Michelle Bates Deakin

Articles

What Haiti taught me
A week with the UU College of Social Justice and the Mouvman Peyizan Papay.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.12.14

Justice journeys with the UU College of Social Justice
The UU College of Social Justice offers experiential learning and social justice training programs.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.12.14

Parents of murdered teen raise awareness about dating violence
'Grief is the hard form of caring,' says Malcolm Astley, the father of a murdered teen.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.13.14

UU World's top online reads from 2013
Four of our top ten stories are by one writer.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.30.13

Time capsule unearthed from 25 Beacon St. cornerstone
Engraved copper box will be unsealed at farewell celebration in February.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.16.13

UU minister says historic 'I do' in Hawaii
Eight minutes after same-sex marriage became legal, minister and fiancé wed at First Unitarian Church of Honolulu.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.9.13

Arizona UUs mobilize to stop deportations
Protests and advocacy seek to keep families together and pressure Obama to halt deportations.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.25.13

Once a Universalist college, Tufts welcomes UU chaplain
After five years as Oberlin chaplain, the Rev. Greg McGonigle settles into Tufts campus.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.18.13

UUA-UUSC fund to aid typhoon victims in Philippines
Relief fund aims to help those most marginalized by disaster.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.13.13

Congregational news, Winter 2013
Brief congregational news items from the Winter 2013 issue.
By Donald E. Skinner and Michelle Bates Deakin 11.4.13

Sheltering the faith, Winter 2013
Brief news items about congregational building programs.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.4.13

Morales arrested in D.C. during immigration protest
Interfaith demonstration calls on Congress to pass compassionate immigration reform.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.9.13

Restaurant gives women from prison a new start
Unitarian Universalist minister’s work with imprisoned women grows into job program.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.30.13

Spring 2014 move expected for UUA headquarters
Traffic of prospective buyers is brisk at 25 Beacon Street.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.30.13

'Fabulous Gay Wedding' is New Zealand's first
UU minister officiates at historic same-sex wedding at Auckland Unitarian Church.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.23.13

Slave Memorial honors builders of Charleston church
Original Colonial bricks reused to create monument in historic churchyard.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.19.13

Hoover, King lauded for decades of UUA service
Fighting for racial equality spurred both men’s work.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.8.13

New board takes up antiracism, relationship building
New moderator, financial advisor, and five new members join smaller board.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.1.13

Jim Key wins moderator election in close contest
40 votes separated Key from Tamara Payne-Alex.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.24.13

Delegates donate $16k to New Orleans congregations
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.23.13

Courter urges assembly to set the UUA's vision
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.23.13

AIW passes urging end to corporate personhood
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.23.13

Charlie King receives President's Award for Volunteer Service
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.22.13

Rev. Mel Hoover receives Distinguished Service Award
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.22.13

Key wins moderator election by 40 votes
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.22.13

Assembly adopts immigration Statement of Conscience
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.21.13

Making congregations safer and more sexually responsible
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.21.13

Plenary honors retiring Kay Montgomery
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.21.13

UUMA gives honorary membership to Kay Montgomery
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.20.13

On banks of Ohio River, UUs rally for clean energy
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.20.13

New rules approved for ministers' relationships
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.19.13

Nashville church urges conversation about clergy misconduct
Moderator candidates both sign petition pledging to strengthen UUA’s response to victims of misconduct.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.17.13

Beloved Cafe seeks new model for spiritual community
'Not all Unitarian Universalism has to happen at church,' say Bay Area entrepreneurs.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.27.13

Six UUs arrested in 'Moral Monday' protest
North Carolinians jailed for protesting conservative legislation; Texas UUs detained, deported after visiting factory in Mexico.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.20.13

Congregational news, Summer 2013
Brief congregational news items from the Summer 2013 issue.
By Michelle Bates Deakin and Donald E. Skinner 5.15.13

UUA membership is flat in 2013
Over eight-year period, UUA shows slight increase, as other American denominations post double-digit declines.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.29.13

Consultant to aid impasse between UUA board, administration
Trustees and executive staff agree to hire help to resolve long-standing tensions.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.29.13

