UU Without Borders

New Movie from Czech Unitarians

2012-01-30T12:02:00.000Z

Dear Friends,

I invite you to look at the new documentary movie titled "Welcome to the Prague Unitarian Congregation". The movie is 9 minutes long and serves especially to the public to understand more who we are and what we do, invite to our programs and describe the spiritual environment which we strive to create together.

petr samojský

minister of the prague unitarian congregation

The link on the video is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idQl9uQrSoA&feature=youtu.be

101st Global Chalice Lighting Words

2012-01-30T11:56:00.001Z

Here is the 101st in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during January 2012. It is submitted by the Australian and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

In faith,

-Lorella

Lorella Thomas Hess

A golden thread binds us to all that has been and will ever be.

Here the tender soul yearns.

Here the greatest dreams are sighted.

Here the sacred flame burns.

-Mark Allstrom

submitted by the Australian and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association www.anzuua.org

Getting Excited about the Philippine Council Meeting

2012-01-30T05:50:00.004Z

Hello friends,

It's Brian Kiely, ICUU President writing.

I am started to get excited abut heading to the Philippines on Thursday in advance of next week's Council Meeting. We will have a very full house at the meetings and the conference. And as someone in the middle of a Canadian winter, the idea of south sea breezes and swaying palm trees also holds some attraction.

But the real attraction, as always, is the chance to spend time with Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists from six continents, finding commonalities and exploring and appreciation the differences in the way we celebrate our liberal religion. And of course this will be the first Council Meeting ever held outside the North America or Europe.

The meetings formally convene next week, running February 7-12. I am heading over early, because I have been invited to preach twice next Sunday, a real honour. One service will be in Quezon City. I am told it will be familiar to me as a North American, a congregation of educated professionals and middle class folks. But the other service will be at an outreach community they have begun in Bicutan, one of the poorest parts of Manila. It should be an fascinating experience.

I hope to use this blog to record some of these experiences with pictures, and perhaps some short video clips, and invite any other conference participants to post comments as well. Hopefully we can convey some of what makes these events special.

December ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Words

2011-12-05T11:00:00.000Z

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists announces the 100th in its monthly series of global chalice lighting readings. Congregations worldwide are invited to participate.

All ICUU-affiliated groups have been asked to submit brief chalice lightings for the project. Every month, a reading will be distributed to Unitarian and Universalist congregations around the world.

We ask each congregation to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and naming the group which submitted it.

Readings will be circulated in English and, where different, in their original language.

It is hoped that the ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Project will enhance the worship experience in our congregations and raise awareness of the international dimensions of our religious movement.

This Global Chalice Lighting is submitted by Unitarian Union of North East India. This reading is to be used during December 2011:

We kindle the chalice flame, symbol of our gathered community, across faiths, across cultures, beyond borders.

May it lead us from the shadows into the light, from ignorance to wisdom, from untruth to truth, from exclusiveness to inclusiveness, from mortality to immorality.

May the flame be a symbol of warmth, kinship, wisdom, truth and liberty.

Khublei.

Rev Derrick Pariat

President, Unitarian Union of North East India

Urgent: ICUU CM REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON

2011-11-25T16:22:00.000Z

We are delighted to announce that 70 people, comprising Unitarian Universalists and Unitarians from 22 countries, have now registered for the ICUU Council Meeting and Conference take place in February in the Philippines.

There are just five more days to register. Details and registration link at:

http://www.icuu.net/news/newsletters/rev_ICUU_CM_12_Info_and_Registration_Details.pdf

After November 30, we are unlikely to be able to accept further registrations except in emergency circumstances.

We are filling the entire South Sea Resort Hotel and even now there are just a few rooms left.

If you or anyone you know have been thinking about coming but has not yet done so, please urge them to register now, ttoday, certainly before November 30.

The ICUU meetings in the Philippines certainly now will make history and we would not want to turn anyone away due running out of room at the inn.

Do email meat execsec@icuu.net if you have any questions or need assistance.

Best Wishes,

Steve

___________________

Rev Steve Dick

Executive Secretary,

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)

Email: execsec@icuu.net

Phone: +44 20 84072866

Skype: stephenwd

Website: www.icuu.net

Twitter: ICUUinfo

Global Chalice Lighting Words for November 2011

2011-10-31T17:56:00.000Z

Below is the 99th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during November 2011. It is submitted by the Australian and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

In faith,

-Lorella

Lorella Thomas Hess
editor, The Global Chalice
ICUU newsletter
www.icuu.net

May this flame remind us of our own inward light, the centre of our being,

that connects us to all Being and gives us strength and comfort in a

troubled world.

Jan Tendys

Australian and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association

Register for ICUU Conference by Tomorrow to Avoid Extra Fee

2011-10-31T17:44:00.000Z

Dear Friends,

Be sure to register by tomorrow (1 November) for the ICUU Council Meeting and Conference in the Philippines in February to avoid the $50 registration fee.

The Conference brochure can be found at
http://www.icuu.net/news/newsletters/Rev_ICUU_CM_12_Info_and_Registration_Details.pdf

You can register online at

https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1095863-4v8FGe5PEs

We have just added an outing to a beautiful nearby National Park and the closing ceremony will now be hosted in the park next to the Town Hall and open to the public.

Here are the latest program details:

“THREE BROAD THEMES
1. Right relations within a multi-cultural context: once we have met one another, what is required for sustained harmonious relations between us in an international community? How do we learn to honorably respect and reconcile our cultural and theological differences? What specific steps might we begin to practice regularly in pursuit of these aims?

2. Social justice in a global religious context: what are the most pressing social justice issues each member group faces in our own local, national, or regional settings? What do we have in common in facing some of these challenges? What are the theological foundations for undertaking this work (especially in a theologically diverse movement?) How shall we begin to develop ways to collaborate in our social justice efforts, for the sake of making our efforts more effective?

3. The international UU community as a whole – a movement to be recognized, represented and heard? Represented within the United Nations, for example, or within international interfaith organizations? Are there ways we can present a unified voice in order to bring our values more visibly into a wider world?

PROGRAM OUTLINE

The ICUU Council Meeting and Conference in Dumagete City, the Philippines, marks the first meeting of this fully international gathering of U-U’s outside of Europe and North America. In addition to addressing the business of the Council, including setting program priorities, electing officers and approving a budget, delegates and participants will work together to strengthen our sense of common purpose and our capacity to work effectively together. In presentations, workshops and small groups we will address three broad themes: Right Relations in a Multi-Cultural Context (how to work most effectively with both our similarities and our differences), Social Justice in A Global Religious Context (how to collaborate on justice issues across borders and theologies), and TheWiderWorld (the U-U movement as a unified voice.)

