February 13, 2026

Something For the Moment 

The UUMA Board of Trustees will hold three additional dialogue sessions this year. One has been held already and the conversation was rich and thoughtful.  These sessions give you a chance to learn more about the work of the Board, ask questions and make collegial connections. You can click the links below to register. Dialogue sessions are open to all UUMA members. We require a minimum registration of 10 people so please sign up today!

• Thurs, Feb 26, 2026 from 7:30-8:45PM ET / 6:30-7:45PM CT / 5:30-6:45PM MT / 4:30-5:45PM PT
• Fri, April 10, 2026 from 3-4:15 ET / 2-3:15 CT / 1-2:15 MT / 12-1:15 PT
• Fri, May 22, 2026 from 4-5:15 ET / 3-4:15 CT / 2-3:15 MT / 1-2:15 PT

Meet the Moment: Strategic Risk Assessment and Engagement for Ministers: Ministers are serving in a time when threats to our people, our communities, and our values are constant and evolving. This spring cohort will offer a supportive and grounded space for religious leaders to better understand the risks present in their specific contexts and to develop thoughtful, values‑aligned strategies for responding. Just three sessions with the first session moved to March so there is still time to register! Learn more and register here. 

Reopening the search for Director of Programs and Ministries: 
We are pleased to inform you that we are reopening the search for the next UUMA Director of Programs and Ministries. The reopened application period will close at 5 PM Eastern on February 18, 2026. For more information, please view the updated Job Description.  Any questions should be directed to search@uuma.org

Transition Review Task Force Looking for Stories and Thoughts about the UUA’s Transition System

As the UUA continues to implement the recommendations from the Widening the Circle of Concern report, it is time to take a serious look at the barriers that are preventing full inclusion in the religious leadership of our faith. In response to a growing understanding of the trust gaps present in the search and settlement system and the rapidly changing needs of our congregations and ministers, the Transitions Review Task Force has been charged with undertaking a comprehensive review and redesign of the ministerial Transitions process. Ensuring that our systems are transparent and equitable, especially for our most marginalized communities, is a core commitment. 

The Transitions Review Task Force members, appointed by UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, are Rev. Katie Romano-Griffin, Rev. Latifah Griffin, Rev. Shari Quan, Rev. Christe Lunsford, Rev. Elizabeth Stevens, Rev. Krista Taves, Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Rev. Connie Simon (co-chair) and Rev. Roger Bertschausen (co-chair). 

The team is charged to to design a constituent-driven process of both listening and assessment that will lead to the reimagining of our ministerial transitions system. This process will serve two primary purposes: 

• Bearing witness to and collecting stories from those who have engaged with – and in many cases, been underserved or harmed by – the UUA’s transitions practices and policies, including making recommendations for any needed reparations; and
• Holistically assessing the current realities, challenges, and needs for ministerial transitions, and – in collaboration with UUA staff – making recommendations about needed shifts in approach and practice for the future

The Transitions Review Task Force has begun its work and is very eager to hear your stories and thoughts. We are aware that the transitions process deeply impacts ministers across every context and form of ministry – and that the boundaries between those who are in congregational ministry and those doing other forms of ministry are blurring as more multi-modal forms of ministry emerge.   

We warmly invite you to share stories–through this confidential survey and/or emailing us at TransitionsReview@mail.uua.org to request a time to speak with a task force member. The information you share will be viewable only by the TRTF and key UUA staff as authorized by the office of the President. Information may also be shared with the Widening the Pathways to Ministry Taskforce.  It will not be made public. Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to divulge your identity.

We are grateful to those of who attending our community sessions at the Institute. There will be many more opportunities for you to engage directly with us at chapter meetings and other collegial gatherings – stay tuned! 

We will keep you posted, and we hope you will be willing to share our stories and thoughts with us!

With appreciation,
The Transitions Review Task Force

Something for Justice

Coming soon, save the date!

UURISE and UUMA are collaborating to bring you the Fundamentals of Immigrant Justice: Contexts and Histories, a 4-session series of workshops that are a primer to understand how we got to the immigration system we currently have and why it works the way it does.

When: every other Wednesday starting March 11 (3/11, 3/25, 4/8 & 4/22), 3-4pm ET / 2-3pm CT/ 1-2pm MT/ 12-1pm PT. More information and registration available soon!

Some good news from the UU Solidarity Initiative, of which UUMA is a partner:

Over the past week, our action hours have resulted in over 400 hours of actions. (When you add the Wednesday Action Hour the previous week – it’s over 600 hours.)

Foci – No More ICE Funding in the DHS Bill, Stop Corporate Complicity with ICE, Justice for Renee Good and Alex Pretti and Calling for the Closure of Dilley Detention Center and the release of all children and families currently detained there.

Phone Call Blitz – Last week 40 UU congregations made over 2,400 phone calls to key 3 members of congress calling for no more ICE funding in the DHS budget. In total, throughout the two weeks, 90 UU Congregations will have made 5,400 calls.