UUA, UCC presidents rally for gay marriage in R.I.
Morales, Black urge Rhode Islanders to lobby their state senators after marriage equality bill passes the House.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.15.13

UUA announces new executive structure
Harlan Limpert to become 'chief operating officer' as Kay Montgomery retires from office of executive vice president.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.12.13

'Two Who Dared' puts UUSC founders' heroism on film
Documentary depicts little-known story of Martha and Waitstill Sharp’s efforts to save Jews and dissidents during WWII.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.1.13

Legislator tells Wyoming minister to leave the state
Unitarian Universalist minister’s letter on gun control raises ire of state representative who says, ‘by all means, leave.’
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.18.13

UUA to purchase new Boston headquarters
Board approves lease-to-purchase agreement for 24 Farnsworth Street in Boston’s Seaport District.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.15.13

Risk, return, and justice
The Common Endowment Fund pools congregational assets in a fund that reflects UU values.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.15.13

Kay Montgomery announces retirement from UUA
After 30 years of service, executive vice president will step down in June.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.13.13

In Florida, ministers gather for learning and leisure
Second UU Ministers Association Institute draws 440 clergy for worship, courses, and collegiality.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.11.13

Board considers impact of biennial General Assemblies
President tells UUA trustees that monitoring reports are of 'little value'; young adults and people of color express concerns about biennial GA.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.28.13

Trustees work, worship, and mingle with Philadelphia UUs
Board meets with young adults and lends a hand in MLK Day of Service.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.28.13

UUs give money and muscle to Sandy relief efforts
Disaster-relief fund tops $306,000.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.7.13

Candidates announced for 2013 UUA elections
Nominating Committee releases slate of candidates; individuals seeking to run by petition must file paperwork by February 1.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.31.12

From salvaged pew, artisan crafts custom guitar
Auctioned instrument raises money for rebuilding church in Brunswick, Maine.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.17.12

Audit committee praises UUA financial staff
Board prepares for complex conversations about youth and GA at January meeting.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.10.12

UUs celebrate historic wins for marriage equality
Popular votes in Maine, Maryland, and Washington approve same-sex marriage; Minnesotans reject marriage ban.
By Donald E. Skinner and Michelle Bates Deakin 11.12.12

Zach Wahls takes on Boy Scouts
UU Eagle Scout Zach Wahls leads the charge to end the ban on gay Scouts.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.12.12

'Tapestry' puts curricula online
Free, fully searchable religious education curricula for all ages.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.1.12

Covenants and 'Ends' top agenda at October board meeting
UUA Board of Trustees appoints four trustees to continue service and reviews update on regionalization.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.29.12

UUA Board resumes talks about biennial GAs
Takes up Fifth Principle Task Force report; 2013 General Assembly will see more plenary time and focus on covenants.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.29.12

UUs rally for marriage equality in four states
Ballot questions in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington draw UU support, advocacy.
By Donald E. Skinner and Michelle Bates Deakin 10.22.12

UU marine ecologist wins 'genius grant'
MacArthur Foundation recognizes Nancy Rabalais for work in Gulf Coast dead zones.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.15.12

'Sinister Minister' pens UU-themed mystery series
The Rev. Dr. Judith Campbell publishing fourth Olympia Brown mystery in October.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.24.12

Hold up those lights: 2012 Justice General Assembly
The Unitarian Universalist Association gathers in Phoenix to challenge the treatment of immigrants.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.27.12

Meet a trustee: Pat Manley
Leadership training sharpened a congregational president’s skills.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.20.12

Congregational news, Fall 2012
Brief congregational news items from the Fall 2012 issue.
By Donald E. Skinner and Michelle Bates Deakin 8.15.12

Sheltering the faith, Fall 2012
Brief news items about congregational building programs.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.15.12

UURISE gives radical hospitality to immigrants
Nonprofit group provides immigrant advocacy and education with a UU voice.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.13.12

Board honing in on qualities of a good trustee
UUA’s governing body prepares to appoint four existing trustees to a 14-member board in 2013.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.6.12

Ministering to the ministers
UUA, Retired Ministers and Partners Association aid retired ministers in financial distress.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.9.12

Board to review Fifth Principle Task Force report
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.26.12

