated, set of courses, lesson plans, and resources for use by Unitarian Universalist congregations. This project is different from prior attempts to fulfill the Religious Education needs of congregations. For instance, the Tapestry of Faith documents are all provided online, all include standard elements, provide alternative exercises, and are linked to the principles and sources of Unitarian Universalism.
One key philosophical underpinning is that we are providing something uniquely Unitarian Universalist in these learning opportunities. As Judith Freidiani says, with Tapestry of Faith we seek to "Give them not a program about religions, but to give them a religion." For some Unitarian Universalists this is a radical break from our history, but I believe it is the right step at the right time. Our world is increasingly secular. Families come to us who do not know what religion is or can be. The mission of Unitarian Universalism is no longer just one of freeing people from provincial, lockstep religious thinking, but one of opening possibilities for a radical liberal new religion. Unitarian Universalism can be that religion, the religion that supports the creation of a loving and just world.
During my years in Seminary, starting in 2004, the central question, the perennial question in classes and in student discussions has been "Is there a THERE there?" In other words, is Unitarian Universalism a religion that is defined by what it is not or is there something positive and meaningful in our history and practice? Are we simply a refuge for escapees from religious dogmatism or are we a religious home and springboard for continued human development and healthful transformation? This question has been debated in other contexts, and I stand with those who believe that Unitarian Universalism is a religion with much to offer, much more than "not dogmatic." Further, I stand with those who believe that we are doing a disservice to our children when we don't offer them this positive transformational Unitarian Universalism in their Religious Education experiences.
If we believe that there is something good in Unitarian Universalism, then we must share that with our children. Tapestry of Faith is one way of doing so.
I mentioned earlier that Tapestry of Faith draws on the sources of Unitarian Universalism. There are six sources listed in our Association bylaws. Tapestry of Faith also draws on a seventh source: Unitarian Universalism (and Unitarianism and Universalism). We are no longer such a new religion that we don't have history and tradition and common practices, values, and aspirations to draw upon in our religious education. Alleuia!
Tapestry of Faith is designed for an 8 or 16 session Sunday School year. But there are sufficient alternative exercises and especially the "Faith in Action" component, that it can be extended for a longer year, or differently structured year. Not all of the courses lend themselves immediately to adaptation to multigenerational learning, rotating classrooms, Way Cool Sunday School, or Workshop Rotation, but since they are provided in electronic form, it should be easy to cut, copy, and paste your way to a creative year. For instance, the Faith in Action or Taking it Home elements provided with every course can be pulled and used separately. The Harvest the Power course can be adapted for leadership training. Taking it Home elements can be used for adult RE and sermon-writing. The stories are indexed and searchable for use in services and other contexts. Incorporate Spirit of Life or Spirit in Practice resources into committee meetings or other gatherings to remind us that we are "doing church" when we are doing anything with our congregations, and that matters.
Adult education is also becoming available (additional materials are still under development.) I'm particularly excited about Thandeka's Unitarian Universalist Theology course: What Moves Us which should be available this fall or winter.
Looking back to the idea of "circle Unitarian Universalism"... I believe that one characteristic of circle Unitarian Universalism is that we Circle UUs are UU-positive, religion-positive, and joyful about the goods of our chosen religion. We do not choose to keep it 'neath a basket hid. Tapestry of Faith is one way to let our light shine brightly!
http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/index.shtml
One key philosophical underpinning is that we are providing something uniquely Unitarian Universalist in these learning opportunities. As Judith Freidiani says, with Tapestry of Faith we seek to "Give them not a program about religions, but to give them a religion." For some Unitarian Universalists this is a radical break from our history, but I believe it is the right step at the right time. Our world is increasingly secular. Families come to us who do not know what religion is or can be. The mission of Unitarian Universalism is no longer just one of freeing people from provincial, lockstep religious thinking, but one of opening possibilities for a radical liberal new religion. Unitarian Universalism can be that religion, the religion that supports the creation of a loving and just world.
