Joseph Santos-Lyons mentioned the (possible) gathering of The Gathering, “an emerging full-service Internet-based Unitarian Universalist congregation.” Leaving aside some of the polity and logistical issues, and the trouble that name’s going to cause in branding — what are the pros and cons of this institution?
And more importantly, did anything come of it at General Assembly?
“The Gathering” is the project definition and initial supporter outreach stage. In the beginning it will be a Unitarian Universalist ministry serving primarily People of Color within the Unitarian Univeralist movement. (It will not be racially or culturally exclusive, but just like most Unitarian Universalist congregations use mostly European derived culture to inform their media and presentation, the Gathering media and presentation will be informed by the cultures of People of Color.
Several focus groups and interviews were held at General Assembly and more are planned in Districts and major cities, and fund raising is going forward. Internet based discussions will begin soon. The name of the community will be determined by the community when it formally incorporated.
What policy issues occur to you? (This is the first time that has been raised.) It is possible that local gatherings of this community, having found themselves on the internet may find the existing Unitarian Universalist congregations to set in the dominant culture, and they may seek to create new starts. I can see that being a problem down the road, but it would be a good challenge to our polity.
DRUUM is an independent afflliate of the UUA and an advocacy organization. The Gathering will be more function more like the Church of the Larger Fellowship (whether in its ministry stage, or if the members so decide as a congregation.