Religious delegation visits 'Tent City'
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.24.12

Citizenship fair draws hundreds of UU volunteers
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.24.12

Thousands wage peaceful protest at Tent City
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.24.12

Meet a Trustee: Natalia Averett
Young adult trustee completes year as congregation president and UUA board member.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.18.12

Chicago UUs broadcast worship on progressive radio
‘Food for the Soul’ airs every Sunday evening, attracting thousands of listeners.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.28.12

UUA membership and attendance declined in 2011
Over last decade, membership has increased, but religious education enrollment is dropping.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.21.12

Congregational news, Summer 2012
Brief congregational news items from the Summer 2012 issue.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.15.12

Sheltering the faith, Summer 2012
Brief news items about congregational building programs.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.15.12

Board OKs search for new Boston headquarters
At April meeting, UUA trustees also prepare for Justice GA, change MFC appointment process, and approve all monitoring reports.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.30.12

Moderator candidate: Tamara Payne-Alex
Lifelong UU strives to be ‘accessible’ moderator.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.16.12

Meet the moderator candidates
UU World profiles Jim Key and Tamara Payne-Alex for 2013 election.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.16.12

Moderator candidate: Jim Key
District leader describes himself as ‘evangelical UU.’
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.16.12

Meet a Trustee: Erik David Carlson
Carlson is committed to creating better services for youth and young adults.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.9.12

Trustees: Should UUA give Distinguished Service Award at 2012 GA?
At March meeting, board approves collection for Arizona Immigration Ministry, plans transition to smaller board.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.2.12

Disney buys UU's 'Dark Life'
Unitarian Universalist Principles infuse Kat Falls's children's books.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.26.12

A book group for the ages
An Illinois church's intergenerational book club creates connections.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.26.12

Pedaling for hope
Bicycling ministers turn long-distance rides into opportunities to raise funds and awareness for charitable causes.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.19.12

Partners in justice
The UUA's immigrant rights partners in Arizona help communities in peril.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.12.12

Trustees review resources promoting Justice General Assembly
Blogs, posters, and scholarships encourage attendance at Phoenix GA in June.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.5.12

UUA persuades Verizon to protect transgender workers
In five-year shareholder advocacy campaign, UUA helps create gender identity protection for 2.9 million workers at many companies.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.27.12

UUA and United Church of Christ seek ways to collaborate
Meeting in Cleveland, presidents of two denominations discuss combining progressive voices in public arena.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.10.12

UUA Board urges repudiation of 'Doctrine of Discovery'
Meeting in New Orleans, board names moderator candidates, mulls future of UUA headquarters and social justice resolutions.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.30.12

A passion for environmental justice
For the Rev. Bob Murphy, environmentalism and ministry overlap like the shoreline and the sea.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.30.12

Board nominates Key and Payne-Alex for moderator
Delegates will vote on new moderator at 2013 General Assembly.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.23.12

Meet a trustee: Sarah Stewart
New Hampshire minister says ‘congregational life is where the faith is happening.’
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.9.12

Board may nominate only one moderator candidate
Also agrees not to release names of applicants for moderator position.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.2.12

Phoenix UUs protest conservative policy conference
American Legislative Exchange Council targeted for promoting Ariz. SB 1070 as model immigration law.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.5.11

Board continues discussions of moderator nominating process
At November meeting, trustees also receive positive report of Audit Committee.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.28.11

Bay Area clergy arrested at Occupy Oakland
Unitarian Universalist ministers participated in interfaith vigil as police in riot gear slashed tents.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.21.11

Isipho binds Atlanta UUs to African village
'The impact of Isipho on us has been massive. Our whole family is different.'
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.21.11

Location of UUA headquarters under review again
Board asks for analysis of staying on Beacon Hill versus relocating office space.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.14.11

Two churches become Occupy sites
Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, Utah, loans lawn to protesters; Occupy Grand Rapids camps beside Fountain Street Church.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.14.11

UUA Board listens, learns at Occupy Boston
Trustees visit protest site to witness grassroots movement aimed at economic justice.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.31.11

Board agrees to nominate at least two moderator candidates
At October meeting, trustees draft covenant, plan for Justice GA, discuss ‘scope of the association.’
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.31.11

