National newsletter of the Canadian Unitarian Council, the association of Canada's Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist congregations. Vol. 53, No. 3 Theme: Food Issues

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Newsletter of the Canadian Unitarian Council Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011
Does Food Create Community?
Yes indeed, it does. At the Unitarian Church of Montreal (ucmtl), we started out by worshipping at
the altar of the coffee urn, which has recently progressed to worshipping at the groaning side-table.
Although we used to fuel conversation with notoriously weak coffee, we’ve moved on to aromatic
free-trade coffee and an array of tempting dishes. Why? Because so many church events are held
after the Sunday service; people can’t go to meetings on an empty stomach. How can you speak
up for social justice with ten tummies rumbling around you?
All it took was a group of friendly foodies. Suddenly, we were hosting minor and major events.
We are blessed with cooks who have a range of talents. Need bread? Ask Paco. Want soup? Talk to
me. John’s the guy if you want to put on a potato bar. We have hosted many Loaf’n’Ladle lunches.
And then there’s Maychai with her exquisite chocolate orange cheesecake. Some people use the
term ‘to die for’ when speaking of an amazing dish or meal. We like ‘to live for’ better.
Here’s how we do it: The ucmtl Hospitality Committee has no budget from the church. Money
is raised through pay-as-you-can donations by congregants who stay for lunch. Regardless of the
event, we only ask that people give if, or what, they can. Proceeds are then used to host future
events.
Recruiting is important. We started out with a core group of five people. We now have a total of
32 members because you can’t have a team of five serve 120 people every second Sunday. Does this
sound like the voice of experience—or maybe just the voice of five tired people? The best recruit-
ing line yet: “Do you have a springform pan?” “Yes,” comes the reply. “Excellent! Do you think
you could fill one for me on January 10? We’re doing a fundraiser to replace our piano hammers.”
“Yes,” is again the reply. “Oh, great! Look, while we’re at it, can I add you to the list of Hospitality
Committee members?” Your volunteer is looking dazed and confused by now, in the din of Phoenix
Hall, after the service in the sanctuary. Recruiting 101: Get’em while the going’s good!
So where does the community part come in? Nobody wants to talk to a psychiatrist: it looks
as if, horror of horrors, there might be something wrong with you. Even talking to the minister
can be a bit daunting sometimes: “Um, if you have a moment I’d like to chat about my love-life/
dying parent/unsatisfying career...” But if you’re cutting carrots (julienned not coined, please!),
assembling turkey wraps, or stirring a soup, you can engage in some comfortable chin-wagging
with your fellows, while on the road to foodie heaven.
In 2010–2011, the ucmtl Hospitality Committee hosted 41 events, serving between 90 and
220 people each time, with an average of 120 on Sundays. We help other committees, such as the
Social and Environmental Concerns Committee (secc) to raise funds that pay for ucmtl’s mem-
bership in Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice. We help out at memorial services, host major
birthdays and other milestone events, and provide free lunch on New Member Sundays. We also
provide the bread for Bread Communion Sundays and generally respond to any food requests, be
they from the minister, the Caring Network or any other committee.
Basically, the ucmtl Hospitality Committee works with other committees to promote outreach
and foster a sense of community. Working in close cooperation with ucmtl vice-president Margo
Ellis, we jointly hosted the Eastern Regional Gathering in November 2010 and the Ysaye Barnwell
Workshop Weekend in April 2011. And we co-hosted the opening of the ucmtl Stairwell Art Gal-

2. lery with the Music Ministry Collective in May 2011. To the dulcet sounds of the ‘No
More Blues’ band, we served wine and cheese for all!
Food is love.
Nancy Kleins,
the c an ad ian Congregational Treasurer & Chair,
Hospitality Committee
Unitarian
Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011
http://www.cuc.ca/canu Read more about Food (Glorious Food) for
ISSN 0527–9860 socially-and environmentally-aware eaters, from
page 24 of this issue. Food-related reflections also
The Canadian Unitarian is the newsletter of the appear En français, in the minister’s column, and
Canadian Unitarian Council. It is free to all mem- Religious Education.
bers for whom the CUC has a current address.*
The Canadian Unitarian reports on newsworthy
events in the denomination, including the annual
ElizabEt Forbath
conference each spring. It attempts to reflect all ucmtl truffle maven and
segments of Unitarianism and Universalism in hospitality Committee member
Canada. We welcome all submissions; however
with her mother, Nancy Kleins.
publication is based on the criteria of newsworthi-
ness, relevance to readers, length, and balance.
Signed letters to the editor will be included, after
being edited for length and content.
* Non-members can subscribe to The Canadian
Unitarian for $15 CDN or US. Send name, address,
and cheque to CUC office.
Canadian Unitarian Council
Conseil unitarien du Canada
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Toronto, ON M5R 1V9
Toll-free 1.888.568.5723
Phone 416.489.4121
Email info@cuc.ca
Opinions expressed in The Canadian Unitarian
are those of the contributors. Sources and num-
erical values reported within articles have been
verified by the authors.
loriaN K
Printed on Canadian-made, acid-free,
the Sunday worship service of the Western regional Gathering, Edmonton, ab.
recycled paper (100% post-consumer fibre)

