The Dark Side of Dismantling

The Dark Side of Dismantling The Fifth Principle Project has recently received a detailed description from two UUs who raised their voices in opposition to authoritarian practices at their local UU church when they witnessed congregational polity  being disrespected. The Discussion below is their story of their suspension from their community for five years.  We are … Read more

Article II Discussion Opportunity

Several members of the Fifth Principle Project attended a discussion group sponsored by the Article II Study Commission on September 26. The UUA Board gave the Commission a charge in August 2020 to “revise, replace, or restructure” all sections of Article II. Article II in the Association’s bylaws contains the purpose of the Association and … Read more

David Cycleback from Meet the Author Forum

From the Meet the Author Forum On September 16, 2022, the Fifth Principle Project sponsored a Meet the Author forum with David Cycleback author the of recently published book Against Illiberalism: A critique of illiberal trends in liberal institutions, with a focus on Unitarian Universalism. We have provided below David’s opening comments from that forum. … Read more

Reminder: Meet the Author

Reminder: Register to Meet the Author A reminder that the Fifth Principle Project is sponsoring a Meet the Author forum on the new book Against Illiberalism A critique of illiberal trends in liberal institutions with a focus on Unitarian Universalism by David Cycleback.  The forum is scheduled for Friday, September 16 at 8:00 pm Eastern. To … Read more

Against Illiberalism – Meet the Author

The Fifth Principle Project is sponsoring a Meet the Author forum on the new book Against Illiberalism A critique of illiberal trends in liberal institutions with a focus on Unitarian Universalism by David Cycleback.  The forum is scheduled for Friday, September 16 at 8:00 pm Eastern. To receive a link to this Zoom forum, please register … Read more

I Want a Divorce

We have seen a sentiment expressed in comments recently that people are so frustrated with our UU leadership that they just want out. Some long-time UUs have already resigned their memberships in their home congregations. At the Fifth Principle Project, we fully understand this urge to finalize a divorce with UUism, but we urge people … Read more

Update from GA on Article II Study Commission

Update on GA Elections Neither petition candidate was successful in their bid to win a seat on the UUA Board of Trustees. Rebecca Mattis, a UUA Board candidate, will provide a reflection in the next Fifth Principle Discussion post. About the Article II Study Commission At the Portland General Assembly, the Commission provided information on … Read more

Meeting with Article II Study Commission

Shortly after the UUA Board of Trustees established the Article II Study Commission charging it “to revise, replace, or restructure” all sections of Article II, the Fifth Principle Project requested to be a stakeholder. The Board identified other stakeholders such as DRUMM, BLUU, TRUUst, UU Humanists, 8th and 1st Principles advocates. Fifteen months later, we … Read more

Update on Election Campaign

It has been about two weeks since it was announced here that Beverly Seese and Rebecca Mattis have been placed on the ballot for UUA Trustee positions at this year’s Portland / Virtual General Assembly. We ask that you visit Beverly’s and Rebecca’s campaign websites to learn more of their campaigns. We have a few … Read more