Main Speakers
Keynote presentations will be offered by several outstanding leaders and thinkers:

Rev. Dr. Muriel Orevillo-Montenegro - Executive Director of Justice and Peace Center. at the Divinity School at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, will approach our program themes from a local perspective.

Dr, Bruce Knotts – Director of the UU United Nations Office will consider the possibilities of representing the global U-U network at the United Nations

Rev. Dr. Paul Rasor – Theologian, professor and author, will articulate the theological foundations and possibilities for our shared endeavors.

Workshops and Discussion Groups are expected to include:
Social Justice work in member groups, and possibilities for collaboration
Ministerial Education and Training
Sharing the work of the UU United Nations Office
Connecting ICUU women’s groups
Immigration in a global context
Crisis Response Ministries
New approaches to supporting emerging groups and congregations
Something basic for newest emerging groups
Music in Kenyan worship (or more about African worship styles in general)
Dance Meditations
Sharing Songs (for a workbook?)
Chalice Circles”

Join us for this sure to be memorable event!

___________________

Rev Steve Dick

Executive Secretary,

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)

Email: execsec@icuu.net

Phone: +44 20 84072866

Skype: stephenwd

Website: www.icuu.net

Twitter: ICUUinfo

Support ICUU and its work by sending a US dollar check to
ICUU Treasurer David Shaw, Meadow Hey, Adlington Lane, Grindleford,
Hope Valley, S32 2HT, United Kingdom
or donate online to PayPal account davidw.shaw@btinternet.com

Global Chalice Lighting Words October 2011

2011-09-24T17:16:00.001+01:00

Dear friends,

Here is the 98th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during October 2011.

It is submitted in Czech and English by the Religious Society of Czech Unitarians. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

In faith,

-Lorella

Lorella Thomas Hess
editor, The Global Chalice
ICUU newsletter
www.icuu.net

Scházíme se v tomto místě, které je pro tuto chvíli naším duchovním domovem. Je to místo nás všech, pro každého z nás. Jsme lidé různého původu, s různými životními příběhy; každý z nás je originálem. Jdeme mnoha různými cestami.

Zatímco cesta každého z nás je odlišná, máme společný cíl: prohlubovat naše spojení s Duchem Života; činit duchovní dílo v našich srdcích; a vztahovat se k druhým.

Zapalme tento kalich, abychom posílili své uvědomění pospolitosti. Toto je skutečně jedno místo, mnoho cest; mnoho cest, jeden cíl. Nechť světlo tohoto kalicha nám tuto pravdu připomíná.

We gather in this place which is our spiritual home at this hour. It is one place for us all. We are people of different origins, with different life stories; each of us is unique. We walk on many diverse paths.

While the path of each of us is quite different, we have a common goal: to deeper our connection with the Spirit of Life; to do the spiritual work in our hearts; and to reach out to the others.

Let us light the chalice to strengthen our awareness of togetherness. This is truly one place, many paths; many paths, one goal. May the light of this chalice remind us of that.

Petr Samojsky

Religious Society of Czech Unitarians (www.unitaria.cz)

GLOBAL CHALICE LIGHTING WORDS SOUGHT

2011-09-09T22:04:00.001+01:00

ICUU is seeking chalice lighting words to be considered for publication in the GLOBAL CHALICE LIGHTING WORDS series.

Submissions should be original or adapted words designed for use when lighting a chalice in the context of worship.

The author must be a member of an ICUU Member Group or of an Emerging Group recognized by ICUU.

Submission in a local language in addition to English is welcomed, particularly when English is not the native language.

Please note it is not possible to promise that submitted words can be used in a particular month or that any submission will be included in the series. A number of factors are considered when considered which words will be selected and when they will be used.

Submissions can be sent to ICUU GLOBAL CHALICE LIGHTING WORDS Coordinator Lorella Hess at icuued@roadrunner.com.

We look forward to receiving GLOBAL CHALICE LIGHTING WORDS from around the world and thank you for your assistance.

Global Chalice Lighting Words for September 2011

2011-09-02T11:17:00.000+01:00

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists announces the 97^th in its monthly series of global chalice lighting readings. Congregations worldwide are invited to participate.

All ICUU-affiliated groups have been asked to submit brief chalice lightings for the project. Every month, a reading will be distributed to Unitarian and Universalist congregations around the world. We ask each congregation to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and naming the group which submitted it. Readings will be circulated in English and, where different, in their original language.

It is hoped that the ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Project will enhance the worship experience in our congregations and raise awareness of the international dimensions of our religious movement. This Global Chalice Lighting is submitted by the Unitarian Universalist Association. It is to be used during September 2011.

Somewhere in Berkeley and in Boston and in Bujimbara,
someone lights a chalice, and its light shines on freedom;
Somewhere in Kansas City and in Koloszvar and in Kampala,
Someone lights a chalice, and its light illumines truth;
Somewhere in Tierra del Fuego, and in Tulsa, and in Honolulu and in Havana,
and in Nashville and in Nantucket and in Nairobi,
Someone lights a chalice, and love is made visible.
Today, we light this chalice and hold in memory,
the many chalices whose steady flames hold us.

Rosemary Bray McNatt

Unitarian Universalist Association (www.uua.org)

Wider ICUU Discussion on Immigration Issues

2011-08-14T23:59:00.000+01:00

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) is considering what role it could play or perspective it could offer to the special Unitarian Universalist Association Social Justice General Assembly on Immigration Issues to be held in June 2012 in Arizona.

While a workshop at the UUA meetings is one important focus for the discussion, the fact is that immigration is an issue in many of the nations where Unitarians and Universalists live.

ICUU welcomes ideas and suggestions both about this US focused event, but also on how ICUU might be able to facilitate a wider conversation.

A discussion email list has been set up named JUSTICE.

If you would like to take part in this discussion, please send an email to Steve Dick at execsec@icuu.net requesting to be added to this list.

ICUU 2020 Vision & Future Steps

2011-08-09T11:32:00.000+01:00

The ICUU Staff prepared this document as part of a presentation at the UUA 2011 General Assembly as a way of sharing the vision and future steps for ICUU that emerged from the ICUU Executive Committee’s meeting in the Philippines. In July 2011, the Executive Committee approved this document for sharing with others as a reflection of ICUU’s vision and direction. Please share this document with others as appropriate.

Vision

We are all the ICUU --

We believe that the liberal expression of religious faith we cherish as Unitarian Universalism has much to offer to people beyond our local cultures and borders.

We see that new people and communities continue to discover Unitarian Universalism.

We are aware that some Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist groups in countries with a long and proud history of liberal religion face internal and external challenges threatening their development and survival.