3. letters to the Editor
C a n a d i a n U n i ta r i a n C o U n C i l
B oa r d o F t r U S t E E S a n d S ta F F
President
Fritchman never did join the Communist Gary Groot
Party according to his autobiography, but what Vice-President
if he had? Who cares? Two leading church Ellen Campbell
members I have worked with in Victoria were Treasurer
card-carrying members in the early days, before John Michell
the truths of Stalinism were public knowledge. Secretary
Fritchman’s Canadian Sojourn Both are praise-worthy Canadian Unitarians. Glenda Butt
Several of us here enjoyed the summer issue Many of us are proud to be called socialists. Social Responsibility Liaison
of The CanU, with its many in-depth articles. I Stephen Fritchman was an outstanding leslie Kemp
especially appreciated the Rev. Phillip Hewett’s minister and fighter for human rights and Curtis Murphy
erudite and philosophical review of Rev. Charles dignity for most of his long life. The UU Ser-
rev. Jessica Purple rodela
Eddis’ recently-released book, Stephen Fritch- vice Committee recognized his contributions
man: The American Unitarians and Commun- to social justice; UUA World magazine called Kristina Stevens
ism (Lulu.com, 2011). The question of whether him one the 20th century’s giants of liberal Minister Observer
the ends ever justify the means is still with us. religion; and in 1976 the uua awarded him rev. Kathy Sage
When we are all UUs we at least share the Prin- their most prestigious annual Award for Dis- Youth Observer
ciples, thus having common ideals on which to tinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Micaela Corcoran
start the dialogue. Universalism. Toronto First was lucky to have Executive Director
Also, there is a Canadian aspect to this story him for five months. Jennifer dickson
worth mentioning: Rev. Dr. Stephen Fritchman Congregational Development,
spent four or five months at the First Unitarian Christine Johnston, Central Region
Helen armstrong
Congregation of Toronto in 1970, when Rev. First Unitarian Church of Victoria,
John Morgan was on sabbatical. I was the Direc- (1963–1997 at First Unitarian Office Administrator
Karen Claney
tor of Religious Education at that time and have Congregation of Toronto)
kept photos, a few sermons, and even a personal National Youth and Young Adult
Programming & Ministry Development
letter from Steve, as well as a speech by his wife ariel Hunt-Brondwin
Fran on Woman’s Day. Many at Toronto First Re: “The Work of a Lay Chaplain” (spring 2011)
Congregational Development,
found his sermons and presence inspiring. I have just read your article in which you quote Eastern Region
Fritchman’s autobiography Heretic (Beacon the poem by Max Coots, whom I once knew. Kelly Mcdowell
Press, 1977) adorns my bookshelf, joined now He was occasionally our visiting minister in Director of Resource Development
by Eddis’s latest research. Fritchman was on Kingston, on, when we were a struggling Uni- Kathleen Provost
the aua staff (hired 1938 for Youth activities) tarian Fellowship in the 1940s and 50s. I lived Director of Finance
and in charge of their newsletter, The Christian there for forty years and have been a Unitarian Philip Strapp
Registrar (1942–1947), which was an influential since 1939. Director of Congregational Development
position. Because he was sympathetic to social- I have always admired Rev. Coots and would linda thomson
ist ideals, seemed to be a communist ‘fellow- love to know more about him. Communications Director
traveller’, and did not print opposing views, he I have cut out Max’s poem and shall keep Ben Wolfe
got into hot water. Even the aua President, the it by me. Congregational Development,
Rev. Frederick Eliot, was suspected of socialism the West and British Columbia
rev. antonia Won
for defending him for quite a few years. Margaret Shortliffe
In 1951, when serving the Los Angeles
Church, Fritchman was brought before the
US House of Representatives’ Committee on Rev. Max Alden Coots (1927–2009), Minister t H E C a n a d i a n U n i ta r i a n
Un-American Activities (of the McCarthy era Emeritus of the Unitarian Universalist Church Editor
witch-hunt fame). This Committee also tried in Canton, New York, is the author of Seasons of raquel rivera
to persuade the congregation to fire him. But the Self, a collection of poems (Skinner House Graphic Designer
his church stood firm. In 1954 the L.A. Church Books, 1971). More on his life and work can be Kim Chua
declined the questionable California ‘loyalty found at: Issue Proofreaders
oath’ which at that time was connected to Mc- www.uuma.org/blogpost/569858/100058/In- david Hudson, Jean Pfleiderer
Carthyism. Along with several other religious Memory-.-.-.-Max-Alden-Coots-1927–2009-.
bodies, they lost their tax exemption, but after htm
four years, the Supreme Court finally restored
it and the lost taxes. What a great example!
3

