Our 5th Unitarian Universalist Principle:
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
Serious concerns about the future of American Democracy were expressed by many – from all points on the political spectrum – during the 2024 Elections; fears that candidates from the ‘other’ party posed a threat to our democratic institutions. It was clear that – beyond simply reflecting political rhetoric – Americans understand and experience the democratic process in widely different ways.
Members and friends of the Fellowship investigated, grappled with, and celebrated our Fifth Principle in three workshops this past winter. These conversations yielded rich and powerful insights.
During Sunday’s service we’ll examine four of the questions that were discussed: what are the key elements of the democratic process?; what are the key elements of the democratic process in society outside the political sphere?; what causes democratic processes to fail?; and how can individuals strengthen democratic processes?
We will open Sunday’s Service at 10:00 led by Elaine Castles, chair of the Worship Committee. Dick Withers will offer some reflections on the four questions. We will then have an opportunity to ‘practice what we preach’ by calling our Annual Congregational Meeting to Order. At the conclusion of formal business, Rev. Barbara will lead us in celebrating our year together (and the year ahead!). We plan to end the service by 11:45.
Annual General Meeting Agenda
MEMBERS BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA (10:30 a.m.)
I. Quorum Check (26 members) and Call to Order (5 minutes)
II. Presentation of the Annual Report and announcements (5 minutes)
III. Resolution Establishing a Fellowship Social Justice Council (10 minutes)
IV. Resolution Supporting the “Somos Inmigrantes” movement (5 minutes)
V. Proposed Amendments to Bylaws (5 minutes)
The following simple amendments are proposed for adoption:
Article IV – Denominational Affiliation, Section 1
MCUUF shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, hereafter referred to as the UUA, and the Pacific Western Region of Unitarian Universalists, hereafter referred to as PWR.
VI. Consideration of the Proposed FY25/26 Budget (page 24) (20 minutes)
VII. Election of Officers, Trustees-at-Large & Nominating Committee (10 Minutes)
A. Report of the Nominating Committee
B. Additional Nominations From the Floor
C. Election
VII. Adjourn (or Recess at 11:30 a.m.) and return to Sunday Worship Service
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL
THE MEMBERS OF THE MID-COLUMBIA UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP (MCUUF) Do Resolve at the Annual Congregational Meeting Held on June 29, 2025, as follows:
WHEREAS, Unitarian Universalists share common values with “love at the center” including a tradition of community service and promotion of social and economic justice; and
WHEREAS, The members and friends of MCUUF, both past and present, have maintained an effective presence in the Columbia Gorge in service to community needs and in promoting social and economic justice including environmental health and responding to the global climate crisis; and
WHEREAS, We affirm and promote: the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice equity and compassion in human relations; the right of conscience and the democratic process; the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; respect for the interdependent web of all existence; building a diverse community and dismantling racism and other oppressions; and
WHEREAS, Members of MCUUF initiated a process in the Fall of 2018 to establish a Social Justice Committee to coordinate social and environmental justice work and, following the challenges and transitions of the last 6 years, it is our intention to further this effort with the creation of a social justice council; and
WHEREAS, Members and friends of MCUUF gathered at the Rockford Grange for a social justice visioning retreat facilitated by Rev. Barbara Prose on May 17, 2025, and shared stories and visions for the future of MCUUF’s social justice service and hoping to engage the whole Fellowship to engage the challenges and opportunities for justice in the Gorge; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That members and friends of MCUUF are invited and encouraged to participate in establishing a social justice council to serve as a standing committee of the Fellowship coordinating on-going activities of social action and the efforts of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion resource group as well as initiating needed programs of service and advocacy; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That interested participants meet within 30 days and prepare a report to the Board of Trustees with recommendations including the following: a proposed name for the council, a mission statement, names of two persons proposed to act as conveners (such as a chair and co-chair) and a plan for regular meetings based upon needs for communication, education, training and organizing.
Resolution by the Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (MCUUF) supporting the campaign:
”WE ARE IMMIGRANTS – SOMOS INMIGRANTES”
WHEREAS, immigrants, past and present, contribute to the strength and vitality of our Columbia Gorge community; and
WHEREAS, many in our community are living in fear as a result of heightened levels of anti-immigrant policies and practices promoted by national leaders; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that Japanese Americans once thrived in this community, and were also the victims of fear, forced dislocation, unjust imprisonment, and violence; and
WHEREAS, with the exception of Native Americans and African American victims of slavery, we are all immigrants; and
WHEREAS, the UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) was founded to help Jews escape the crushing authoritarianism of Nazi Germany, to save lives, and to show the world that no human being is expendable. Nearly 80 years later, we are still fighting to ensure that all people—including immigrants who are targeted and terrorized by the current administration—are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY MCUUF, that we support the “We are Immigrants – Somos Inmigrantes” campaign to defend the dignity, safety, and well-being of all of our hardworking, law-abiding immigrants and encourage our members to display “Somos Inmigrantes” signs as a symbol of support for our immigrant-friendly community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. We also encourage our members to look for opportunities to engage with other community members to educate them about the current situation for immigrants.