In both types of situation, the infusion of support and expertise from other liberal faith communities can be the catalyst that makes it possible to seize the opportunity or face the challenge.

Experience has taught us that achieving right relations calls on us to avoid even subtle or implied domination by any one group, country or culture over others, even when a group controls resources or their patronage is sought by others.

Whilst bilateral partnerships are useful, the most sustaining relationships for building the global community are the multi-layered strands of a collaborative network.

The vision fifteen years ago was bold and the small scale resources committed to the network have been effectively used to build a framework largely thanks to volunteers. Lest it become a victim of its own success, ICUU now needs sufficient resources and dedicated staffing to fully respond to the call of new, emerging, and renewing Unitarian Universalist groups.

It does matter, more than one may realise from a local or national perspective, that such efforts are undertaken by a group governed and sustained by the world UU community rather than kindly offered by one nation or culture, no matter how wise or blessed.

Read on to see the steps we need to take to sustain this vision and move together into a brighter future.

Future Steps

Our most pressing need is to add professional organizational capacity to what has been a largely informal volunteer driven network to enable its development as a full service agency. In congregational growth terms, it can be likened to moving from a family model to a program model.

A Global Fund for Emerging International UUism
to support the work of nurturing new and emerging groups of U-U’s around the world is essential. The need and demand for this work has grown steadily and steeply as new groups have emerged in Africa, Asia and South America. We see a great need for mentoring emerging groups, to help them learn about UU history and polity, congregational structure and development, ministry and shared leadership. The Fund will be an important step in building capacity to provide training, education, consulting and support.

Essential Staffing
is necessary to provide capacity in terms of expertise, skills and not least the dedicated time to take forward the work both of supporting emerging groups and stimulating networking among existing organizations. Enquirers are often surprised that ICUU achieves what it does with a half-time Executive Secretary and a quarter-time Program Coordinator. Yet it is frustrating what must be left undone or delayed and the Executive Committee is committed to making both staff positions full-time. Imagine what these two can achieve devoting all their energy to ICUU.

Development-Support Colleagues
trained and accountable, working closely with staff in acting as mentors for new and renewing groups leading hopefully to part-time coordinators in selected regions.

Tent Summit
A pilot event to be held in 2011 bringing together leaders and staff from the five largest member groups for collaboration and dialogue, intended to be followed by other gatherings, physical and/or virtual, with other leaders and staff of member groups.

Extend Our Global Network
using technology to offer virtual meetings, webinars and programs facilitating entire congregations from different member groups meeting face to face using web-based video resources.

True Core Collaboration
with partners in international work is essential in offering expertise and special focus in areas such as partnership and community capacity building with UUPCC, United Nations bodies representation and social justice campaigns with the UU UN Office and women’s concerns and programs with the Convocation of International UU Women. Joint projects are also to be explored with member group staffs building on the supportive and much appreciated collaboration to date with the UUA International Programs Office and theological schools.

Issued by the ICUU Executive Committee, August 2011

___________________

Rev Steve Dick

Executive Secretary,

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)

Email: execsec@icuu.net

Phone: +44 20 84072866

Skype: stephenwd

Global Chalice Lighting August 2011

2011-08-05T23:15:00.000+01:00

Dear friends,

Here is the 96th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during August 2011. It is submitted in German and English by Deutsche Unitarier Religionsgemeinschaft. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

.In faith,

-Lorella

Lorella Thomas Hess
editor, The Global Chalice
ICUU newsletter
www.icuu.net

Manchmal ist unsere Vision

von Mitgefühl und Gemeinschaft

größer als unser Herz.

Unsere Hoffnung auf eine gerechte Gesellschaft,

die sowohl frei als auch verantwortlich ist,

geht oft hinaus über das, was wir gerade selbst dazu beitragen.

Dennoch - mögen wir uns niemals durch Fehlschläge oder Misserfolge

davon abhalten lassen, tatkräftig zuzupacken,

und immer und immer wieder zu versuchen

die Hoffnungen und Träume unserer Gemeinschaft zu leben.

Möge das Licht dieser Flamme uns den Mut für die Reise geben.

Sometimes, the vision we share
for compassion and community
is bigger than our actual hearts.

Often, our hopes for a just society
that is both free and responsible
exceeds what we actually do to create it.

But may we never let our failing and floundering
keep us from seeking, again and again,
to live out in concrete deeds
the hopes and dreams of our collective heart.

May the light of this flame give us courage for the journey.

Eric Hausman

Deutsche Unitarier Religionsgemeinschaft

www.unitarier.de

Discussion on ICUU Plans for UUA Immigration GA in Arizona

2011-08-01T16:50:00.000+01:00

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) is considering what role it could usefully play or perspective it might distinctly offer to the special Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Social Justice General Assembly on Immigration Issues to be held in June 2012 in Arizona. ICUU welcomes ideas and suggestions from people involved our global UU community and a discussion email list has been set up named JUSTICE. If you would like to take part in this discussion, please send an email to Steve Dick at execsec@icuu.net requesting to be added to this list.

Registration is NOW OPEN for 2012 ICUU Gathering in the Philippines!

2011-07-24T12:42:00.001+01:00

History will be made when the next ICUU Council Meeting and Conference is held in February 2012 in the Philippines –for the first time outside of Europe and North America!

The Council Meeting and Conference will take place from 7 to 12 February 2012 at the headquarters of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP) and at the Southsea Resort in Dumagute City on Negros Island, Philippines.

Click Here for Council Meeting and Conference Brochure & Registration Details

Thanks & News from Christchurch

2011-07-08T00:15:00.000+01:00

Unitarian Universalists of Christchurch

www.uuchristchurch.org

30 June 2011

International Council of Unitarian Universalists

c/o Brian Kiely

President

ICUU

Dear Fellow Unitarians,

Thank you for your recent $4150.00 donation to support our fellowship in recovering from the recent Christchurch earthquakes. We have received comparable unsolicited donations from the European Unitarian Universalists (EUU) and Auckland Unitarian Church.

The 22 February quake which devastated the city centre left our rented rooms off limits until early May, and caused substantial hardship to many of our members. We have allocated one-third of the funds received for emergency hardship grants to individual members. Our budget has never provided any sort of pastoral emergency fund, but thanks to the generosity of fellow Unitarians, our minister will now provide grants of up to $500 to hard-hit individuals who confidentially request this assistance.

The remaining funds have secured our budget to cover our modest near-term needs, and are likely to subsidize the costs of a retreat later this year outside of Christchurch for our members, and to support our increased participation in the upcoming ANZUUA conference.

When shaken to our core, we are reminded what our core is. Thank you for reminding us of the connection, the values and the friendship we share.