4. President’s Message
Where We Are—Where We Want to Go
Board work is like a three legged stool, with each leg representing one of three jobs that
the Board must do to be effective. The first leg is the development of good policies—sort
of like developing a good operating system for a computer. Over the last several years the
Board has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to that task. For those who
are inclined to programming ( as opposed to using) computers, the current policy manual
is available on the cuc website for your inspection. Much like the patches and updates
we see now and again for the computer systems we use, there will be occasional changes
art brEWEr
to the policy manual. But for the most part the development work is complete!
This is allowing your current Board the luxury of focusing on strengthening the other
two legs of our stool—knowing where our member congregations want the organization
to go, and monitoring to see if we are getting there. The monitoring schedule will soon
be in place and available for all to view on the website as well. Today I would like to share
with you the efforts the Board is making to connect with the membership, to understand
the directions you want us to go in our ‘bigger boat,’ as described by Rev. Jessica Purple
Rodela in her homily delivered at the acm 2011.
The Board has traditionally connected with member congregations by contacting the
presidents and ministers in advance of the face-to-face Board meetings held in September,
February, and May. In addition we try to visit member congregations at least once in a
three-year term, and we try to connect with people at the regional fall gatherings and
the annual meeting.
This year we are adding two new initiatives. The first annual Congregational Survey
was sent out this spring. Although the survey needs to be more user-friendly, the in-
formation gleaned from the results provided us with a richer understanding of where
people wanted us to focus and where we currently are as an organization. The established
information-gathering systems, combined with the results of the survey, allowed the
Board to instruct the executive director to focus 80% of staff time and budget on four
organizational goals:
1. Resources for religious exploration and spiritual growth
2. Resources to nurture leadership
3. Resources for social sustainability
4. Resources for multi-generational appeal and relevant life-stage ministries
The executive director and staff are now working on a revised Work Plan to reflect these
priorities, which should be available by the end of December for all to see.
Finally, we anticipate that the Spiritual Leadership Symposium , which will be held in
Ottawa next May, will not only be a time for individual deepening but also an opportunity
for us to gain further insights into where member congregations want the cuc to go. I
would like to encourage each congregation to begin considering which current and emer-
ging leaders should attend, in order for all of us to get the most out of the Symposium.
Stay tuned; there will be more information available in the very near future.
The boat has left the dock. Come join in the voyage!
Gary Groot,
President,
Canadian Unitarian Council
4 the Canadian Unitarian Newsletter • Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011

5. Message from the Executive Director
Survey, Symposium, and Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Speech
During 2005, William Whatcott distributed flyers door-to-door
in Saskatchewan expressing his concern regarding the spread
of tolerance towards gays and lesbians through the education
system. Mr. Whatcott suggested that laws should be enacted
to prevent gays and lesbians from teaching in schools. And he
declared that exposure to gays and lesbians would endanger
raQUEl riVEra
children. This resulted in complaints to the Saskatchewan
Human Rights Commission, which referred the complaint
for determination by a human rights tribunal. The finding of
contravention by the tribunal was upheld by the Saskatchewan
Court of Queen’s Bench, but was subsequently overturned by
the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The Saskatchewan Human
Rights Commission, in turn, appealed this decision with the
Supreme Court of Canada.
Last week I attended the Supreme Court when it heard from
lawyers for the Commission, for Mr. Whatcott, and for several
intervenors. society for decades to come. It was an honour to represent the
Mr. Whatcott took the position that the restriction infringed values and commitment of Canadian UUs at the proceeding.
on both his freedom of speech and freedom of religion under In this issue of The Canadian Unitarian, ucs also reflects on
the Canadian Charter of Rights. Several argued that the restric- the experience.
tion within the Human Rights Code should be struck down for
various reasons. Congregational Survey
In opposition, the Human Rights Commission argued the Thanks to the many who responded to the first annual Congrega-
restriction is constitutionally valid, relying on a similar decision tional Survey, despite the difficult timing and technical glitches.
of the Supreme Court from 1990. The Commission and several Future surveys will be sent earlier in the year, and questions will
intervenors also argued that instances of hate crime had risen in be revised to make them more accessible.
Canada since 1990, and that the protection of vulnerable minori- The Board and I are clear that this is a good investment of
ties is as relevant today as in 1990—perhaps even more so. everyone's time. Regular surveys give all members a real oppor-
The Supreme Court accepted written intervenor submissions tunity to influence the future of cuc, and help in the assessment
jointly submitted by the Canadian Unitarian Council and the of performance and progress, year-by-year.
Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon (ucs). We argued that
religious freedom should not insulate messages of hate from Symposium
consequences under the Human Rights Code, and that sexual Planning has been launched for the Spiritual Leadership Sym-
minorities deserve the same level of protection as any other posium in May 2012, which will include themes of intergen-
protected group.* erational shared ministry, social justice as spiritual practice,
A panel of seven judges from the Supreme Court heard the and the culture of leadership—you’ll find more details in the
matter and are expected to release a decision within about one following pages. Now is an excellent time to identify delegates
year. It is clear that the result in this case will impact Canadian in your community, and to consider what spiritual leadership
means to each of us.
Finally, in honour of the harvest season, The Canadian Uni-
tarian has gathered a number of articles on the theme of food,
for socially- and environmentally-conscious eaters. May this
spread inspire thought and action, and further our apprecia-
tion of good food and the community it continued on page 6
5

