Welcome to UU Women and Religion
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 Districts that hold Women & Religion programs and woman-focused gatherings. It exists at General Assembly, where UUW&R has an annual gathering and a booth in the display area. And it lives in the hearts and lives of women and men 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
The Water Ritual booklet
Booklet originally published by Pacific Central District W&R, "The Water Ritual" by Carolyn McDade and Lucille Longview is the original worship service "Coming Home, Like Rivers to the Sea: A Women's Ritual," created for the November 1980 Women and Religion Continental Convocation of Unitarian Universalists in East Lansing, Michigan. Includes readings, lyrics and sheet music.
PERMISSION TO PERFORM CAROLYN'S SONGS: Permission letter Carolyn McDade
You can now read the entire text ONLINE: The Water Ritual (without sheet music)
The Water Ritual - downloadable PDF
This is the downloadable version - a PDF readable on devices.
Dorothy May Emerson (1943-2019)
It is with sadness we share that Rev. Dr. Dorothy May Emerson passed away on May 13th, 2019. Dorothy was beloved in her community. Her life and works touched many. Her memoir “Sea Change: The Unfinished Agenda of the 1960s” was published just last year. We are grateful to have this glimpse of her life’s experiences and philosophies written in her own words.
A memorial service for Dorothy took place on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 10:00 am, Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 W Emerson St, Melrose, MA 02176. All welcome.
Rev. Dr. Dorothy May Emerson * November 20, 1943 – May 13, 2019
Also read A Goodbye to Dorothy from Melody Lee
Rev. Dr. Dorothy Emerson was a semi-retired Unitarian Universalist minister. She and her spouse Donna co-founded Rainbow Solutions to promote socially responsible investing as an important tool for social change and to offer consulting services to support those who want their lifestyles and business practices, as well as their money, to reflect their core values. After Donna and associates have launched Rainbow Investment Solutions, the focus of Rainbow Solutions was on Dorothy’s ministry and publications.
A member of the UUWR core group that revised the bylaws in 2005, after her term Dorothy continued to be a mentor and advisor, and a frequent presence at the UUW&R booth at General Assembly.
Dorothy gave public lectures and led workshops and worship services. She also performed weddings, funerals and memorial services, child dedications, and a variety of other special rituals. She specialized in interfaith ceremonies, personally designed to suit your needs and reflect your values.
Dorothy has edited and published feature articles and books. She also helped create programs to help adults grow spiritually and gain insight into ways to implement their values in daily life.
In addition to her ministry, Dorothy was active in UU and community organizations:
Membership
We don’t really have memberships these days, though you can volunteer to work with the core group anytime.
We’re currently working on consolidating with UU Women’s Federation. When that is accomplished, UUW&R will likely be positioned as a program of UUWF rather than as an independent UU Related Organization. We’ve already partnered with UUWF on several projects, including a joint presence at General Assembly. Since UUW&R has really focused on networking among the remaining District UU women’s groups, keeping essential women’s spirituality materials available, and handling publication of the classic curricula and some books, that will likely remain our focus even after consolidation. UUWF structure and funding may help UUW&R do even more. We have a leadership curriculum in the works.
You might consider joining UU Women’s Federation. They are a membership organization and you can join for a donation of any amount: https://www.uuwf.org/donate-join