About the Social Witness Process

While called by various names, the social witness process is the method by which the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) comes to understand and act on the social issues of our times, finally bearing witness through statements adopted as UUA policy by the delegates of a General Assembly. The process has been an integral part of our faith the since the merger between the Unitarians and the Universalists in 1961. This process is congregationally driven and is facilitated by the Commission on Social Witness (CSW).

Congregations and Districts are encouraged to submit proposals for Association-wide study/action and topics are selected by vote at the annual General Assembly.  There is a 3 year period of study and action carried out voluntarily by the participating congregations. After 3 years of study, a Statement of Conscience (SOC) is drafted and put to a vote of the General Assembly. If the vote passes, a 4th year of implementation of the SOC is carried out.  If the vote fails, the issue is dropped.

The ratified statement of conscience represents a position paper describing how UUs feel and what they believe about the issue.  It is not intended to represent how each UU believes.  It is not intended to dictate what UUs should believe.

The Peacemaking CSAI was initiated at the 2006 General Assembly in St. Louis MO. After 3 years of study, a vote on the SOC was taken at the 2009 General Assembly. After considerable discussion about content and process, the Draft was voted neither up nor down, but to be sent back to the Commission for a rewrite.

The CSW process anticipated this turn of events.  Under their rules (bylaws of the UUA) the draft was rewritten and published in November for congregations to read.  That is where we are now.  Please read the next article for the steps occuring before the next GA vote in June 2010.