UUs Rolling on the River – Inspiration and Energy in Pittsburgh

“I found myself in a river reverie. The rolling Allegheny echoed through the halls at GA. Rumbling over the nearby bridge, the constant freight trains hauled away the products of the land. Each speaker introduced themself by citing the indigenous peoples whose lands they now occupied. Together we sang, ‘Shall We Gather at the River’”. UCE delegate Elaine Siegel.

The flurry of activity that was the 2023 Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) General Assembly (GA) has subsided but the excitement rolls on. Held June 21-25 in Pittsburgh UUs gathered to conduct business, elect and install new leaders, debate revisions to our Bylaws and proposed Actions of Immediate Witness, learn together, network and create experiences, celebrate and worship together, and participate in numerous other events. 1,319 delegates attended in-person and 827 delegates attended virtually. (More than 4,000 attended all together – not everyone served as a delegate).UCE had 8 total Delegates, two of whom attended in-person.

UUA’s Highlights from GA

• Unitarian Universalism revisits identity, values at 2023 gathering
• Unitarian Universalists elect first woman of color, openly queer president

The UCE Denominational Affairs Committee strongly encourages you to attend this worthwhile meeting. The 2024 UUA GA will be held virtually only. And the 2025 meeting will be multi-platform in Baltimore, Maryland. Be a part of this important event to be inspired like delegate Melanie Kitchner who attended virtually. “Attending GA gives insight to the leadership of the UUA and provides workshops on many topics about our faith. The workshops are available on-line through Sept. 15 to watch as attendees have time over the summer. There are also lots of networking opportunities, even on-line, to get to know UUs from all over the country. In my case, this year, I solidified my focus on reparations and how I can help. I tease that I am now ‘a born again reparationist!” Or as noted by in-person delegate Shirley Adams, “Being onsite: surrounded by 2K UU’s of all shapes, sizes, costumes, spirits, was energizing. I love GA in person.” Either way prepare to be energized!

• Videos of GA events (General Sessions and Major Worships)
• Summary of business from this year’s General Assembly.