Last week, there was no Monday Blog post. This was because I was in beautiful Honeywood, Ontario, Canada for the annual UU Young Adult Network (UUYAN) business meeting, ConCentric. This year’s event was relaxing and enjoyable; full of good people, amazing workshops, and lots of hard work. I enjoyed meeting such wonderful people who are so devoted to the cause of Unitarian Universalism, young adults, peace and justice.
However, it was not all smooth sailing. The UUYAN steering committee, with the blessings of the Young Adult/Campus Ministry Office, decided that UUYAN needed to take a year long hiatus from planning conferences so that the movement could reassess the goals and tactics for the Young Adult UU community. Therefore, the 2008 ConCentric and the spiritual retreat, OPUS, would be cancelled. As the initial shock wore off, tempers flared. While many agreed with the spirit of the announcement, the process of the decision was brought into question. What began as an agonizing, night long discussion and debate on behalf of the Steering Committee, soon became a “clandestine attempt of a few to usurp the deciding power of the community.”
Discussion was long and difficult. At times, it was extremely frustrating and painful. While some wanted to talk about oversight and accountability, others wanted to brainstorm how to foster grassroots organizing of Young Adult communities. Venting of emotions happened on both sides and constructive criticism was shared. But, it was often challenging. But, emotions never got out of hand.
Every evening, over dinner and worship, we were able to come together as a group. Given this healing time, the community gathered to look at the bigger picture. After one particularly moving worship service, an impromptu chant and spiral dance occurred. As the members of the community wrapped around each other, camps and divisions melted away. We realized that the passion that came out during the day was due to our love for the community we shared. This love fostered trust and understanding. And while the conflict did not disappear, we were able to learn, grow and stretch with each other.
And as we continued the business for the week, amazing new strategies, tactics and techniques were brought to the forefront. Goals and dreams had room to grow and flourish. And exciting new possibilities were formed. And while many were still scared about the future of OPUS and ConCentric, the excitement of bold new futures fostered our drive to continue.
This is why I feel so completely blessed and lucky to be working on peace with my faith community. When discussion gets heated and tense, there is always time for prayer and reflection. When one needs a sympathetic ear, there are chaplains, ministers, and lay listeners. And when goals shift, there are still core principles and values that we share. And love for our community leads us to finding more room for trust, understanding and growth. I couldn’t imagine being happier anywhere else right now. Once again, I am reminded of a quote from the Unitarian Minister, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”