Join us as we continue to participate in impactful and accountable immigration justice work.

Something Extra

Chapter Events: The following chapters warmly invite all UUMA Members to the following events. 

Southwest Chapter 2026 Winter Retreat with poet Naomi Shihab Nye
Mon Feb 23 – Thurs Feb 26, 2026
Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center, Belton, TX
Registration open to all UUMA members!

Our guest presenters will be poet Naomi Shihab Nye and trauma-informed art therapist Mindy Cardenas. They will lead us through creative processes to help us reconnect with our callings. Because of the nature of this work and tech limitations, this is an in-person only event. We expect this event to fill up quickly, so please register early. SWUUMA folks get priority registration, but we will be opening this up to all UUMA members. Visit the Southwest UUMA Group page for registration link. (Under Groups in the Member Center!)
 

2026 Metro NY Spring Professional  Days:
“Living from the Deep Heart of This Faith” with Reverend Leon Dunkley
Wed March 25th 6-930pm & Thurs March 26th, 2026 9am-3pm
Multiplatform (Onsite & Virtual)
Onsite at The UU Congregation at Montclair, NJ (UUCM) – 67 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042

A two-day, multiplatform (onsite/virtual) event celebrating the collaborative nature of our UU professionals. This conference helps fulfill our Professional Development requirements. 

Reverend Dr Leon Dunkley will lead us through encounters that aim to court a full range of emotions, feelings, and experiences, as well as articulate hopes for our shared Faith.   In Reverend Dunkley’s own words… “Living from the Deep Heart of This Faith” It is fun to be romantic about the meanings of our faith.  It feels so good to dream into its promise. 

Whether you join us for one or both days, it will be a truly momentous event!

Please see full details at LREDA/UUMA Fall Professional Ministries Day 2026 FAQ or register here: https://tinyurl.com/MinistryDay2026
 

Job Opening:

The Canadian Unitarian Council is entering a new season of growth and transformation, and we’re seeking a full-time Executive Director to help lead us into what comes next.

This is a role for someone who can hold steady, values-based leadership through change, while nurturing the relationships that make our movement strong: with congregations, volunteers, staff, and partners across Canada and beyond. The Executive Director works in close collaboration with the CUC Board of Trustees, supporting our shared vision and helping our national community thrive with curiosity, creativity, and care.

If someone comes to mind, we invite you to share this posting widely. And if you feel drawn to this work yourself, we would be glad to hear from you. How to apply: Learn about the role or send a resume and cover letter to edposition@cuc.ca by February 21, 2026.

February 13, 2026

Something For the Moment 

The UUMA Board of Trustees will hold three additional dialogue sessions this year. One has been held already and the conversation was rich and thoughtful.  These sessions give you a chance to learn more about the work of the Board, ask questions and make collegial connections. You can click the links below to register. Dialogue sessions are open to all UUMA members. We require a minimum registration of 10 people so please sign up today!

• Thurs, Feb 26, 2026 from 7:30-8:45PM ET / 6:30-7:45PM CT / 5:30-6:45PM MT / 4:30-5:45PM PT
• Fri, April 10, 2026 from 3-4:15 ET / 2-3:15 CT / 1-2:15 MT / 12-1:15 PT
• Fri, May 22, 2026 from 4-5:15 ET / 3-4:15 CT / 2-3:15 MT / 1-2:15 PT

Meet the Moment: Strategic Risk Assessment and Engagement for Ministers: Ministers are serving in a time when threats to our people, our communities, and our values are constant and evolving. This spring cohort will offer a supportive and grounded space for religious leaders to better understand the risks present in their specific contexts and to develop thoughtful, values‑aligned strategies for responding. Just three sessions with the first session moved to March so there is still time to register! Learn more and register here. 

Reopening the search for Director of Programs and Ministries: 
We are pleased to inform you that we are reopening the search for the next UUMA Director of Programs and Ministries. The reopened application period will close at 5 PM Eastern on February 18, 2026. For more information, please view the updated Job Description.  Any questions should be directed to search@uuma.org

Transition Review Task Force Looking for Stories and Thoughts about the UUA’s Transition System

As the UUA continues to implement the recommendations from the Widening the Circle of Concern report, it is time to take a serious look at the barriers that are preventing full inclusion in the religious leadership of our faith. In response to a growing understanding of the trust gaps present in the search and settlement system and the rapidly changing needs of our congregations and ministers, the Transitions Review Task Force has been charged with undertaking a comprehensive review and redesign of the ministerial Transitions process. Ensuring that our systems are transparent and equitable, especially for our most marginalized communities, is a core commitment. 

The Transitions Review Task Force members, appointed by UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, are Rev. Katie Romano-Griffin, Rev. Latifah Griffin, Rev. Shari Quan, Rev. Christe Lunsford, Rev. Elizabeth Stevens, Rev. Krista Taves, Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Rev. Connie Simon (co-chair) and Rev. Roger Bertschausen (co-chair). 

