The Polity Intensive Class will happen June 20-24 at the site of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly in Kansas City, MO. Students will discover the mechanics of governance by observing Unitarian Universalist polity in action. We will attend plenary sessions, business mini-assemblies and worship services, as well as meet together as a class to process our observations, learn the history of congregational polity in contrast to other polity paradigms, and thus locate our polity in its theological and cultural contexts. We will also use the case study method to dissect recent actions of the General Assembly, using video from previous General Assemblies. We will evaluate how polity acts as it is translated from the church to a national setting: informed by social justice, our polity can have global impact. The General Assembly this year will allow a new interpretation of Unitarian Universalist polity as a legacy, in regard to its theme, “All are Called,” and radical inclusion. The convention center will be a laboratory for our lived faith as it becomes bylaws: through these reflections we will develop strategies to translate our Principles and Purposes into action, to become more effective religious leaders, as well as resources for our congregations and communities. For Unitarian Universalists, democracy is in the details. Students will be responsible for their own travel, food, lodging, and General Assembly Registration.
Relates to SKSM Thresholds 1, 4 and MFC Comp 6
Intended Audience: MDiv, MA, MASC
Evaluation Method: 1) class participation 2) demonstrated preparation 3) final project or final paper
