Elections are an important part of our Unitarian Universalist democratic process. The Nominating Committee, in accordance with our bylaws, “endeavors to nominate individuals so that the membership of the Board of Trustees and each elected committee reflects the full diversity of the Association, especially in regard to historically marginalized communities, but also balancing amongst size of congregation, lay and ordained, geography, age (including youth and young adults), and gender, among others” (Section 9.4).

In addition, people may choose to run by petition. In our elections, candidates agree to enter into a conversation with Unitarian Universalists about where our movement is going and how we will get there.

As the UUA Board of Trustees, we give thanks for the work of the Nominating Committee: actively seeking out, nurturing, and elevating the voices our community needs to hear. We give thanks for people who see the work of our faith and share their desire to be part of it with us all. We know our community is enriched when we work intentionally to expand the circle of leaders.

We affirm the slate put forward by the Nominating Committee, and we affirm our democratic process: the discussions and choices by which we find our way together. We are grateful for all of the people who wish to serve our faith and for the chance to fully exercise our democratic process together.

Please note that the Rev. Dr. Oscar Sinclair and Gail Forsyth-Vail abstained from this statement as they’re both currently on the ballot for election this year.