6. What We Heard From You Results of the Congregational Survey 2011
In June of this year there were 40 respondents to the Congre- In particular, we know that respondents want:
gational Survey. From these, the Board has learned that our • Clear vision and mission
defined objectives are seen to address the critical issues. We’ve
• Increased and effective communication among board, staff
also learned that the top three resources regarded as most im-
and congregations, and between congregations, to share
portant for Canadian UU communities are:
information and resources, and to ensure that leaders and
1. Nurturing leadership within our communities . . . . (63.2%) congregations are kept informed about events and news
2. Religious exploration and spiritual growth . . . . . . . (48.5%) • Recognition that members and congregations are yearning
3. Benefitting the wider community for spiritual, theological, and intellectual deepening
in which we operate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (34.4%) • Support and resources for smaller, lay-led congregations,
and for distinct communities like religious educators,
We learned that the cuc activities considered most crucial to its music directors and lay chaplains
function as the national voice for UU communities are:
• Nationally-led action on social justice issues (although
1. Professional and volunteer leadership development . .(70%) there is recognition that consensus on such issues is hard
2. Spiritual and theological deepening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(65%) to achieve)
3. Membership retention and growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(50%) • Leadership and volunteer development as a priority
4. Strengthening congregational vitality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (35%) • More of the timely and skilled services that are being
5. Inter-congregation communication, provided by cuc staff
cooperation and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (25%)
The first annual congregational survey has also helped to create
some benchmarks that will help the Board track achievements.
These results have been taken into account in the Board’s defin- As the survey is refined over the next few years, it will provide
ition of its priority outcomes, and will impact the direction and solid comparative data to guide us in building the best possible
allocation of resources within the cuc Work Plan for 2012. cuc for the benefit of all.
Respondents also offered ideas and information that are help- Thank you to all respondents for your participation in the first
ing the cuc focus on how best to fulfil the Board’s strategic annual Congregational Survey, and we look forward to hearing
outcomes. more from everyone in the future.
continued from page 5
creates. Also, please visit USC Canada (usc-canada.org) for news
on October’s meeting of the UN Committee on World Food
Security in Rome.
Canadian weather is changing, our spiritual leadership is
growing and the laws of Canada are evolving—as are we all. Jennifer Dickson,
Executive Director,
Canadian Unitarian Council
* Thanks to Arif Chowdhury of Fasken Martineau Du
Moulin llp, who worked pro bono on the case.
6 the Canadian Unitarian Newsletter • Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011

7. iNVErSEhyPErCUbE (CrEatiVE CoMMoNS)
JUStiNForM (CrEatiVE CoMMoNS)
KElly FiNNaMorE (CrEatiVE CoMMoNS)
Images of the Occupy Movement
What began in the Wall Street financial district of New York City
this September sparked Occupy protests in Canada and around
the world. Many found voice during a time when increasing
numbers of Canadians are anxious about their future and are
JUStiNForM (CrEatiVE CoMMoNS)
questioning whether governments' and corporations’ decisions
are truly for the benefit of the majority.
The Canadian Unitarian Council has resolutions that speak
to many issues that are related to protesters’ concerns. Economic
Today, along with those who occupy the public square, Justice, Environmental Integrity, Globalization, Peace, Democ-
we call for a vision of a nation where all people can have racy, as well as Racial, First Nations, Religious, Metis and Inuit
a roof over their heads, food on their tables, quality Justice and Equity are areas where we’ve spoken out, using our
healthcare, and a living wage. We ask to live in a country collective voice to identify shortcomings in public policy.
whose most important resource is its people, and where The protesters took to the streets to draw attention to the fact
each person is treated with respect. that for too long, many of our systems have failed to protect the
The Occupy protests are a wake-up call and we most vulnerable among us. According to a recent report from
add our voices to the sound of that alarm, knowing the Conference Board of Canada, the gap between rich and poor
that when we come together with others, our voice is growing much faster in Canada than it is in the United States
is stronger. Together we believe that we can repair a (even though the US currently has a larger gap).
broken system in Canada. May we, working together, Canadian Unitarians recognize that it is both a moral and
change our country with our compassion, our good will, religious imperative to speak out when we see social, environ-
and our willingness to make our voices heard. mental, or economic injustice —our principles demand we do
this. A central requirement of effective democracy is an engaged
Rev. Julie Stoneberg citizenry. We are seeing democracy in action!
President,
Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada (uumoc) Gary Groot, President, &
Jennifer Dickson, Executive Director,
(excerpted from the uumoc letter of October 21, in Canadian Unitarian Council
support of the Occupy movement of protests
begun this September)
in Vancouver, toronto, and Montreal, the occupy Movement found
receptive ears and willling voices.
7

8. Spiritual leadership Symposium 2012
How Does Your Congregation
Foster Leadership? The long weekend in May is traditionally the time for our national
community to gather for a range of diverse presentations and
Leading up to the Spiritual Leadership Symposium workshops, under the umbrella of the cuc Annual Conference
in May 2012, please help us all to begin reflecting on and Meeting. For the year 2012, this weekend will be dedicated
ways and means for finding and fostering leaders in our instead to a Spiritual Leadership Symposium, a special collabora-
communities. Here are some examples: tion between the cuc and UU Ministers of Canada (uumoc).
What is Spiritual Leadership? During recent conversations
first unitarian church of hamilton held a full-day with UU leaders two themes have emerged: spiritual leadership
leadership development retreat that provided inspiration models how to live out our values in the world as distilled in our
and hands-on workshops for congregants. 80 people seven principles; and spiritual leadership helps us to discern
attended. meaning in our lives.
The Symposium will be an opportunity to explore more fully
first unitarian congregation of toronto holds what spiritual leadership is, and how it can be practiced within
workshops for Committee Chairs on how to recruit our congregations and our movement.
members.
The goals of the Symposium are to:
first unitarian congregation of waterloo uses 1. Share ideas and approaches related to spiritual leadership
brainstorming sessions to plan events and programs.
2. Inspire transformation in our congregations and in our
The sessions end with the question “what are you
movement
willing to do?” This helps to confirm commitment to
action. At each meeting of the Council of Chairs, a new 3. Discern our future as a Canadian UU movement and the
‘leadership tool’ is presented with a 20- to 30-minute role of the cuc in fostering this
exercise, fostering a culture of learning.
The Symposium has the potential to begin a process of renewed
universalist unitarian church of halifax es- spirit and leadership in our movement. Let’s begin the dialogue
tablished a Leadership Fund to assist congregants in about Spiritual Leadership ahead of time, through regional
attending various leadership programs and events gatherings, face-to-face conversations, on the internet, and here
such as cuul School, the cuc acm, and other cuc in The Canadian Unitarian. Leading up to the Symposium, con-
workshops. The church also set up a system that allows gregations are invited to organize opportunities for dialogue and
congregants to donate their Aeroplan points to finance conversations about what spiritual leadership means to you.
youth travels to cuc events. We also invite you to identify existing, new, and emerging
leaders of all ages within your congregations, and support them
kingston unitarian fellowship ensures leadership in attending the Symposium. Who do you want to encourage to
succession in their annual canvass by staggering the be delegates and Symposium participants?
terms of two co-chairs: one providing guidance to the
incoming co-chair. The following year, the second co-
chair leads and mentors the new co-chair. Thus, no one
need serve in the role of chair for more than 2 years, Planning Committee for
while smooth transition and new leadership is fostered The Spiritual Leadership Symposium
in the congregation.
Please share the events, systems, or strategies your
congregation employs: contact Leslie Kemp, Planning
Committee, at leslie@cuc.ca
Leslie Kemp
8 the Canadian Unitarian Newsletter • Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011