Kind regards,

Amy Gilman,

Chair, Management Team

Unitarian Universalists of Christchurch

Summer 2011 ICUU Newsletter Available Online

2011-07-01T12:23:00.001+01:00

The Summer 2011 issue of the ICUU Newsletter – The Global Chalice – has now been published and is available from the link below.

Please feel free to share it with others and we would encourage you to circulate it to your membership.

www.icuu.net/news/newsletters/Global_Chalice_0711.pdf

Best Wishes and Kind Regards,

Steve

___________________

Rev Steve Dick

Executive Secretary,

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)

Email: execsec@icuu.net

Phone: +44 20 84072866

Skype: stephenwd

Website: www.icuu.net

Twitter: ICUUinfo

Global Chalice Lighting Words for July 2011

2011-07-01T12:18:00.002+01:00

This is the 95th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during June 2011. It is submitted in Kirundi, French, and English by the Assemblée des Chrétiens Unitariens du Burundi. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

In faith,

-Lorella

Lorella Thomas Hess
editor, The Global Chalice
ICUU newsletter
www.icuu.net

Kirundi:

Guhura kw’abantu kugurura imiryango myiinshi

Kwinjira mu mico y’abandi no kugurikira uburyo bundi bwo gutahura no gukora ibintu.

Kwitaho abandi bica birakura muri twebwe umutima wokwitanga uturoresha kubandi mu kubitangira atakwikunda kugiyemwo.

Uno musi, muri aka gatondo, nitwatse iri tara ryo kugurukira abandi, yo gutangarira bishasha biduteza imbere eka mbere no gukorera hamwe gukomeye.

French:

La rencontre entre les peoples renferme des possibilités inattendues

Expériences culturelles et ouverture à de nouvelles façons de comprendre et de faire les choses.

L’attention à l’autre se développe et un esprit de détachement nous tourne vers l’autre dans un service désintéressé.

Aujourd’hui, ce matin, allumons une flamme d’ouverture à l’autre, de curiosité enrichissante et de coopération active.

English:

When people meet, endless possibilities emerge--

New cultural experiences and openness to new ways of understanding and doing things.

A special attention to the other and a sense of service beyond self develop.

Today, this morning, let us light the chalice for openness, willingness to grow, enriching curiosity, and active cooperation.

Fulgence Ndagijimana

Assemblée des Chrétiens Unitariens du Burundi

Global Chalice Lighting Words for June 2011

2011-07-01T12:13:00.002+01:00

This is the 94th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during June 2011. It is submitted in French and English by the Eglise Unitarienne Francophone in homage to Norbert Capek. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

Chaque fois que je vois une fleur, je pense à toi,

Chaque fois que je vois une fleur, je pense à nous,

Car nous assemblons les fleurs, n’est-ce pas ?

Pour qu’elles forment un éventail arc-en-ciel

Pour qu’elles fassent bouquets

Pour qu’elles fassent Eglise.

On dit que, dans ta Bohème natale,

Elles sont si nombreuses au printemps

tant belles et mutines

Qu’elles courent et dansent dans les prés

Célébrant la vie en farandole de liberté.

Each time I see a flower, I think of you.

Each time I see a flower, I think of us.

For we gather flowers, do we not?

So that they may bloom into a fan-shaped rainbow

and make up lovely bouquets,

making up the Church.

They say there are so many of them

in your native Bohemia,

so beautiful and lively,

that they run and dance in the fields

celebrating life in a frolic of freedom.

Jean-Claude Barbier

Eglise Unitarienne Francophone

Global Chalice Lighting Words for May 2011

2011-05-05T22:24:00.001+01:00

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists announces the 93^rd in its monthly series of global chalice lighting readings. Congregations worldwide are invited to participate.

ICUU-affiliated groups have been asked to submit brief chalice lightings for the project. Every month, a reading will be distributed to Unitarian and Universalist congregations around the world. We ask each congregation to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and naming the group which submitted it. Readings will be circulated in English and, where different, in their original language.

It is hoped that the ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Project will enhance the worship experience in our congregations and raise awareness of the international dimensions of our religious movement.

This Global Chalice Lighting is submitted in English and Spanish by the Unitarian Universalist Association. It is to be used during May 2011.

We speak different languages. We live on different continents. And yet we share a common love, a common faith, and a common destiny. We share a commitment to create a world where compassion guides us, where all are cherished, where all are free.

We light this chalice in recognition of our enduring connections, in honor of our shared legacy, and in anticipation of the future we shall create together.

Hablamos idiomas diferentes y vivimos en continentes distintos, pero compartimos un amor común, una fe común y un destino común. Compartimos el compromiso de crear un mundo en el que nos guíe la compasión, donde todos seamos amados, donde todos seamos libres.

Encendemos este cáliz en reconocimiento de nuestras relaciones duraderas, en honor de nuestro legado compartido y en la expectativa del futuro que crearemos juntos.

Peter Morales

Unitarian Universalist Association

ICUU Founders Vision Awards

2011-03-28T11:28:00.004+01:00

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists is 15 years old and in commemoration of that achievement, we celebrate fifteen men & women pivotal in founding the worldwide network of Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist (UU) groups and organizations.

Recognizing that they come from and continue to support significant local and national UU communities as well as international connections, ICUU representatives will present Vision Awards to these prophetic people at the national meetings of their home organizations.

ICUU recognises that the implementation of its sustaining vision depended on many other people as well and that the vision cannot grow for the future without the dedication of many others to come. Therefore it is expected that further ICUU Vision Awards will be given in the future.

The following persons are to be honoured at the indicated national events:

Canada (Canadian Unitarian Council Annual Meetings Toronto May 2011):
Herman Boerma
Ellen Campbell

EUU (event & date to be determined):
Gevene Hertz

Germany (presentation event & date to be determined):
Wolfgang Jantz

India (presentation event & date to be determined):
Carleywell Lyngdoh

Philippines (presentation to be determined)
The Rev Rebecca Sienes

Transylvania
(presentation event & date to be determined):
The Rev Szabó Árpád
The Rev Kovács István

United Kingdom
(Annual Meetings Swansea April 2011):
Christine Hayhurst
The Rev Cliff Reed
The Rev David Usher

USA
(UUA General Assembly Charlotte June 2011):
The Rev John Buehrens
The Rev Polly Guild
The Rev Jill McAllister
The Rev Kenneth MacLean

Global Chalice Lighting for April 2011

2011-03-28T09:25:00.000+01:00

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists announces the 92nd in its monthly series of global chalice lighting readings. Congregations worldwide are invited to participate.

All ICUU-affiliated groups have been asked to submit brief chalice lightings for the project. Every month, a reading will be distributed to Unitarian and Universalist congregations around the world. We ask each congregation to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and naming the group which submitted it. Readings will be circulated in English and, where different, in their original language.

