[UUPoly-L] UU minister blogger's comments on IAs and UUPA

[Anita Wagner <imapolygirl@yahoo.com>]

Hi everyone -  
   
  I wanted to pass this along here.  A Massachusetts UU minister made a post on UUPA to his blog just yesterday (link below), and his points are verrrrry interesting indeed.  He is making a case that the UUA has indulged in subterfuge to dodge the question of welcoming polyfolk and has basically subverted what should be an open discussion on the subject.  There are also statements about UU congregations indulging in bullying techniques to make sure we continue to be unaffiliated by threatening to separate from the UUA if we are welcomed.  
   
   I've left my (polite) comment there, as much to another commenter as to the minister.  The commenter calls into question whether polyamory isn't morally and spiritually dangerous and (sigh) bad for kids.  
   
  It just blows my mind that the very same accusations made toward GLBTs, who are mostly now welcome in the UUA with open arms, are now being made toward us, and that there are UUs who already have their minds made up about it without a shred of evidence as proof.  As I said in my comment, it's a fair question.  If the discussion were to be permitted to take place, then we would have a legitimate forum in which to address it. 
   
  I am, frankly, sickened and disillusioned at the idea that the UUA leadership has chosen to bury us instead of simply giving us a fair chance to correct misconceptions.  I somehow expected the UUA to be above Washington-style political machinations, but clearly I was wrong.  Apparently we've been intentionally relegated to the back of the bus by our own spiritual community, one that claims to place at least as high an emphasis on social justice as any other.  I really expected better, more tolerant treatment than this.  
   
  I know that many here feel that a soft and non-aggressive approach is in our best interests, and such an approach certainly has some merit.  However, it seems to me that it may be time to reevaluate that position, since it has done nothing to prevent our marginalization.  I can't help but wonder what would happen if we all were to undertake all at once a civil dialogue on the subject with our church leaders.  
   
  As an aside, I am now the board of trustees secretary at my UU church.  I have gotten to know the entire board and our ministers very well.  Many of them, including our co-ministers, are aware that I am a poly person.  In agreeing to provide this service, one they've had a lot of trouble finding someone competent for, I've given back to my church community and established good relationships with the people whose good will I will count on when my partner, Tim, and I are ready to undertake the discussion.      
   
  http://thelivelytradition.blogspot.com/2007/07/most-obvious-theory-about-ia-mystery.html
   
  Anita
   
   


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Practical Polyamory - http://www.practicalpolyamory.com

Blogging on polyamory relationship skills, the polyamory community/movement, polyamory activism, and, even occasionally, on my own lovely poly life, at http://practicalpolyamory.blogspot.com