9. Our Spiritual Leadership Symposium So Far
planning: program:
program deSign The Symposium will open the evening of Friday, May 18 follow-
The content of the program will reflect the principles of spirit- ing the cuc Annual General Meeting on that day. It will close
ual leadership. We will open on Friday evening with a keynote on Sunday, May 20.
presentation. There will be many opportunities for structured
conversations. We anticipate using a range of participatory Friday, May 18 evening:
methods such as open space, world café, art and music, and Symposium opening (keynote presentation)
small group discussions.
Saturday, May 19:
PLANNING COMMITTEE large and small group sessions
CUC Board
Curtis Murphy (Montreal) Sunday, May 20:
Leslie Kemp (Vancouver) worship services, large and small group sessions
UUMOC Sunday, May 20 evening:
Rev. Shawn Newton (Toronto) Symposium closing
Rev. Shana Lynngood (Victoria)
Rev. Diane Rollert (Montreal)
SYMPOSIUM THEMES
Youth Intergenerational Shared Ministry
Kaleb McNeil (Saint John, nb) • Value and share leadership from across the age spectrum
in the work of our religious communities
Young Adult
• Understand the term ministry, not just as an operational
Casey Stainsby (Montreal)
task but as a religious expression
CUC Staff Social Justice as Spiritual Practice
Jennifer Dickson Ariel Hunt-Brondwin • Social justice as a spiritual practice for individual UUs
Linda Thomson Jorge Moreira
• How congregations can have impact on their wider
communities
Facilitation Advisor
Diana Smith (Victoria) • How the broader UU movement can have impact on the
wider world
Religious Educator
Lynn Sabourin (Vancouver) Culture of Leadership
• Shifting the culture of leadership from the status quo
practical information: towards a transformative approach that aligns needs of the
congregations, communities, and the world, with the gifts
VENUE of people in our congregations and movement.
The Annual General Meeting of the cuc and the Symposium will
take place at The Westin Ottawa, from Friday, May 18, through
Sunday, May 20, 2012. Congregational Participation
This will be a multigenerational event:
REGISTRATION-KEY DATES • Youth, young and older adults
March 31, 2012 Early registration deadline
• Board and committee leaders
April 17, 2012 Deadline for hotel bookings
• Parish Ministers
ACCOMMODATION • Religious Educators
The cuc has reserved rooms at The Westin Ottawa at special
conference rates. Rooms must be booked by April 17; to receive
the discounted room rate, be sure to mention that you are part
of the cuc conference, when you book.
RATES
Traditional: $119 Deluxe: $169
Premium: $139 Extra Person: $20
9

10. Spiritual leadership Symposium 2012
Ask a dozen Unitarian and Universal-
ist leaders to define the term spiritual
leadership, and you might expect to
get a dozen (or more!) answers. But
Take a Breath: Reflecting on Spirtual Leadership from informal check-ins conducted
by cuc Board members to lay leaders
“I’ve come to believe that ‘preaching to the choir’ is exactly the right thing to do. of congregations, we on the cuc Board
have found a great deal of agreement
If I can help those who already share certain beliefs and dreams sing their song a
about the intention and potential of
little clearer, a little more confidently, I know they will take that song back to their providing and promoting leadership
that is spiritual—even if use of the
networks…. We gain courage from learning we’re part of a choir. We sing better
word ‘spiritual’ rankles for some.
when we know we’re not alone.” Responses highlighted two cri-
teria: that spiritual leadership models
how to live out our values in the world,
Margaret Wheatley, author of Leadership and the New Science as implied by our seven principles;
and that it helps us discern meaning
in our lives. Leadership that is spiritual, then, provides guidance in the context of Unitarian
Universalism. For the individual, this offers help in prioritizing values in a society full of con-
tradiction and compromise. For the congregation, this offers maturity and growth so that it can
make an impact on its wider community.
The Latin root of the word ‘spirit’ means ‘breath,’ which is firmly based in our lived human
experience. As we breathe, we live. In our Sunday gatherings, we practice breathing together—
when we read in unison, when we share a moment of silent meditation, when we raise our voices
to sing a song. These practices embody spirituality. We each breathe separately, but of the same air;
we are just one, but also part of a collective; we strive to balance our keen sense of individualism
with the bigger purpose of participation in the voluntary association of a congregation. And our
member congregations interact as part of the collective that is the Canadian Unitarian Council.
Effective spiritual leadership can lead us, as individuals, to better understand our effectiveness
when we work collaboratively with a common purpose. Our covenant of walking together in the
work of the world is work that matters. How to be together, to breathe together, this is the heart
of the discourse we hope to inspire at the Spiritual Leadership Symposium in May 2012.
I hope representatives from all our member congregations will be part of this journey of dis-
covery, joining Unitarian Universalist voices as we sing our song of hope and transformation in
a world ready for change.
Rev. Jessica Purple Rodela
First Unitarian Congregation of Waterloo
the results of the cuc first annual congregational survey are in.
we are listening and are ready to make changes with you.
the cuc needs your support to provide the services you are asking for—
please become a friend today!
10 the Canadian Unitarian Newsletter • Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011

