If you’re using the UUA WordPress Theme for Congregations, you’re also using WordPress, an open source content management system (available from wordpress.org). The current version is WordPress 4.9.8.
WordPress 5.0 was due to be released on November 27th. The final release has been postponed, but could come very soon. It's a big update with a lot of changes. By default, it includes the new Gutenberg system for editing page content.
We’ve started testing the UUA theme with a beta-test version of WordPress 5.0 and Gutenberg to determine whether there are any incompatibilities. We'll let you know when we have results.
We've heard that Gutenberg has had serious accessibility problems for page editors (not site visitors). Our UU values call us to be aware of how our choices affect others, especially those most impacted by cultural assumptions around ability and access. This includes those of us editing and developing our congregations’ websites - now and in the future.
The WordPress developers are working to correct some of these issues before the release. However, if significant accessibility concerns still persist into the final release, we may recommend that congregations delay using Gutenberg even after you update to WordPress 5.0. WordPress is making a plugin available for users who wish to continue using the Classic Editor. We'll send instructions if this is the case after the final release.
Our Recommendation for Now
Don't upgrade your site to WordPress 5.0 when it becomes available until you've heard from us about any incompatibilities. If you choose to go ahead, make sure to backup and test before applying any changes live.
As always, you can join the discussion about the theme, share what you know, and ask questions of your fellow users on:
UU Website Lab on Facebook
Website Forum on UUA.org
We'll be in touch!
Margy Levine Young, UUA Web Team Manager
Anna Bethea, UUA Outreach Specialist