Equal Opportunity in Ministerial Settlement 1989 Business Resolution

WHEREAS the Principles and Purposes adopted in the By-Laws of the UUA specify that: "We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations";

WHEREAS equal opportunity calls for ministerial settlement procedures without discrimination because of race, color, disability, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin;

WHEREAS we are concerned that some member congregations have not practiced equal opportunity in the calling of ministers;

WHEREAS we are aware that some ministers have been discriminated against by some member congregations because of race, color, disability, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin; and

WHEREAS such discrimination is inconsistent with the Principles and Purposes of our covenant together;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 1989 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association:

  1. Requests that the Department of Ministry provide assistance to our member congregations in achieving equal opportunity in the ministerial selection process;
  2. Urges our member congregations to accept such assistance when it is offered; and
  3. Supports the Department of Ministry in its long-standing policy of sending to congregations candidate lists meeting equal opportunity criteria; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 1989 General Assembly urges the Unitarian Universalist Association Administration to further develop and to implement programs to combat such discrimination at the local society and district levels.