11. Alimentation vivante : santé et spiritualité
Le crudivorisme consiste à n’absorber que des aliments chauffés ser les aliments par le feu : « Ne tuez ni hommes ni bêtes et ne
à moins de 50 °C (la température maximale afin de promouvoir détruisez pas les aliments que vous portez à votre bouche, car
la vie). Ce mouvement se décline en plusieurs sous-groupes : si vous mangez des aliments vivants, ceux-là vous vivifieront ;
instincto permettant de manger de tout pourvu que ce soit cru, mais si vous tuez pour obtenir votre nourriture la chair morte
hygiénisme insistant sur les combinaisons alimentaires per- vous tuera à votre tour. Car la vie procède seulement de la vie,
mettant une digestion optimale, frugivorisme principalement et de la mort ne sort toujours que la mort… »
basé sur d’énormes quantités fruits, végétalisme bannissant tout Très souvent les tenants de l’alimentation vivante méditent
produit animal (lait, œufs, miel), etc. Son expression la plus à et sont socialement très conscientisés, se préoccupant non seu-
la mode aux États-Unis est l’alimentation vivante végétalienne lement de commerce équitable ou de l’équilibre mondial des
consistant à ne manger que cru ou déshydraté : légumes, fruits, ressources alimentaires, mais surtout de leur empreinte écolo-
noix, graines, algues, huiles et pousses de grains, de graines ou gique (d’où l’achat local, biologique, non-ogm, etc.), et certains
de légumineuses. Et, contrairement à ce qu’on pourrait croire, vont encore plus loin, mangeant très frugalement ou encore
il se trouve maintenant des milliers de recettes aussi variées refusant de consommer des aliments hybrides (voir Génèse
que délicieuses. 1 :29), car sans semence, point de reproduction.
Vous croyez peut-être qu’il s’agit là d’une nouvelle mode Appréciez par ailleurs toute la spiritualité qui transpire de
passagère, mais détrompez-vous : l’alimentation vivante tire en la recette du célèbre « pain essénien » selon les Évangiles de
effet ses lettres de noblesse de l’Évangile de la Paix des Esséniens, la Paix : « Humidifiez votre blé afin que l’ange de l’eau fasse
démontrant qu’il s’agit là du mode de vie que pratiquait, voilà sortir le germe de vie puis écrasez votre grain et confectionnez
plus de 2 000 ans, cette ancienne secte juive. Il semblerait que de fines galettes comme l’ont fait vos pères. Laissez-les ensuite
de nombreux yogis vivant dans des lieux reculés se sustentent du matin jusqu’au soir exposées aux rayons du soleil afin que
encore ainsi, suivant une tradition spirituelle immémoriale. Au l’ange du soleil puisse y descendre ».
XIXe siècle, un médecin autrichien soignait ses patients atteints La place manque ici pour une dissertation sur les effets que
de graves difficultés digestives par le cru, les sauvant ainsi d’une pourrait avoir sur la spiritualité un apport alimentaire ni carné
mort certaine. Au XXe siècle, Ann Wigmore redécouvrit cet art et ni raffiné, mais vivant, pacifiant, débordant d’enzymes et de vita-
fonda, s’étant ainsi guérie de plusieurs maladies, le très fameux mines, frugal et léger – donc facile à assimiler et permettant, de
Institut de santé Hippocrate. De nos jours, Gabriel Cousens, ce fait, une digestion et une santé optimales, la décontraction des
médecin, psychiatre, auteur de Nutrition Spirituelle, en est l’un tensions, un sommeil réparateur et une étonnante clarté d’esprit.
des plus ardents et crédibles défenseurs. C’est pourquoi je vous encourage à vous renseigner. Après tout,
Mais pourquoi manger vivant, vous demandez-vous sans manger 50 % vivant, c’est la moitié du repas en salade, crudités,
doute. La perspective de résoudre certains ennuis de santé est pousses et fruits au naturel : ce n’est peut-être pas très éloigné
certainement la raison qui attire le plus d’amateurs. Simplicité de ce que vous faites déjà. Par contre, c’est un sérieux coup de
et facilité d’exécution en séduisent d’autres, principalement ceux, pouce pour le physique, le mental, l’émotionnel et le spirituel.
toujours plus nombreux, affligés d’allergies ou intolérances À ruminer, si j’ose dire…
au gluten ou aux produits laitiers. Il y a également toute une
dimension spirituelle qui attend cet explorateur de l’extrême Noëlle Laissy
qu’est l’adepte de l’alimentation vivante. En effet, les Évangiles Directrice du conseil d’administration
de La Paix nous exhortent non seulement à « manger à la table Congrégation du Bord du Lac, Lachine, Québec
de Dieu », donc végétarien, mais également à éviter de dévitali-
CUC friends are special supp ort the CuC , become a friend!
people who help the organ- name
address
ization meet its annual goals city province postal code
through direct financial gifts. i would like to donate $ Please send me more information
Will you become a friend? thank yo u for yo ur supp or t
www.cuc.ca/friends Clip and send with donation to: CUC, 100–344 Dupont Street, toronto, on, m5r 1v9
11