Meet a Trustee: Catherine Cullen
Legal training, Buddhism inform the Rev. Catherine Cullen’s work on UUA board.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.3.11

UUA 'highly unlikely' to purchase Hebrew College
Board discusses Justice GA; differs on whether to make its audio recordings public.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.3.11

ESPN film examines curses and scapegoats
Unitarian Universalist minister lends religious perspective to questions of fan behavior.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.26.11

Board fills empty slots on General Assembly committees
UUA trustees also approve launch of credentialing study and changes in retirement plan.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.5.11

Campaign to restore First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia
Spiritual landmark: First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.5.11

Meet a trustee: Clyde Grubbs
The Rev. Clyde Grubbs brings history of activism, ministry to UUA Board of Trustees.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.29.11

General Assembly 2011 business report
Summary of business conducted at the UUA's 2011 General Assembly.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.15.11

Rallying in the rain
Unitarian Universalists rallied for LGBT rights in Charlotte.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.15.11

Disaster hits three congregations
Storms and fire struck UU congregations in Alabama, Massachusetts, and Maine.
By Julia Angley and Michelle Bates Deakin and Donald E. Skinner 8.15.11

UUA president convicted in civil disobedience case
The Rev. Peter Morales guilty of misdemeanor in Ariz. protest of SB 1070; calls for federal investigation of Phoenix sheriff.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.8.11

Arizona minister guilty in SB 1070 protest case
The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray convicted of misdemeanor for actions protesting anti-illegal immigration law in 2010.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.5.11

Georgia minister joins hunger strike
To protest immigration law, Unitarian Universalist minister Jeff Jones launches weeklong fast.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.25.11

Lucy Stone Cooperative rooted in UU values
The Lucy Stone Cooperative is rooted in the UU values of its young adult founders.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.11.11

Resignations raise flags around planning for Justice GA
As board increases oversight on UUA's 2012 General Assembly in Phoenix, two members of GA Planning Committee resign.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.11.11

U.S. churches unite to support Uganda school
Annual sponsorships seek to boost nutrition, sanitation, supplies, and teacher salaries at school started by Ugandan UU minister.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.4.11

Delegates approve ethical eating and a smaller board
More than 4,000 Unitarian Universalists gather in Charlotte at General Assembly, approve governance reforms, balk at elimination of AIWs.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.4.11

Meadville Lombard finds new Chicago campus
Unitarian Universalist seminary will lease space from Spertus Institute, a Jewish studies center.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.27.11

Delegates vote to eliminate AIWs at 2012 Justice GA
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.26.11

Approved: AIW supports California supermarket workers
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.26.11

Approved: AIW opposes corporate personhood
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.26.11

No substantial changes to AIW bylaw amendments yet
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.25.11

Shareholder resolution advances LGBT rights
UUA backs resolution urging major defense contractor to defend its employees against discrimination.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.13.11

Eco-village rises in Haiti’s Central Plateau
UUA and UUSC leaders, along with seminarians, help Haitian families rebuild.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.6.11

Board appoints committee to nominate next UUA moderator
Five-member group will recommend successor to Gini Courter.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.30.11

UUA membership declines again
Morales: 'The culture is moving our way theologically, but not institutionally.'
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.23.11

UUA submitting bid on Hebrew College
Morales says 'preliminary' bid will 'keep our options open'; Beacon Hill properties could be sold.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.23.11

Legislation, homophobia endanger Ugandan UUs
Kampala minister urges vigilance as threats and bigotry increase.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.16.11

Spiritual landmark, Summer 2011
The focal point of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse, N.Y., is a window depicting the world's religions.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.15.11

Anderson honored with clergy award
Planned Parenthood honors Rochester, N.Y., minister for reproductive rights advocacy.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.15.11

Tornado-struck towns begin recovery
Unitarian Universalist Trauma Ministry prepares congregation for the road ahead.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.9.11

Thomas Jefferson District changes name
Delegates vote overwhelmingly to become Southeast District.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.6.11

Atlanta-area ministers decry immigration bill
Unitarian Universalist ministers call Georgia bill 'racist' and 'bad for business.'
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.2.11