The team is charged to to design a constituent-driven process of both listening and assessment that will lead to the reimagining of our ministerial transitions system. This process will serve two primary purposes: 

• Bearing witness to and collecting stories from those who have engaged with – and in many cases, been underserved or harmed by – the UUA’s transitions practices and policies, including making recommendations for any needed reparations; and
• Holistically assessing the current realities, challenges, and needs for ministerial transitions, and – in collaboration with UUA staff – making recommendations about needed shifts in approach and practice for the future

The Transitions Review Task Force has begun its work and is very eager to hear your stories and thoughts. We are aware that the transitions process deeply impacts ministers across every context and form of ministry – and that the boundaries between those who are in congregational ministry and those doing other forms of ministry are blurring as more multi-modal forms of ministry emerge.   

We warmly invite you to share stories–through this confidential survey and/or emailing us at TransitionsReview@mail.uua.org to request a time to speak with a task force member. The information you share will be viewable only by the TRTF and key UUA staff as authorized by the office of the President. Information may also be shared with the Widening the Pathways to Ministry Taskforce.  It will not be made public. Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to divulge your identity.

We are grateful to those of who attending our community sessions at the Institute. There will be many more opportunities for you to engage directly with us at chapter meetings and other collegial gatherings – stay tuned! 

We will keep you posted, and we hope you will be willing to share our stories and thoughts with us!

With appreciation,
The Transitions Review Task Force

Something for Justice

Coming soon, save the date!

UURISE and UUMA are collaborating to bring you the Fundamentals of Immigrant Justice: Contexts and Histories, a 4-session series of workshops that are a primer to understand how we got to the immigration system we currently have and why it works the way it does.

When: every other Wednesday starting March 11 (3/11, 3/25, 4/8 & 4/22), 3-4pm ET / 2-3pm CT/ 1-2pm MT/ 12-1pm PT. More information and registration available soon!

Some good news from the UU Solidarity Initiative, of which UUMA is a partner:

Over the past week, our action hours have resulted in over 400 hours of actions. (When you add the Wednesday Action Hour the previous week – it’s over 600 hours.)

Foci – No More ICE Funding in the DHS Bill, Stop Corporate Complicity with ICE, Justice for Renee Good and Alex Pretti and Calling for the Closure of Dilley Detention Center and the release of all children and families currently detained there.

Phone Call Blitz – Last week 40 UU congregations made over 2,400 phone calls to key 3 members of congress calling for no more ICE funding in the DHS budget. In total, throughout the two weeks, 90 UU Congregations will have made 5,400 calls.

Join us as we continue to participate in impactful and accountable immigration justice work.

Something Extra

Chapter Events: The following chapters warmly invite all UUMA Members to the following events. 

Southwest Chapter 2026 Winter Retreat with poet Naomi Shihab Nye
Mon Feb 23 – Thurs Feb 26, 2026
Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center, Belton, TX
Registration open to all UUMA members!

Our guest presenters will be poet Naomi Shihab Nye and trauma-informed art therapist Mindy Cardenas. They will lead us through creative processes to help us reconnect with our callings. Because of the nature of this work and tech limitations, this is an in-person only event. We expect this event to fill up quickly, so please register early. SWUUMA folks get priority registration, but we will be opening this up to all UUMA members. Visit the Southwest UUMA Group page for registration link. (Under Groups in the Member Center!)
 

2026 Metro NY Spring Professional  Days:
“Living from the Deep Heart of This Faith” with Reverend Leon Dunkley
Wed March 25th 6-930pm & Thurs March 26th, 2026 9am-3pm
Multiplatform (Onsite & Virtual)
Onsite at The UU Congregation at Montclair, NJ (UUCM) – 67 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042

A two-day, multiplatform (onsite/virtual) event celebrating the collaborative nature of our UU professionals. This conference helps fulfill our Professional Development requirements. 

Reverend Dr Leon Dunkley will lead us through encounters that aim to court a full range of emotions, feelings, and experiences, as well as articulate hopes for our shared Faith.   In Reverend Dunkley’s own words… “Living from the Deep Heart of This Faith” It is fun to be romantic about the meanings of our faith.  It feels so good to dream into its promise. 

Whether you join us for one or both days, it will be a truly momentous event!

Please see full details at LREDA/UUMA Fall Professional Ministries Day 2026 FAQ or register here: https://tinyurl.com/MinistryDay2026
 

Job Opening:

The Canadian Unitarian Council is entering a new season of growth and transformation, and we’re seeking a full-time Executive Director to help lead us into what comes next.

This is a role for someone who can hold steady, values-based leadership through change, while nurturing the relationships that make our movement strong: with congregations, volunteers, staff, and partners across Canada and beyond. The Executive Director works in close collaboration with the CUC Board of Trustees, supporting our shared vision and helping our national community thrive with curiosity, creativity, and care.

If someone comes to mind, we invite you to share this posting widely. And if you feel drawn to this work yourself, we would be glad to hear from you. How to apply: Learn about the role or send a resume and cover letter to edposition@cuc.ca by February 21, 2026.