In a previous article, the history of the Peacemaking Statement of Conscience (SOC)  was described. We are in the last year of the four-year cycle to produce a final draft of the Peacemaking SOC to be voted on at the 2010 General Assembly (GA). We have the latest draft of the SOC.

The following steps are to be completed before the vote can be taken:

1. Before February 1: Congregations (not individuals) will vote whether or not to put the SOC before the General Assembly in June. (At least 25% of the congregations must vote yes). This vote is part of the Annual Congregational Poll in which the administrator or minister submits the membership.
2. Before February 1:  Congregations (not individuals) can submit minor changes to the draft SOC using the online form completed by the administrator or minister.
3. At General Assembly, there will be one final chance for attendees to modify the draft SOC at the Mini-Assembly workshop Thursday morning. These changes will be considered by the Commission on Social Witness (CSW).
4. At General Assembly Plenary session Thursday evening, the final draft of the Peacemaking SOC will be presented and voted on.  This time, the only choice is to vote to ratify or reject.

Friday afternoon at GA, there will be an implementation workshop to describe how peacemaking will continue as an acton thrust of the UUA. The Peace Ministry Network will present their plans for a Peace Advocacy Program whereby congregations can complete a series of requirements to become a Peace Advocate Congregation. This certification is similar to the Welcoming Congregation and Green Sanctuary Programs. There will also be time for individuals and congregations to describe their peacemaking activities.

We hope to see you at GA to move peacemaking forward as an association- wide action.