On my future with KVUUC: 

During the past several months Frances and I have been in a process of discernment regarding my, and our, future with KVUUC.  I have consulted with several ministerial mentors on the issue as well as members of our Council on Ministry (Debbie, Bruce and Becca), various members of the congregation, and, of course, my own heart.  I have concluded that if the Board and congregation see fit to offer me an extension of my contract past next August, I would be pleased and honored to serve another year.  I was gratified by the attendance and feedback I heard from the congregation’s conversation on ministry in April led by Tandi Rogers from the UUA, and by the willingness of generous persons to step up and assume critical tasks in our congregational life.  I am excited by the prospect of collaborative leadership with Co-Presidents Kristen and Debbie, at the possibility of leading the congregation in a visioning process I call “Dreamcasting”, of participating in our all-congregational retreat at the “Lazy F” next Fall, of working further with dear friends on the Kittitas Valley Interfaith Alliance (4 services already planned), of working with our incomparable duo Jan and Maggie in building our music and RE programs, of possibly continuing on with the “Build Your Own Theology” group.   As for the services I lead I am excited by plans made in consultation with the Worship Council to explore core UU themes such as each of our 7 Principles, our particular conception of spirituality, our proud history, and the evolution of our concept of divinity.

I should also be clear that if it occurs next year would be my last.  I will be approaching 74 and sense that it is time for retirement (I prefer the Spanish: “jubilacion”).  I would hope to be of help in using the year to prepare for the direction the congregation wishes to go next.

News from the UUA: 

As some of you may have already read our denomination has  been visited by pain and controversy.  Earlier in April, The Reverend Peter Morales  resigned as President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) as did two other senior officials.  You can read more about it at www.uuworld.org.

The controversy leading to the resignations had to do with criticism over the hiring of a white, male minister to be Southern Regional Lead of the UUA instead of a woman of color that had applied.   Those who spoke out in opposition used direct and harsh language alleging that, under Morales’ leadership, the UUA has continued to be a “white supremacist” organization.  Morales’ initial response was also heated, stating:  “What bothers me is the characterization of the UUA as a ‘white supremacist’ organization.  If you call us that, what do you call the Aryan Nation?”  On resigning he admitted that his words had made the matter worse rather than better.

I am saddened by the fact that oppression of minorities has been with us for far too long.  I am also saddened by the obvious pain visited colleagues and friends involved in this particular incident and their families.  An oft-repeated adage is our Unitarian Universalist values call us to seek to build a better world. In our efforts to do so, we sometimes stumble and trip over each other. When we do, we seek, to the best of our ability, to forgive ourselves, and each other, and begin again in love.

To life.  L’Chaim.

Rev. Bill