Faith CoLab: Tapestry of Faith: What We Choose: An Adult Program on Ethics for Unitarian Universalists

Activity 5: Partner Church Relationships

Part of What We Choose

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the story "Community Capacity Building in Arkos, Transylvania" and prepare to present it.
  • Visit the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) website to learn more about the organization, its projects, and how North American congregations participate.
  • View the video from the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council for background.
  • Optional: If your congregation participates in UUPCC programs, talk with your minister or the members who are involved to find out how the congregation is in partnership with another.
  • Optional: Queue video and test equipment

Description of Activity

Invite participants to consider how the Unitarian Universalist Association's partner church program embodies the work of building authentic relationship. Share the story and, if desired, the video. Then lead a conversation using these questions:

  • What is the ethical basis for as program like Community Capacity Building? What is meant by "capacity, not charity"? What is the difference in the partnership relationship when the focus is on capacity building rather than direct assistance?
  • How does the stance that the less financially wealthy partner ought to be the one who decides what kind of support it needs challenge the way our culture typically views social justice and issues related to providing assistance?
  • In what ways is the North American partner church practicing "justice, equity, and compassion" through this program? How does the partnership help the North American partner grow its capacity?
  • In what ways is the idea behind the Community Capacity Building program similar to the ethical philosophy of Jane Addams?