12. cebook?
Why use Fa
Facebook—is it an exciting new way for your the Declaration’ banner train to Ottawa,
congregation to connect, share information, for the UN Declaration on the Rights of
and build community? Indigenous Peoples.
Or is it an ad-cluttered time-sink, that You’ll find occasional questions and
makes a poor substitute for genuine human quotations that provoke thought and dis-
relationships? cussion, and easy links to the Facebook
UUs tend to be people who see things from streams of congregations and related organizations:
multiple points of view—and that’s helpful when talking about owl, USC Canada, UUWorld magazine, the UU United Na-
Facebook, because it can be both of these things. tions Office, the Liberal Religious Educators Association, and
Many congregations have asked lately whether they should the Unitarian Universalist Association in the USA.
make use of social media. A year ago I hesitated, but not any What makes Facebook worth the effort? It’s fast. You can
more: the answer is yes, and Facebook is the place to start. The update your page—and the Facebook stream of everyone who
cuc Facebook stream is now an important ongoing part of our ‘Likes’ your page—in an instant. Facebook messages have a
own communications. Features introduced over the last few friendly feel, and they can lead people to your deeper and better
months make it more suitable for non-profit organizations. ways of communicating.
There are drawbacks. (It’s still Facebook.) But with its vast At first, only a few people will follow your page. Don’t worry,
reach, easy setup and zero cost, your congregation should plan spread the word, and carry on. Those first few people are likely
to be there too. to be what Malcolm Gladwell, in The Tipping Point, calls “con-
So, how do you begin? And what will make Facebook valu- nectors.” Everything worthwhile that reaches them is reaching
able to you? other people too.
The cuc page will give you some ideas. Just type “Canadian Like most good web tools these days, Facebook makes it easy
Unitarian Council” into Facebook’s search box (or visit www.face- to track results. For example, the “Page Insights” feature of the
book.com/pages/Canadian-Unitarian-Council/30503086075). cuc page tells me, as I work on this, that we had 9,405 post views
Note that I said cuc’s “page.” In the past, there was a question in the last month, that we have 35% more active users than last
of whether to set up a ‘Page’ or a ‘Group’. In February, that ques- month, and that 240 people “Like” our page so far.
tion was decisively answered. A page now lets you post as your (By the way, do ‘Like’ the cuc page. You’ll see our future posts
organization. You can let multiple people do this for you. There automatically in your Facebook stream.)
are other new features too. You’ll find details and instructions at At least eight cuc member congregations are experimenting
www.facebook.com/pages/learn.php. (If your congregation has with Facebook: Winnipeg, Saskatoon, London, Nanaimo, Comox,
a Facebook group, Facebook may have invited you to convert it Don Heights, Peterborough and First Unitarian Congregation of
to a page, and you should.) Toronto. (Did I miss you? Let me know.) A few others are online
In cuc’s stream you’ll see links to news and articles of wide in the old ‘Group’ format.
UU interest. One fresh example is nasa honouring a UU scien- If you want to pursue this more seriously, there’s an ongoing
tist, the “mother of the Hubble telescope,” with an award previ- conversation in the UU Social Media Lab, at www.facebook.com/
ously given only to Einstein, Hubble and Carl Sagan. groups/uusocialmedialab. But remember what wise Facebook
You’ll find announcements of upcoming events and trainings, users say: “A single conversation across the table with a friend
for lay chaplains, owl leaders, Youth and others, with links to is worth a year’s worth of Facebook status updates.”
details and online registration.
You’ll find videos of talks, and live coverage of import- Ben Wolfe
ant events, such as our 50th Anniversary gathering in May, Communications Director,
and our congregations’ involvement in Kairos’ ‘Roll With Canadian Unitarian Council
12 the Canadian Unitarian Newsletter • Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011

