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Welcome! The Women and Religion Movement is alive and well in the 21st Century. A grassroots project started by lay leaders in the 1970s as an effort to promote examination of religious roots of sexism and patriarchy within the UUA and beyond, UU Women and Religion officially began as a task force following the unanimously-passed WOMEN AND RELIGION RESOLUTION at the 1977 UUA General Assembly. Although the Task Force was eventually sunsetted, the movement still exists in UU communities that hold Women & Religion programs and gatherings for those who identify as women. It exists at the UU General Assembly, where UUW&R brings our Store to the Exhibit Hall and occasionally hosts a gathering. And it lives in the hearts and lives of people who have been touched by the many changes inspired by this movement.

"We do not want a piece of the pie. It is still a patriarchal pie. We want to change the recipe!" -- Rosemary Matson

Select a news topic from the list below, then select a news article to read.

Morale Booster

Rev. Carol HustonFinding inspiration to keep on working for social justice is a necessary component for stick-to-it-tive-ness.  Knowing doors of inspiration have been opened by Convocation presenter, Rev. Huston, WOMUUNWEB asked her what they were.

“I was mightily energized by the fact that almost 600 women came together [for the Convocation] in difficult times to search for the real root causes of women's oppression world-wide.

"One door I hope I opened was to the organization Results (www.results.org), which advocates for US governmental aid for basic education programs in Africa.  And, in speaking about the fact that three women  at Community Unitarian Church at White Plains, NY began the conversation about women's rights worldwide by offering a proposed [General Assembly] Study Action Issue in 2004, I hope that I opened a larger door to the idea that a few women, talking together in a congregation, can eventually move our larger UU structures to action."

Rev. Carol Huston, White Plains, NY

Why Were Women Denied Visas?

UU World's General Assembly report by Skinner and Walton in the Fall 2009 issue, included news of a responsive resolution that urged the UUA to ask the State Department why UU women from Africa were denied visas to attend the International Convocation of UU Women while UU men from Africa were granted visas to attend the General Assembly.

Key Messages Transmit Themselves...

"...key messages transmit themselves, sans messenger."

-- Angela Sorby from "Mountain of Names" in Bird Skin Coat (quoted in Fall 2009 UU World)

Objective Truth in History?

Be the Change"But now I agree that it's not possible to find objective truth in history.  No one can say with complete confidence and honesty that history is on her side.  At the same time, those who want to move the world in the direction of equality and lasting harmony must become, and learn to think of themselves as, forces of history." -- Stephen Shick, Be the Change

FIRST PEOPLES WORLDWIDE Sees Hope

First Peoples Worldwide
Convocation Aftermath:  More than a conference the Convocation was a call to action mixing the highest sense of Oneness and love for all, with stories of real people inspiring change to the practical aspects of maintaining one's spiritual growth amidst surmounting breakdowns in our social fabric – economy, – unemployment and homelessness, - violence - local and international oppression - women and disenfranchisement, - environment – climate change and more poverty. A strong context of research, statistics, and studies provided the backdrop for strategies, networks and individuals to catalyze action. Women were energized spiritually, challenged intellectually, and moved to action. Each woman could find the resources at the Convocation, unique to her path, whether it be a deep, intimately inner search or an external mission to improve life on this planet.  I loved the way in which everyone’s talents were celebrated and how all of the parts went into making the whole --- making the whole world a better place.
 
Rebecca AdamsonEnergizing: The energy of the women was uplifting. There was a nurturing and joyous environment with serious strategic undertones of resourcing, networking, and building capacity. You had fun while making incredible connections with media experts, political analysts, academic thought leaders, and even potential donors. It was just wonderful to have so much feminine energy. Mothers’ love! When you work for social justice the emotional costs can be steep but for the time at the Convocation, the world’s wounds were wrapped in motherly love and healing on an individual level, which occurred throughout the gathering.
 
Convocation Opened Door: Without a doubt hearing the “Indigenous Peoples story” as told by an indigenous woman was a first for many Convocation participants. Most individuals had heard anecdotes about the poor conditions for one indigenous group or another. All taking place in far off exotic places… However the Convocation opened many doors once the voice and story of Indigenous Peoples was shared. We are, right now as I write this, attending the UUA international meeting in Romania. We have been asked to present a session on IPs based upon the response we received from the Houston Convocation. In addition we are now in partnership with the UU congregation in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Africa, working jointly with the Batwa or Pygmies who have been evicted to make way for national parks. We have several more events where we are participating with UUA since the Houston Convocation.  Oh, and Rev. Dorothy Emerson and I are talking about writing a book to bring voice to this huge concern.
 
To Summarize: My mother was an actual member of UUA and my connection is deep but I fall short of a practicing member of a congregation.
I could see tremendous connections and progress was made at the Convocation.
We have individuals in the network who keep in touch with us and help with letters or campaigns.
We have started a full partnership with the Brazzaville UU congregation to do community development with the Batwa.
We are planning to partner with a UUA member, Dorothy, to write a book.
We are attending several UUA conferences to build more partners.
I would say this is pretty excellent indication of progress.
 
I want to thank the women of the Houston Convocation for giving First Peoples Worldwide the chance to come and be a part of their community. Together we can change the world.
 
With deep appreciation,
Rebecca  
  1. Support Freedom to Marry
  2. Men killing families list 2009
  3. Pacific Central District Women & Religion Committee Meets in Sunnyvale
  4. My International Convocation Experience
  5. Unitarian Universalists Hold First International Women’s Convocation
  6. Bubble-up Global Bubbles: Convocation Aftermath Impressions
  7. Globalized Spiritual Bubbles to Save Paradise: Global Sisters Groups
  8. Weaving Global Partnerships
  9. CEDAW Treaty Ratification Now More Hopeful
  10. UU Women in Districts and around the world...
  11. Who We Are and What We Desire
  12. International Convo Day 3
  13. International Convo Day 2
  14. So it begins...International Convocation of U*U Women
  15. Women's Rights Are Human Rights
  16. A Network of Women’s Spirituality Groups?
  17. Becoming Women of Wisdom: Marking the Passage into the Crone Years
  18. You've Come A Long Way...Maybe
  19. Seeking UUA Legislative Assistant
  20. Margaret Fuller Bicentennial

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If you have any questions, please contact UU Women and Religion, info@uuwr.org.

Main resources from the UUA: www.uua.org/reproductive

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