Happy April, one and all. It has become a tradition for me write a column about General Assembly, and this year to encourage you to travel to Salt Lake City in June 24^th to 28^th for our annual Association meeting. It is an especially important occasion this year because we honor Rev. Bill Sinkford for his eight years of outstanding presidency of our Association, and we elect a new UUA President. Another reason to attend is to experience UU University which will be part of the programming during GA rather than the days preceding the Assembly.

Also it is an important year for the Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI). The invitation is with congregations and districts to take our current topic of concern and face it, reflect upon is, learn about it, respond to it, and take action on it. The current CSAI adopted at the 2006 GA started with the question: “…should the UUA reject the use of any and all kinds of violence and war…and adopt a principle of seeking just peace through non violent means”. This year's Assembly will vote to adopt a new Statement of Conscience, Peacemaking.

The Ware Lecture this year will be delivered by Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University. She is an author whose academic research is inspired by a desire to investigate the challenges facing contemporary black Americans and to better understand the multiple, creative ways that African Americans respond to these challenges.

In addition to worship services, events, and exhibits, a wealth of great programming is being sponsored by the General Assembly Planning Committee. All promise to provide a rich experience for everyone who attends. There will be much diversity in programming to please the interests of attendees including: Facilitator training in Small Group Ministry, Dance as a Spiritual Experience, Building Unity between different racialized ethnic groups, Confronting the Top-heavy Distribution of U.S. Wealth, and much more.

And last but not least is beautiful, vibrant Salt Lake City. The city is a vacation destination. All around are accesses to natural recreation, remarkable history, warm hospitality, and more diversity than Salt Lake City is known for, with a booming Hispanic community and a major locale for the resettlement of displaced people…including several hundred from Hurricane Katrina. There is a light rail system in the convention district and the airport is mere minutes away from the Salt Palace Convention Center, where most GA events will be held.

I encourage you to check out This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. You know I can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 813-931-9727.