Severe Storm Fund to provide tornado relief
Donations will assist UUs left homeless in Alabama.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.2.11

Board finalizes bylaws for vote at General Assembly
Establishes committee to nominate next moderator; welcomes three new congregations.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.25.11

Meadville Lombard, Andover Newton end plans for 'theological university'
Meadville will remain independent; ANTS to move ahead with other partners.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.25.11

GA will vote on Ethical Eating statement, board reforms, more
UUA’s 50th General Assembly will tackle bylaw changes and food and environmental justice statement.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.11.11

Procedural error takes one AIW resolution off GA agenda
UUA Board of Trustees also prepares policy for acquisition or sale of real estate.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.4.11

With kidney donation, congregation extends 'circle of care'
Member to donate kidney to religious education director, as others fundraise and cook.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.21.11

UUA spurs corporate leaders to demand new immigration policy
Institutional investors call reform a human rights and business imperative.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.14.11

Turning Valentine's Day into a day for social justice
Unitarian Universalists demonstrate for LGBT rights, immigration reform, religious tolerance in first 'Standing on the Side of Love' Day.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.21.11

Unitarian Universalists raise funds for gay rights in Uganda
Donations will support human rights activists fighting homophobia.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.7.11

Meadville Lombard sells main building
Chicago seminary seeks long-term lease for new home; will leave its 1929 building by end of year.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.31.11

Dinner with Monsanto
A Unitarian Universalist minister is planting the seeds for a code of ethics for bioengineers, starting with Monsanto, the world's largest producer of genetically modified seeds.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.24.11

Wyoming UU’s winter charity walk raises $6K
Month-long, 200-mile trek reveals the kindness of strangers
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.17.11

UUs share their own immigration stories
Immigration problems beset ministers as well as lay people.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.8.10

UU fights ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Retired naval commander advocates for law’s repeal.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.12.10

UU youth’s activism for GLBT rights honored
Danielle Smith meets President Obama at special White House reception
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.5.10

Seminaries announce plans for 'theological university'
Chicago's Meadville Lombard will combine with Boston-area Andover Newton in interfaith partnership.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.28.10

UU partner in India wins international peace prize
Ela Bhatt, founder of India’s largest women’s union, awarded 2010 Niwano Peace Prize.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.3.10

Transforming the Jericho Road
The Jericho Road Project links Unitarian Universalist professionals with nonprofits in struggling cities, creating a new avenue for social justice.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.12.10

Clements to leave UU Service Committee
UUSC president chosen to head Harvard’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.1.10

UU dads adopt five at-risk children
New documentary focuses on the Rev. Greg Stewart, Stillman Stewart, and their five sons
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.28.09

UU minister nominated for Grammy award
The Rev. Dan Schatz honored for tribute album to UU folksinger Utah Phillips.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.14.09

Meadville Lombard to sell Chicago campus
Unitarian Universalist seminary to discuss possible partnership with Boston-area Andover Newton Theological Seminary.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.30.09

Transylvanian partner church gives surprise gift
Unitarians in Székelykeresztúr raise $10,500 for their partner church's capital campaign in Concord, Massachusetts.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.9.09

UU membership professionals form own organization
Group to help membership professionals grow Unitarian Universalism.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.24.09

UU wins Military Chaplain of the Year award
Rev. Rebekah Montgomery also awarded bronze star.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.17.09

'Army Wives' features UU child dedication ceremony
TV episodes set in Charleston, S.C., Unitarian church.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.10.09

Dallas, Atlanta UU churches make ‘friends’ on Facebook
Congregations discover that Facebook expands community, church visibility.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.27.09

UU seminaries feel economic pinch
With devalued endowments, schools in Berkeley and Chicago implement cost-cutting measures.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.13.09

New Orleans UU congregations still welcome help
Area churches organize to coordinate fundraising, volunteers.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.8.09

Children's gifts redeemed 'legacy of devastation'
Japanese ambassador attends D.C. church to commemorate gift exchange with children of Hiroshima after atomic blast.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.20.09

Cincinnati churches continue racial reconciliation
Unitarian Universalists build relationships with descendents of black minister spurned by Unitarians in 1930s.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 2.23.09