During my years in Seminary, starting in 2004, the central question, the perennial question in classes and in student discussions has been "Is there a THERE there?" In other words, is Unitarian Universalism a religion that is defined by what it is not or is there something positive and meaningful in our history and practice? Are we simply a refuge for escapees from religious dogmatism or are we a religious home and springboard for continued human development and healthful transformation? This question has been debated in other contexts, and I stand with those who believe that Unitarian Universalism is a religion with much to offer, much more than "not dogmatic." Further, I stand with those who believe that we are doing a disservice to our children when we don't offer them this positive transformational Unitarian Universalism in their Religious Education experiences.
If we believe that there is something good in Unitarian Universalism, then we must share that with our children. Tapestry of Faith is one way of doing so.
I mentioned earlier that Tapestry of Faith draws on the sources of Unitarian Universalism. There are six sources listed in our Association bylaws. Tapestry of Faith also draws on a seventh source: Unitarian Universalism (and Unitarianism and Universalism). We are no longer such a new religion that we don't have history and tradition and common practices, values, and aspirations to draw upon in our religious education. Alleuia!
Tapestry of Faith is designed for an 8 or 16 session Sunday School year. But there are sufficient alternative exercises and especially the "Faith in Action" component, that it can be extended for a longer year, or differently structured year. Not all of the courses lend themselves immediately to adaptation to multigenerational learning, rotating classrooms, Way Cool Sunday School, or Workshop Rotation, but since they are provided in electronic form, it should be easy to cut, copy, and paste your way to a creative year. For instance, the Faith in Action or Taking it Home elements provided with every course can be pulled and used separately. The Harvest the Power course can be adapted for leadership training. Taking it Home elements can be used for adult RE and sermon-writing. The stories are indexed and searchable for use in services and other contexts. Incorporate Spirit of Life or Spirit in Practice resources into committee meetings or other gatherings to remind us that we are "doing church" when we are doing anything with our congregations, and that matters.
Adult education is also becoming available (additional materials are still under development.) I'm particularly excited about Thandeka's Unitarian Universalist Theology course: What Moves Us which should be available this fall or winter.
Looking back to the idea of "circle Unitarian Universalism"... I believe that one characteristic of circle Unitarian Universalism is that we Circle UUs are UU-positive, religion-positive, and joyful about the goods of our chosen religion. We do not choose to keep it 'neath a basket hid. Tapestry of Faith is one way to let our light shine brightly!
http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/index.shtml
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Marriage
I'm noticing some blurriness in the conversation about equal marriage. And I think choice of words may be a part of the problem.
First, we aren't talking about gay marriage or same-sex marriage. We are talking about equal marriage rights, equal protection under the law. When someone uses the term "gay marriage" I can't help but think how awkward and misleading that phrase is. We no longer use "interracial marriage" as a term and certainly wouldn't use the term "black marriage." And both of those situations were not protected under the law within our nation's past.
We are also not talking about legalizing marriages. We are talking about legal protections under state and federal laws for families created through marriage. When you go to city hall you don't get a license to get married, you get a license to obtain the protections and privileges for married people. (Yes, I realize that some municipalities still provide for the blood test, intending it to be a license to procreate, but that is becoming obsolete.)
People have been getting married without benefit of state sanction or state benefits for centuries. Slaves jumped the broom, Pagans tied the knot, Greek Orthodox were blessed by a priest. Straight couples who lived together for more than ten years were married by "common law." Jewish and Quaker marriages were acknowledged despite the fact that they did not use a license. And gay and lesbian couples were blessed by a UU minister, or their family and friends. Every one of these couples were married. They had a wedding. They became a family. But they also were without the privileges and protections from the state that are accorded to other wedded couples. Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses."
I don't like the phrase "legal marriage." My marriage is not illegal. I was married, in a church, with my family and friends present, before all I hold sacred. It was not illegal. It was beautiful and real and my wife and I are now a happily married couple, and have been for eleven years. We do not enjoy the tax benefits, financial perks, and legal protections provided by law to other married couples, but that does not make our marriage or our wedding less beautiful, less meaningful, less binding, or less legal. (It wasn't until 1837 that the state (in England) had anything to say about a marriage.)