It is hoped that the ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Project will enhance the worship experience in our congregations and raise awareness of the international dimensions of our religious movement.

This Global Chalice Lighting is distributed by the ICUU in response to the recent Japanese earthquake and its aftermath. In popular Japanese mythology earthquakes are caused by the great fish, Namazu, who lies imprisoned underground beneath a huge stone. This reading is to be used during April 2011.

AFTER THE GREAT WAVE
For Japan, March 2011

Namazu, the Great Fish, stirs
and the earth quakes.
Tsunami, the Great Wave, races
to the shore.
Harbours are engulfed, and towns
and villages and farmlands.
The fragile, perilous works of humankind
are assailed and shaken.
Nature’s power and human folly have
combined.
People are filled with fear. They suffer
ruin, devastation, and death.
Human weakness is exposed. We feel
helpless in the face of so much grief,
so much suffering.
And yet we cannot afford ourselves
the luxury of despair.
We are here to say that, in us, the
universe cares for its children.
We are here to reach out in love
to the people of Japan;
to unite our spirits with theirs in an affirmation
of hope beyond apocalypse.
And to do what we can.
And so we kindle our sacred flame.
-Rev. Cliff Reed
16th March 2011

Concern for the People of Japan

2011-03-15T07:53:00.000Z

Dear Friends,

Like many around the world I have been watching the events in Japan with sadness and growing concern. The quakes and the tsunami have ripped apart so many families. Perhaps thousands have died, and countless numbers have been injured, displaced and have lost their homes and livelihoods. As one who has never endured a natural disaster, it is difficult for me to understand what it must be like for the survivors.

In the short term there is need for emergency relief, but in the longer term there is also a concern brought about by the damage to nuclear reactors. There have been so many natural upheavals in the last year or two that perhaps it is time for humanity to rethink how we produce and manage the resources we use to live and build wealth.

And as always happens with these events, we are starting to learn of the miracles, the selfless efforts of rescuers, and the courage and simple generosity of common people. It is in these small things that I find hope for the human race. It strengthens my belief in the essential goodness of people.

There is not an ICUU member group in Japan, but there are some UU contacts and many with whom we have friendships and alliances through the IARF and other interfaith contacts.

I ask you to join me in offering prayers, thoughts and good wishes for the people of Japan. And for those of us in a position to offer more support, please contribute through various legitimate charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent and funds created by the UUA and IARF.

Rev. Brian Kiely

President, International Council of Unitarians and Universalists

Kenyan UUs Given Emerging Group Status

2011-03-10T17:53:00.003Z

The ICUU Executive Committee (EC) has granted Emerging Group Status to the Kenya Unitarian Universalist Council (KUUC) following an application from that body. After an extensive discussion, the EC unanimously voted to grant Emerging Group Status to the KUUC.

This is only the first step in the building of a relationship that could ultimately lead to full membership.

It is the policy of ICUU that new groups are admitted as emerging groups and after a period of time and as part of a developmental process can later be considered for provisional membership.

Emerging Group Status is a way we can recognize the start of our formal relationship and represents our intention to work with a new or reorganized faith body in further developing their Unitarian Universalist community. It does not come with any voting status or right to send delegates, but the EC does have the discretion to invite observers from the group to any meeting.

ICUU is encouraged that the KUUC continues to be open to involvement and participation from the other UU groups in Kenya that have so far not joined in this initiative. We live in hope that this preliminary step can be a catalyst towards the inclusion of all our UU brothers and sisters in Kenya around one table, independent in organization but united in love.

From Steve Dick, Executive Secretary on behalf the ICUU Executive Committee

Urgent: News of Christchurch, NZ UUs

2011-02-24T17:19:00.003Z

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS INFORMATION AS APPROPRIATE TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE

Christchurch, New Zealand, was hit by 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Monday, February 21. Following on the heels of another quake just six months ago, plus many aftershocks, this quake was the most devastating so far, given that the epicenter was only a few miles from the city center.

News from the Unitarian Universalists’ of Christchurch is quite limited at the moment. ANZUUA President Peter Ferguson has been in New Zealand this week, and reported the following from his contact with Derek McCullough, leader of the Christchurch UU congregation, immediately following the earthquake:

"I have spoken to Derek this morning at 8.30 am NZ time. Derek and Rebecca (his wife), his mother and Rebecca's parents are all physically uninjured. Sadly their home has been destroyed by the earthquake, and at this present time they are leaving for safe accommodation in the country."

ICUU President Brian Kiely sent the following message to Derek McCullough and ANZUUA colleagues:
“Dear Derek and all Members and Friends of the Christchurch community,

It is with deep sadness that I learned of the earthquake that struck your homes and your city today. On behalf of your Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist co-religionists worldwide I send our thoughts and prayers on your behalf. Selfishly we hope that no one in your community has been seriously hurt or suffered great damage, but on a wider scale we hold all Christchurch residents in our hearts.

Tragedies like this anywhere in the world stir our emotions, but those feelings are heightened when it happens to people or places we know or have visited.

In the days ahead may things go as right as they possibly can and may you all find some joys to celebrate.”

PLEASE NOTE A “Causes” page has been set up on Facebook and UUs around the world are encouraged to show their solidarity with our sisters and brothers in New Zealand by joining the cause.

You can also make a donation through the “Cause” and all funds donated will be sent on to Christchurch. You can appreciate they will need our assistance, moral and financial, at a difficult time like this.

The Cause Page can be reached by going to the following web page:
http://www.causes.com/causes/583046

The ICUU will post news and follow-up information as it becomes available.

Thinking of our faith colleagues in distress and need,

Kind Regards,

Steve Dick & Jill McAllister

Nominations for ICUU Executive and Nominating Committees

2011-01-21T07:30:00.002Z

To all ICUU Member Groups,
Greetings from the Nominating Committee:

In February 2012, the ICUU Council will meet in The Philippines and will elect a new Executive Committee and Nominating Committee. We hope that all member groups are already considering whether they will nominate a candidate for one of the positions.

Here is some information you may find helpful when you discuss whether to nominate someone:
• The offices are not ceremonial positions, and all members of the Executive Committee are expected to have time to attend regular meetings (mostly online but one meeting a year involving travel) and carry out the work of ICUU, much of which is done using the internet.
• Candidates for the election must be nominated by their own member groups and the nomination must be seconded by another member group.
• More than one person can be nominated for each position.
• All properly nominated candidates will appear on the ballot.
• The Nominating Committee will consider all the nominations and recommend a slate of one or two nominees for each office. The committee works to recommend a slate that is qualified and balanced both geographically and in terms of skills needed to carry out the work required.
• Job descriptions for all positions are available from the ICUU Executive Secretary (execsec@icuu.net).

