Women's History (Month) Resources
In addition to the resources on this page, several UUs and UU organizations maintain collections of historical works:
Celebrating UU Women by Rev. Addae Kraba
Harvard Divinity School UU Women and Religion Archives
UU Studies Network Women’s History Archives
Women's History maintained by Jone Johnson Lewis and archives of Jone's herstorical writings at ThoughtCo
Disctionary of U & U History - Notable Women
Lucile's Red Notebook curated by Elizabeth Fisher
Margaret Fuller Bicentennial maintained by UUWR
Women Shaping UU History page on UUA.org
UU World article on UU herstorian Cynthia Grant Tucker
UU Women's Federation Archives and Herstories
HEResies UU Women's Archive at Meadville-Lombard
Unitarian Universalism is a proudly heretical tradition. The word heresy comes from the Greek word meaning “to choose,” and our heritage is one of choice makers. However, in a patriarchal society that limits women’s choices, the very act of women choosing to lead has long been heretical, even in a movement of heretics. Heresies: The UU Women’s Special Collection is an archive dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of the women who have strengthened and grown Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism.
This special collection seeks to amend the ways in which archives often have marginalized women’s perspectives and stories. Heresies tells the story of UU women leaders by preserving the personal papers and organizational records that speak to the experience of Unitarian Universalist women, including those who have historically been underrepresented within the faith, such as women of color; lesbian, bisexual, and queer women; trans women; and disabled women. We will tell this story on their terms. Through careful and thoughtful acquisitions, cataloging, and digitizing, Heresies will make accessible the impact of Unitarian Universalist women upon liberal religion and world history.
Heresies is advised by a committee of UU religious professionals, lay Unitarian Universalists, and other stakeholders who assist in acquiring archival materials, raising funds to support the collection, and strengthening the connection of Heresies to the larger community of Unitarian Universalist women. As Heresies grows, so will our understanding of it and the role it plays within Unitarian Universalism.
BROWSE THE COLLECTION
Continental UUW&R Story on Video
In 1977 the UUA General Assembly unanimously passed the Women & Religion Resolution, calling all individual UUs and UU organizations to examine and put aside sexist assumptions, attitudes, and language and to explore and eliminate religious roots of sexism in myths, traditions and beliefs.
For two decades the UUA Women and Religion Committee led in transforming Unitarian Universalism toward greater inclusiveness and gender equality. At the same time Women & Religion groups formed, particularly at the district level, and began holding significant programs and retreats. These gatherings continue to nurture and support UU women today.
In 1996 the UUA Board declared the work of the resolution finished and thus "sunsetted" the Women and Religion Committee. District groups, however, continued to meet, and there was much conversation across the continent about what to do next. In 2002, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Women and Religion Resolution, UU Women & Religion officially became an independent affiliate organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Several years later, the UUA disaffiliated almost all of the independent affiliate organizations. A description of the UUA's process in video form is no longer available. UUW&R continues the work of establishing gender equality in our religious movement and the world. The religious roots of sexism continue to pervade the secular world and reinforce sexism and patriarchy throughout the world today. Clearly, we still have work to do.
These YouTube videos were produced by Pacific Central District UUW&R in March of 2012.
W&R Roots and Branches Part 1 - Introduction
W&R Roots and Branches Part 2 - Rosemary
A UUWR Herstory
The Women and Religion movement officially began in 1977, with the passage of the Women and Religion Resolution at the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA) annual General Assembly. However, the real beginnings of the movement are to be found earlier. In the mid-1970's, there was a growing concern that the male biases of religion remained unexamined and unchanged. In 1975, the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) sponsored the International Women's Year Conference. Unitarian Universalists Lucile Schuck-Longview and Dr. Rita Taubenfeld developed a resolution at the conference. That same year the IARF passed the resolution calling for Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women.
UU Women's Groups - Brief Herstory
In September 2024 I presented information on US-based UU women's groups to a Tuesday Gathering of the International Convocation of UU Women (ICUUW). The presentation covers:
- ICUUW
- UUWR
- UUWF
- SisterSouurce
- regional groups
Here is the video.
