Context & Timeline

• The UUA Bylaws were adopted when the Universalist Church in America and the American
  Unitarian Association merged in 1961. Article II established vital characteristics of the new
  Unitarian Universalist Association and outlined the original 6 Principles that reflected its
  fundamental beliefs and aspirations. There were significant disagreements over content that
  nearly derailed the merger process. Article II must be reviewed at least every 15 years.
• In 1967, Section 4 was added to Article II, opposing discrimination, and aƯirming inclusivity.
• EƯorts to update the 6 Principles began in the 1970s, focusing initially on eliminating sexist
  language. The revised 7 Principles and original 5 Sources were adopted at General Assembly
  (GA) in 1985 with wide popular support.
• A 6th Source, Earth-centered spirituality, was added in 1995 at GA.
• An Article II Study Commission was formed in 2006 but delegates rejected its revisions at GA in
  2009.
• In 2013, at GA, the Article II section on “Non-Discrimination” became “Inclusion.”
• Separately in 2013, an 8th Principle was drafted centering anti-racism in the UUA. In 2017 a
  Responsive Resolution passed at GA calling for a Study Commission to consider adding the 8th
  Principle to Article II.
• The current Article II Study Commission started in 2019 and the Commission was launched in
  2020, just as covid hit. Its work period was extended with the final report due in 2023, rather
  than in 2022.
• The proposed Article II revision was brought to vote at the General Assembly in Pittsburgh in
  June 2023 and approved by a majority of delegates, so it is standing for a final approval at
  General Assembly in 2024.
• If approved at the 2024 General Assembly by a majority of delegates, the proposed Article II
  revision would replace the current Article II in the UUA Bylaws.

Proposed Changes to Article II Purposes and Covenant
Underlined language indicates change.