The seven current members of the Executive Committee of ICUU are the four officers:
• President: Brian Kiely – Canada
• Vice-President: Pauline Rooney – ANZUA (Australia and New Zealand)
• Secretary: David Gyero – Transylvania (Romania)
• Treasurer: David Shaw – Great Britain
and three members-at-large:
• Nihal Attanayake – The Philippines
• Femi Matimoju – Nigeria
• Celia Midgley – Great Britain

All of the current officers except the treasurer have expressed the wish to run again for office. They must be nominated by their own groups. This does not prevent other groups from nominating other candidates for office.

The three current members of the Nominating Committee are.
• Gevene Hertz (EUU – European Unitarian Universalists)
• Pearl Greene Marbaniang (India)
• Gordon Oliver (South Africa)
The members of the Nominating Committee are not allowed serve consecutive terms, so three new members are needed.

Please consider now whether you may want to nominate someone from your group for any of the positions – including the Nominating Committee, which also performs an important role and actually helps shape the future of ICUU.

Timeline

Before Feb 15: If you think you may want to nominate someone, even if you are not sure, please contact me (Gevene Hertz), or the other members of the Nominating Committee, or the Executive Secretary of ICUU, Steve Dick, so that we can discuss the nomination process, send you the proper forms and answer any questions. We can also discuss what offices your candidates might be best suited for.

Email addresses for all of us are at the end of this letter. We can also be available for discussions using Skype.

Remember to check to make sure that the person is willing to be nominated and understands the duties of the office.

Before June 1: You will have to get the official approval of your group and fill out a proper nomination form.

You will also have to arrange to have another group second the nomination.
Both groups may need time to approve the nomination, for example, this may involve talking to your board or other governing body, so you need plenty of time.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Gevene Hertz, Convenor of the Nominating Committee
Frydenlundsvej 49, DK 2950 Vedbaek, Denmark
Telephone: +44 4589 4184 (evenings or weekends)
Email: gevenehertz@gmail.com

Pearl Greene Marbaniang pg_marbaniang@hotmail.com

Gordon Oliver gordonroliver@metroweb.co.za

Steve Dick execsec@icuu.net

Seasonal Message from ICUU President

2010-12-22T08:12:00.000Z

Dear Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist friends around the globe,

Looking back at 2010 I can only reflect on what a turbulent place this planet of ours is. Our climate has brought remarkable disruptions what with earthquakes and mudslides, piles of snow covering much of Europe, volcanoes erupting, droughts and floods in different parts of the world.

And then of course there are the human created problems of war and poverty and the like.

In times like these it is easy to sink into despair and wonder why we bother to even try.

And then Christmas comes with all of its promise and hope. For some of us it is the renewal of a divine covenant marked by God's promise fulfilled. For some of us it is the simple miracle of birth. As American Religious Educator Sophia Lyon Fahs once wrote, "Each night a child is born is a holy night - a time for singing, a time for wondering, a time for worshipping."

However you understand the promise of Christmas, I invite you to embrace it this year. Set aside your differences. Make peace when and where you can. Pray for the blessings of the divine and hold your families and friends close.

I have been reminded to celebrate what we have instead of worrying about what we want. This past weekend, four different families in my congregation were touched by death. I am spending this week before Christmas preparing both holiday services and funerals. Each of these services reminds me to approach Christmas with reverence and to celebrate the blessings of the people in my life.

This seems to be a year when the world needs Christmas and all of its blessings. May yours be filled with the warmth and laughter that comes from recognizing the real gifts in your life.

Rev. Brian Kiely
Unitarian Church of Edmonton
President, International Council of Unitarians and Universalists

Next ICUU Council Meeting Makes History

2010-12-14T15:19:00.000Z

History will be made when the next ICUU Council Meeting is held in February 2012 in the Philippines –for the first time outside of Europe and North America!

The Council Meeting will take place from 7 to 12 February 2012 at the headquarters of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP) and at the Southsea Resort in Dumagute City on Negros Island, Philippines.

An optional Pre-Council Meeting Tour in Manila from 3 to 6 February 2012 will include the opportunity to attend services at the two UUCP Fellowships in Manila. Visits to rural UUCP congregations will be a highlight of the Post-Council Meeting Tour on Negros Island from 12 to 15 February 2012.

Further details including pricing and registration information will be available by June 2011. For more information, please contact Executive Secretary Steve Dick at execsec@icuu.net

Global Chalice Lighting for December 2010

2010-11-30T09:00:00.000Z

The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists announces the 88th in its monthly series of global chalice lighting readings. Congregations worldwide are invited to participate.

All ICUU-affiliated groups have been asked to submit brief chalice lightings for the project. Every month, a reading will be distributed to Unitarian and Universalist congregations around the world. We ask each congregation to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and naming the group which submitted it. Readings will be circulated in English and, where different, in their original language.

It is hoped that the ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Project will enhance the worship experience in our congregations and raise awareness of the international dimensions of our religious movement.

This Global Chalice Lighting is submitted in by the British General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. It is to be used during December 2010.

As we light our chalice
at the ending of one year
and the beginning of another year,
we affirm…

The radiant joy and beauty
of the world in which we live

The unity of all life and our interdependence
with the rest of creation

Our responsibility to care for and sustain
all forms of life on the planet for future generations

The uniqueness and equal dignity of every person

The power of unconditional love to transform lives

The importance of constantly seeking truth and wisdom

Our commitment to support each other
in the task of building the Kingdom of Heaven,
based on peace, justice and love

The divine ground of our being
that connects us with each other and the infinite
and which replenishes and heals us

-Roger Courtney
All Souls Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church, Belfast, N. Ireland

In faith,
-Lorella
Lorella Thomas Hess
editor, The Global Chalice
ICUU newsletter
www.icuu.net

Contribute to the Szabó Árpád Memorial Fund

2010-11-18T15:55:00.001Z

The Consistory of the Transylvanian Unitarian Church announces with gratitude the establishment of the Szabó Árpád Memorial Fund for PhD Scholarships in Unitarian Theology. Following Bishop Szabó’s recent passing to eternity, the intention of the church leadership is to immortalize his legacy by creating a motivational source of support and inspiration in a field that was most dear to him.

Bishop Szabó himself was a recipient of a PhD degree in Unitarian theology, from the Protestant Theological Institute in Kolozsvár; also, he was granted an honorary doctorate from both the Protestant Theological Faculty in Montpellier, France, as well as the Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, USA. Later, as he became a theological professor, he had led the PhD training of some of his spiritual successors, acting as a model for a theologian of dedicated research and prolific writing.

