"Two Views on The History and Promise of the Unitarian Universalist Association"
Mike Werner and Denny Davidoff, moderated by John Hooper
Sunday, October 27, 2013 – 12:30 PM in the Sanctuary following the Second Service
Michael Werner’s recent book, “Regaining Balance: The Evolution of the UUA” has generated much interest and controversy in Unitarian Universalist circles. Mike will present his views on the cultural, philosophical and political history of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) especially as they pertain to Humanism, critical thinking and the perceived decrease in UUA membership. Denny Davidoff will then offer her response to Mike’s key points and present her own views on the evolution and promise of the UUA. Finally, John Hooper will moderate a discussion with Mike and Denny focusing on the similarities and differences in their positions, and take questions from the audience. All are welcome to attend.
Mike Werner has been active in many Humanist, atheist, and freethought organizations, as well as in Unitarian Universalism. He has been President of the American Humanist Association, Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association (HUUmanists); member of the North American Committee for Humanism; President of the Unitarian Church of Charlotte, an adjunct faculty member of the Humanist Institute, speaker for United Coalition of Reason, and current President of the Humanist Foundation. He has taught widely at major universities. Mike was one of the founders of SMART Recovery a Self Management and Recovery Training recovery program for addictions.
Denny Davidoff and her husband Jerry started attending the Unitarian Church in Westport in
1960. Denny has served in significant leadership capacities in our movement, including Moderator of the UUA and Chair of the Trustees of the Association from 1996 until 2004. Before that she was President of the UU Women's Federation (1981-85), Member and Chair of the General Assembly Planning Committee (1985-89), and Trustee-at-Large (1989-93). She has served on the Board of Trustees of Meadville
Lombard Theological School, Chair of The Interfaith Alliance Foundation in Washington, a member of the Trustee Council of the World Conference on Religion & Peace, and Board Chair of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship. Denny is currently Senior Consultant for Development and Alumni/ae Affairs at Meadville Lombard Theological School and serves as Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Church in Westport.
John Hooper has been active in national and local Unitarian Universalist and Humanist endeavors. He is former Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Church in Westport and is currently President of the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association (HUUmanists).