13. the graduates and staff of Goldmine 2011: the intensive six-day
arDEN hoDy
youth-leadership camp took place this summer in Mississauga, on.
small groups to reflect on the credo questions they have been
asked to ponder earlier in the day. At the yes camp—which is
a secular program—campers gather every night for evening
Reflections, a safe time for teens to share the hopes and fears
they have with peers. For many, this is the first time they have
ever had such an opportunity.
Summer or Other—Nothing Beats Camp It has been my observation that when this kind of reflection
is allowed to happen in a camp-like setting, this combination
As a Unitarian I am not yet sure of all that I might believe in. The creates powerfully fertile ground for self growth. As individ-
things in my life that are of most value to me are still growing uals begin to feel truly comfortable in their own skin they gain
and changing. There is, however, something that I do believe self-confidence and self-esteem. When this valuable experi-
in without equivocation—I believe in camp. ence is combined with learning about leadership, the results
I hold a degree in Outdoor Education and worked for many are blossoming leaders—not authoritarians, but rather people
years as a counselor and leader at a summer camp on Vancouver who’empower, having gained a new responsibility to share their
Island. I have seen first hand that camp has the power to bring gifts with others in a visionary way.
us together and create communities where there were only indi- I saw this growing and deepening happen to participants and
viduals gathered a few days before; ultimately it is an experience staff at each of these three programs this summer. I know that
that can leave us transformed. the changes cuul school and Goldmine grads feel, when they
Whatever the location, size, program or theme, all camp go back to their youth groups, committees, and Boards, have a
experiences have four important elements. tremendous ripple effect on our communities. In congregational
1. You must leave your home and stay overnight (and usually settings, their new self-awareness and self-confidence is infec-
for longer than just a night or two) tious; because authenticity, leadership, and positive transforma-
tion are things we all can believe in.
2. You are asked to share your living, working, and eating
space with the group.
3. You are asked, at some level, to leave part of yourself Ariel Hunt-Brondwin
behind; and to understand yourself as belonging to a new, National Youth and Young Adult Programming
larger, whole. & Ministry Development
4. It has a defined beginning and end, and when it is over you
have to go home.
These essential and fundamental aspects of a camp experience
provide a safe container for learning life skills: understanding canadian unitarian universalist leadership school
how to work together respectfully, how to communicate honestly, (cuul school) is the cuc’s own residential, intensive four-
and how to lead and empower one another. day leadership program for experienced and emerging
Cuc’s cuul School Program, the Goldmine Youth Leadership congregational leaders.
Program, and the bc Cooperative Association’s Youth Leadership
Program (yes camp) are all camps of this nature. goldmine is a Youth Leadership Program developed in
The curricula of these programs are different, but they all 1991 in the uua’s Pacific North West District. In 2009 the
share the goal of nurturing and growing leaders through intro- cuc piloted this program at the Unitarian Congregation
ducing concepts and activities that are, among other things, in Mississauga and, because it was such a success, we ran
intended to increase self-awareness. In their different ways, each it again this summer.
program seeks to encourage, and provide space for, participants
to express themselves freely, to reflect on and share their current the yes camp is the youth leadership program of the bc
beliefs and feelings. Cooperative Association and has been running for over 30
Cuul school has sessions called Covenant groups, or Chal- years. It offers week-long summer camps, where bc youth
ice Circles, and these offer participants an exposure to the UU are sponsored by local credit unions and cooperatives.
version of small group ministry. At Goldmine the participants
have daily Credo Group meetings where they are given time in
13

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Greetings from the UCS Youth
The Canadian Unitarian asked for impressions from the Youth
of the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon, and impressions is
what they gave! Using a big, green bristol board and covering it
with writing in all sizes, shapes, and directions, a collage repre-
senting one year for Youth in Saskatoon was created. Reproduced
here, also in collage form, are their reflections and memories—
of taste, sound, events, and accomplishments. Thanks to Bryan
ar
Carroll, ucs Youth group advisor, for encouraging this expression, t ye
and for passing it on to the rest of us. nex
ou
e ey
…s
14 the Canadian Unitarian Newsletter • Vol. 53 • No. 3 • Fall 2011

15. “Our Healthcare system merits preserving, protecting and expanding.”
So begins the statement by the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Notice of this video and its contents have been sent to the
of Canada (uumoc), at their Toronto meeting on May 27, 2011, Minister of Health and the official opposition health critic. The
in anticipation of the 2014 expiration of the current federal- statement also contains a call for expanding our healthcare
provincial healthcare accord. Discussions are already taking system to include “dental care, vision care, a pharmaceutical
place about what will be included in the next accord. Now is a program, and a full range of mental health services.”
critical time for voices to be heard on this subject. Discover all ten reasons why the Canadian healthcare system is
In support of the unanimous uumoc statement, and to bring so esteemed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j22UbkuRePs,
attention to this key moment, Unitarian Universalist ministers or visit YouTube and put “Canadian Unitarian Healthcare” in
shared their experiences of the Canadian healthcare system their search engine. And please let your Member of Parliament
in a YouTube video called, “Ten Reasons Why We Love Our and provincial representative know your thoughts.
Healthcare System”.
Brian Kiely of Edmonton speaks as a parent of young chil-
dren, while Phillip Hewett of Vancouver gives testimony to the Rev. John Marsh
care provided to his wife during her final stages of life. The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
five-minute video concludes with the complete statement by
the uumoc.
The bottle said hints of raspberry
Out of the Bottle and orange, I didn’t taste anything
by Rosemary Kinley but disappointment.
We had drifted apart, you with your
lack of contrition and smattering
of kindness and me with my
Raised in the United Church, Rosemary
Kinley learned about Unitarian Univer- reluctance to spit out the words
salism in 1998, and became a member
of the Kamloops Unitarian Universalist that needed to be said.
Fellowship, serving as their music direc-
tor for 10 years. Our lives red with sorrow,
She moved to Victoria to be closer to
her daughter and joined the lay-led Cap- white knuckled and pained.
ital Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
Rosemary serves on the board, as a mem- Now out of the bottle, I taste the
ber of the Sunday Service Committee, and
is still involved in the music. In addition fullness of fruit, hints of joy and
to writing poetry, she has written a chil-
dren’s story about backyard chickens. discovery
Please send your submissions of short poems to Janet Vickers, poetry editor (poetry@cuc.ca).
15