The creation of the memorial fund aims to provide financial and professional support for those choosing to enter a PhD training in Unitarian theology. The fund will act as an endowment, sharing its annual benefits among those enrolled in such a program. The coordination will be done by the executive committee of the Consistory; for inquiries on the fund, please write to ekt@unitarius.com.

Contributions in US dollars should be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council, PO Box 88, Bedford, MA 01730-0088. Please make the check payable to UUPCC and note Szabó Árpád Memorial Fund on the memo line.
Contributions can also be made in other currencies or using credit cards via PayPal through the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU). To arrange this, please contact Treasurer David Shaw at treasurer@icuu.net.

Pray For Indonesia

2010-11-05T09:12:00.000Z

Dear UU friends world wide,

I would like to share information and request of prayer from Indonesia.

Recently, Indonesia was beaten by several numerous disasters - started with Mud Flood at Wasior, Papua; then Tsunami Flood at Mentawai, West Sumatera; and the biggest Merapi Mountain Eruption at Central Java and Jogja. There was also a land slide at Toraja, Southern Celebes. We inform you that all of our church members - especially in Jogja, Klaten (central java), and Toraja - are safe from this disaster, not to neglect that this serial disasters create a deep wound and lost for a lot of people in our country.

The Volcano activity that pushes the merapi eruption seems to wake several other active mountains around Java - Krakatoa, Semeru and Bromo.

The Unitarian Christian Church of Indonesia - as a body - will send a donation through the Red Cross or a social organization named Jalinan Informasi Lingkar Merapi (Merapi Circle Information Network). We will also soon organize a volunteer among the youth to go to Jogja and join the national volunteer.

Please pray for Indonesia, especially for the victims of the disaster and their family, with hope that they can recover soon.

Regards,
Aryanto Nugroho
Unitarian Christian Church of Indonesia
(ary.nugroho@yahoo.com)

Tribute Website for Rev Dr Arpad Szabo

2010-10-02T01:11:00.000+01:00

The late Rev. Dr. Árpád Szabó , former Bishop of the Unitarian Church of Transylvania and first Vice President of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU), was a significant figure on the international scene and he touched the lives of many members of liberal religious communities around the world. He will be missed and fondly remembered by both leaders and laity.

ICUU has launched a Tribute Website (www.szabo.icuu.net) as an opportunity for groups and individuals to post reflections, recollections and images in tribute to the life and work of Árpád Szabó. Shorter contributions can be posted directly as comments to this page or one of the other pages as appropriate. Longer submissions and images can be emailed to execsec@icuu.net with the subject: Szabo Tribute. Comments, images and other submissions will be posted to this online “Tribute Book” as soon as possible.

At a later date, copies of all the items from this Memorial Tribute website will be printed and copies will be presented to his family and to the Consistory of the Transylvanian Unitarian Church.

Please honor our absent friend and colleague by reading and reflecting on the contributions to be found at www.szabo.icuu.net — and consider sharing with us your own memories and reflections of this special man.
For Árpád walks gently among us in our minds and hearts as long as we remember him and celebrate the truth that this world was a better place because of his presence and work among us.

Please let anyone know who may be interested.

Kind Regards,
Steve

Passing of International Unitarian Leader

2010-09-30T11:52:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends,

It is with unspeakable sadness to inform you that the Bishop Árpád Szabó has passed away early this morning. May he rest in peace!

Rev. Sándor Máthé
Brassó, Transylvania

ICUU Exec meets in Philipinnes

2010-08-30T04:35:00.001+01:00

Hi folks,

Here is a link to 25 photos from our visit to local congregations and the ICUU 2010 Councilo Meeting site. I'll post a story in a day or so.

Brian
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=271566&id=668711040&l=f9c7370707

Join Us For Online ICUU Special Meeting Sept 28

2010-08-10T03:24:00.002+01:00

Join us for a Webinar on September 28

The Executive Committee hereby calls a special general meeting of the ICUU Council for Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 12.30 pm GMT for the agenda below. The meeting will be conducted online through any computer with a web browser and an internet connection. It is expected the meeting will conclude no later than 2.30 pm GMT.

(Sample Local Times:
USA Eastern Time 7.30 am
South Australia 9.00 pm
Continental Europe 1.30 pm
Philippines 7.30 pm
Please check equivalent local time in your area)

This meeting is free and open to council members and observers. All participants must register in advance using the Gotowebinar invitation circulated via ICUUMlist. Council members/proxies must complete and return a delegate form to be able to vote during the meeting.

AGENDA
1. Welcome from President
2. Guidance on Gotowebinar (Exec Sec)
3. Determination of Quorum (Pres & Exec Sec)
4. It is proposed that section 4. MEETINGS of the ICUU Constitution be revised to read:
The Council shall hold a general meeting biannually, no earlier than eighteen months following the previous general meeting and no later than thirty months following the previous general meeting. A quorum shall consist of more than half the member groups.

And Section 1: General Meetings of ARTICLE II : MEETINGS of the ICUU Bylaws be revised to read:
The General Meeting of the Council shall be held at such place and on such days as the Executive Committee may by resolution determine.”
(The current versions: 4. MEETINGS The Council shall meet every second year. A quorum shall consist of more than half the member groups. SECTION I. GENERAL MEETINGS The General Meeting of the Council shall be held every other year at such place and on such days as the Executive Committee may by resolution determine.)
5. Report on developments since the last Council meeting and on plans for the next Council Meeting –
6. Opportunity for questions and discussion

Title: Special ICUU Council Meeting

Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM BST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Reserve your Webinar seat now by going to the following wweb address:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/639572329

Death of Indirias Bhatti

2010-08-10T02:59:00.002+01:00

We regret to report the death in July of Indirias Bhatti, known in ICUU as a representative of Unitarians in Pakistan. Messages of condolence were sent to his family by ICUU Hon Treasurer the Rev David Shaw and former ICUU Hon Secretaary, the Rev Richard Boeke.

The Rev Shaw wrote: "I am so sorry to hear the news and send to you my love and prayers. I remember well meeting Indirias in Sri Lanka - I think now 15 years ago.
I remember his dedication and vision for all things fair. I have since been aware of how much work he has done and achieved in difficult circumstances towards achieving peace, support, co-operation and love for humanity around him."

The Rev Boeke wrote: "I am sad to learn of the death of Inderias. For two decades he struggled bringing a Unitarian witness to Pakistan. For years Polly Guild was the "angel" who helped, as she did for other UU groups especially the Unitarians of Khasi Hills.

Only last year we lost Polly.
This weekend we lost Inderias Dominic Bhatti in Lahore..
The very weekend in which the angry factional violence exploded in a bomb
In a Sikh Shine in Lahore.

This prayer:
Holy Spirit ,
Like Jesus, we pray for forgiveness.
Like Jesus. We pray
"Thy Kingdom come,. Thy will be done ..."