Ballot initiatives bring setbacks for same-sex couples
Unitarian Universalists disappointed in state election results limiting GLBT rights.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.10.08

UUA president meets with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa
During 19 day African trip, Sinkford scheduled to meet with Unitarians, human rights leaders.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.10.08

Unitarian Universalists mobilize against state ballot initiatives
Ballot initiatives in Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas aim to limit rights of same-sex couples to marry, adopt.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.31.08

Unitarian Universalists work to preserve gay marriage in Calif.
UU Legislative Ministry opposes California’s Proposition 8 as an attack on marriage equality.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 10.20.08

Starr King emphasizes interfaith understanding in new curriculum
New approach to inter-religious education essential in post–9/11 world, says faculty.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.29.08

Meadville Lombard introduces sweeping curricular changes
Unitarian Universalist seminary in Chicago will require community service placements of all students; plans major curriculum reform next year.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 9.22.08

Low attendance expected for UUA’s General Assembly
Security concerns, economic woes, heat deter attendance at Fort Lauderdale event.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.26.08

Harvard names first Emerson UUA professor
Dan McKanan, historian of religious left, appointed by Harvard Divinity School.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.21.08

Spirited defender
Karen Tse's human rights ministry is helping to eradicate torture.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.10.07

UU sexologist faces off against Bill O'Reilly
The Rev. Debra Haffner promotes comprehensive sexuality education for all ages.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 8.17.07

Leon Spencer honored with UUA's highest award
Pioneer in UUA's antiracism and antioppression efforts recognized.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.20.07

UUs get serious about carbon offsets
Congregations and individuals explore ways to reduce carbon emissions.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.13.07

UUA treasurer takes lead in socially responsible investing
Under Tim Brennan's leadership, UUA investments used to effect corporate change.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.22.07

Unitarian Universalist heads Islamic investing group
Blake Goud promotes 'halal' investing through Portland foundation.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.15.07

Unitarian Universalist spiritual directors form network
Network can help religious liberals find a spiritual director.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.11.07

New playground illustrates UU Seven Principles
Fort Worth Unitarian Universalists design and build Principles-themed playground.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 5.4.07

Youth group practices philanthropy
Pay It Forward project gives Boise youth opportunity to invest in others.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 4.13.07

Massachusetts interfaith group walks for climate rescue
Nine-day trek begins in Northampton blizzard, ends in Boston rally.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 3.30.07

Tyrone Edwards leads his town back to life
The Rev. Tyrone Edwards is leading the revival of his hurricane-battered Louisiana town with help from the UUA-UUSC Gulf Coast Relief Fund.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.11.06

Partners in the Gulf
Unitarian Universalists are helping marginalized communities rebuild along the Gulf Coast.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.11.06

UUA, United Church of Christ 'just friends,' say leaders
Denominational presidents mark bicentennial of 'Unitarian controversy' with dialogue on shared past and future collaboration.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.3.06

Unitarian couple honored for World War II rescues
Martha and Waitstill Sharp posthumously recognized as 'Righteous Among the Nations'; only one other American so honored.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.16.06

Heroes' dilemma: How much would you sacrifice?
Israel honors two Unitarians for heroism in World War II; their story provokes soul-searching today.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 6.5.06

Church celebrates members' World War II heroism
At celebration of Unitarians who saved refugees from Nazism, a challenge: Who will help the victims of genocide in Darfur?
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.19.05

Unitarian couple honored for World War II heroism
Only one other American has received Israel's 'Righteous Among the Nations' designation.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 12.12.05

Acts of kindness in a hurricane's aftermath
Unitarian Universalists work tirelessly to help the displaced residents of the Gulf Coast states.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 11.7.05

Joseph Nye, soft-power theorist
A Unitarian Universalist expert on international relations praises the 'soft power' of attraction.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 1.1.05

Addictions ministry moves beyond AA
The Rev. Denis Meacham creates new ministry at First Parish Brewster, Mass.
By Michelle Bates Deakin 7.1.04

Related Links

Social Action Heroes: Unitarian Universalists Who Are Changing the World

Gay Marriage, Real Life: 10 Stories of Love and Family