The 63rd General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association ended last Sunday, June 23, 2024 with many major accomplishments. These included adoption of a new Article II revision of our bylaws, Adoption of a Business Resolution calling for “Affirming Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex, and Gender Diverse People as a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values”, Adoption of three Actions of Immediate Witness – “Centering Love Amidst the Ongoing Impact of Covid-19”, “World on Fire: Humanitarian Work and Climate Change”, and “Solidarity with Palestinians” , and a Responsive Resolution “UUA General Assembly Support for October 7 Hostages,” calling for the immediate release of all Hamas-held hostages and acknowledging the real suffering of Jews within our Association and beyond.

A full report on GA 2024 can be found here.

For UUJME the adoption of the Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) “Solidarity with Palestinians” was a major event and accomplishment. 74% of the delegates voted for the AIW that called for a

permanent ceasefire in Gaza, for humanitarian aid to Gaza, an end to US military support for Israel, and for support of the American Friends Service Committee Apartheid Free Communities campaign.

The AIW was endorsed by 400 organizations and individuals including: Black Lives of UU, Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries, UU Refugee and Immigrant Services and Education, UUs for a Just Economic Society, UU Peace Ministry Network, and First Unitarian Portland’s own Social Justice Council.

Here is the text of the AIW.

Here is a press release about the AIW.

Here is the list of endorsers.

This is a big moment for the UUA and follows on years of work by members of Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East. In particular, many individuals from UUJME and the endorsing organizations worked hard and effectively during the months preceding General Assembly to adopt this AIW, and major thanks are due to all who worked. The adoption of this AIW will greatly help future UUJME efforts to engage the wider UU community on the issue of Palestinian human rights.