Inderias Bhatti sought religious harmony and peace for Pakistan.
He was a worker for the coming of thy Kingdom.
As with our own lives, his success was limited.
May the hope in which he lived
Bear fruit in the years to come.
May his family be blessed and be a blessing."

Tragedy Affecting Unitarians in Congo

2010-08-10T02:30:00.002+01:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Faith

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the tragic death of two Unitarian church members in the greater tragedy in the village of Sange. That so many people could suffer so in the midst of what should have been a happy celebration of world sport seems especially sad.

On behalf of the ICUU Executive, We pray both for those lost and for their families, and we encourage Unitarians and all people of faith to offer support and assistance as they are able.

In faith and sadness,

Rev. Brian J. Kiely
President
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists

On Friday, July 2, a gasoline truck overturned in the center of the village of Sange, in the province of South Kivu, near the Burundi border. The vehicle caught fire and the fire spread to nearby houses where people watched the televised World Cup football. The result was very heavy, 231 deaths (including at least 61 children) and 195 burnt.

The Unitarian Church of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there Lisanga Bandimi na Nzambe (which has over 1500 followers in the country), is directly in mourning with two church members died in this tragedy and six people hurted and unfortunately they have no medication

Those who can help the Church can do so by going to the webpage of the Unitarian Church in French (EUfr) dedicated to our partnership with this church, you will find an address in France for donations in euros and in America for donations in dollar
http://eglise.unitarienne.francophone.over-blog.fr/article-29288116.html

Global Chalice Lighting for August 2010

2010-08-10T02:06:00.001+01:00

Here is the 84th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during August 2010.

It comes to us from the Unitarian Universalist Association's new publication for military personnel and their families. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

In faith,
-Lorella
Lorella Thomas Hess
editor, The Global Chalice
ICUU newsletter
www.icuu.net

Global Chalice Lighting for August 2010

What words tell the truth? What balms heal? What proverbs kindle the fires and passion of joy? What spirituality stirs the hunger for justice? We seek answers to these questions—not only for ourselves, but for our communities and our society.

What are the ways of being with one another that enable life to flourish, rich with meaning? When violence has fractured communities, isolated people, and broken hearts, how can life be repaired? We ask these questions not to arrive at final answers, but because asking them is fundamental to living.

Rita Nakashima Brock & Rebecca Ann Parker
Unitarian Universalist Association
www. uua.org

ICUU Symposium Blog Part One

2010-07-20T00:10:00.006+01:00

Ah, well, describing the symposium day by day just won’t work, although I will look at the themes of the papers later in this blog. And since life intervened in a way that means I am posting all the articles at the same time I will post them backwards from a blog point of view, which is to say in reading order.

Although the three day schedule looked much the same as for the ministers meeting in Rolduc a few days earlier, the content requires a different treatment. Collegial conversations about ministry and call were replaced with carefully researched and content-rich academic papers. It was neither better nor worse, but rather a different set of savoury dishes tabled for this event’s buffet.

Some 60 lay and ordained participants from 14 nations joined for three days of thoughtful reflection, debate and conversation on the theme, “Belonging: Our Unitarian Identities and the Nature of our Relations”. It was a great chance to learn about each other more deeply and more personally.
The papers will be available online through the Amazon.com in the near future, as soon as they are given final edits and delivered to us. I highly commend them to you, for they were of impressive quality and depth. We will spread word of their availability through all of our lines of communication as soon as that comes to pass.
So instead of a day by day account what follows are some observations grouped around themes.

Daily Worship

In some parts of the ICUU, most notably North America, even that word ‘worship’can cause a stir, but it is what we joined to do. The collection of shared worship services at an international Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist event is a most marvellous experience, as we come together to see what we can learn from and be moved by one another.

There were 30 minutes services morning and evening. Sometimes they spoke to the day’s academic theme, sometimes not. Sometimes they taught about how our friends worship elsewhere in the world, sometimse not. As the days go by a worshipping community developed that was real, marked by close connections and appreciation for what was offered.

This week we experienced Filipino and African worship (featuring leadership from three countries), a service by an American ministering in Germany, an American ministering in French Canada, a native Englishman now a Canadian citizen, and two UK ministers.

Within that we heard music from Africa, USA, the Philippines and Europe, enjoyed two sacred dance meditations, and lit the chalice in seven or more languages. We heard sermons and moving personal stories. We sang Scripture, and Gospel and Latin chants and simple popular hymns. We held hands and gazed into each other’s eyes in deep greeting. To follow a simple dance step while looking into another’s eyes gives room to go beyond any language barrier and any cultural difference, giving us the chance to meet as merely human beings.

And when the chalice light was extinguished and the flame was carried only in our hearts... well the whole world and the U*U world seemed just a little smaller, a little more friendly, a little less foreign.

Amen. Go in Peace.

UU Without Borders

New Movie from Czech Unitarians

101st Global Chalice Lighting Words

Getting Excited about the Philippine Council Meeting

December ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Words

Urgent: ICUU CM REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON

Global Chalice Lighting Words for November 2011

Register for ICUU Conference by Tomorrow to Avoid Extra Fee

Global Chalice Lighting Words October 2011

GLOBAL CHALICE LIGHTING WORDS SOUGHT

Global Chalice Lighting Words for September 2011

Wider ICUU Discussion on Immigration Issues

ICUU 2020 Vision & Future Steps

Global Chalice Lighting August 2011

Discussion on ICUU Plans for UUA Immigration GA in Arizona

Registration is NOW OPEN for 2012 ICUU Gathering in the Philippines!

Sponsored Participant Grants available for 2012 ICUU Gathering in the Philippines!

Thanks & News from Christchurch

Summer 2011 ICUU Newsletter Available Online

Global Chalice Lighting Words for July 2011

Global Chalice Lighting Words for June 2011

Global Chalice Lighting Words for May 2011

ICUU Founders Vision Awards

Global Chalice Lighting for April 2011

Concern for the People of Japan

Kenyan UUs Given Emerging Group Status

Urgent: News of Christchurch, NZ UUs

Nominations for ICUU Executive and Nominating Committees

Seasonal Message from ICUU President

Next ICUU Council Meeting Makes History

Global Chalice Lighting for December 2010

Contribute to the Szabó Árpád Memorial Fund

Pray For Indonesia

Tribute Website for Rev Dr Arpad Szabo

Passing of International Unitarian Leader

ICUU Exec meets in Philipinnes

Join Us For Online ICUU Special Meeting Sept 28

Death of Indirias Bhatti

Tragedy Affecting Unitarians in Congo

Global Chalice Lighting for August 2010

ICUU Symposium Blog Part One