When I mention my wife, I often have well meaning, supportive, straight people respond to me with "Oh, I didn't know gay marriage was legal in New York." I'm at a loss for how to respond. Yes, I have a real marriage, not just a gay one. No, I don't have the benefits and protections that your marriage has and it is indeed a hardship for my family.
The lack of equal protection costs my family money. We are lucky that my wife's employer allows me to be covered by her health insurance, but because the United States extends special benefits to some married people, we have to pay the Federal Government at tax time for the benefit of my being covered on her health insurance.
When we travel we carry copies of our health care proxy and power of attorney forms with us. If one of us ended up in the hospital there is no guarantee that the hospital staff would respect those pieces of paper, but we would have a better chance than without them. This is a fear we carry with us that some married people simply do not need to worry about.
The list goes on.
I don't want gay marriage, I already have a wonderful, real, and meaningful marriage.
I don't want legal marriage, my marriage is not illegal.
I do want equal treatment under the law. The law needs to recognize my family and provide us with the same protections it provides to other married couples. This is the only right thing. And it needs to happen now.
First, we aren't talking about gay marriage or same-sex marriage. We are talking about equal marriage rights, equal protection under the law. When someone uses the term "gay marriage" I can't help but think how awkward and misleading that phrase is. We no longer use "interracial marriage" as a term and certainly wouldn't use the term "black marriage." And both of those situations were not protected under the law within our nation's past.
We are also not talking about legalizing marriages. We are talking about legal protections under state and federal laws for families created through marriage. When you go to city hall you don't get a license to get married, you get a license to obtain the protections and privileges for married people. (Yes, I realize that some municipalities still provide for the blood test, intending it to be a license to procreate, but that is becoming obsolete.)
People have been getting married without benefit of state sanction or state benefits for centuries. Slaves jumped the broom, Pagans tied the knot, Greek Orthodox were blessed by a priest. Straight couples who lived together for more than ten years were married by "common law." Jewish and Quaker marriages were acknowledged despite the fact that they did not use a license. And gay and lesbian couples were blessed by a UU minister, or their family and friends. Every one of these couples were married. They had a wedding. They became a family. But they also were without the privileges and protections from the state that are accorded to other wedded couples. Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses."
I don't like the phrase "legal marriage." My marriage is not illegal. I was married, in a church, with my family and friends present, before all I hold sacred. It was not illegal. It was beautiful and real and my wife and I are now a happily married couple, and have been for eleven years. We do not enjoy the tax benefits, financial perks, and legal protections provided by law to other married couples, but that does not make our marriage or our wedding less beautiful, less meaningful, less binding, or less legal. (It wasn't until 1837 that the state (in England) had anything to say about a marriage.)
When I mention my wife, I often have well meaning, supportive, straight people respond to me with "Oh, I didn't know gay marriage was legal in New York." I'm at a loss for how to respond. Yes, I have a real marriage, not just a gay one. No, I don't have the benefits and protections that your marriage has and it is indeed a hardship for my family.
The lack of equal protection costs my family money. We are lucky that my wife's employer allows me to be covered by her health insurance, but because the United States extends special benefits to some married people, we have to pay the Federal Government at tax time for the benefit of my being covered on her health insurance.
When we travel we carry copies of our health care proxy and power of attorney forms with us. If one of us ended up in the hospital there is no guarantee that the hospital staff would respect those pieces of paper, but we would have a better chance than without them. This is a fear we carry with us that some married people simply do not need to worry about.
The list goes on.
I don't want gay marriage, I already have a wonderful, real, and meaningful marriage.
I don't want legal marriage, my marriage is not illegal.
I do want equal treatment under the law. The law needs to recognize my family and provide us with the same protections it provides to other married couples. This is the only right thing. And it needs to happen now.
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