Spark Theological Convocation: Shaping our shared theology, moving toward collective liberation

We, the organizers of the Spark Convocation, see a need for a dedicated space and time for lay and ordained Unitarian Universalists to come together and meet this historical moment through dedicated theological work. The Convocation will provide an arena to reflect on Unitarian Universalist theology in a setting separate from denominational business or governance discussions. We will gather in person in order to embody the theology we are trying to discern.

Through a combination of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to share in collective acts of ideation and discernment and to help shape our shared UU theology for the years to come, with all of their challenges and opportunities.

Spark organizers hope participants will take these conversations home to their local congregations or regions, where the questions can take on further life - ultimately for perennial and sustained theological conversations across Unitarian Universalism that provide opportunities for covenantal understanding of mission and imagination.

Who can take part?

The Spark Convocation is a space where lay and ordained Unitarian Universalists are invited to come together. The Convocation is open to any Unitarian Universalist who wishes to attend, with the understanding that this inaugural Convocation will be more accessible to those geographically closer to Fairfax, VA. The cost to attend, which includes daytime meals, is $200 for the weekend.

We actively seek to include people from marginalized communities in these important conversations and will be encouraging identity/experience-specific caucus spaces during breakout sessions, including ones for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Disabled participants, and any other groups that are requested. If you are a person of color, have a disability, identify as queer, trans*, or gender nonconforming, and/or if your financial situation is an impediment to registration, please reach out to us over email to learn about potential scholarship opportunities.

How can I take part?

Convocation registration is now closed. Stay tuned for future opportunities to take part in these vital conversations!

Schedule and details

The full schedule of speakers, panels, and other sessions will be made available soon. A detailed synopsis of the program is available here, featuring speakers and panels from a broad range of Unitarian Universalist theological perspectives. Confirmed participants include:

  • Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President, Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)

  • Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Director of Communications and Public Ministry, UUA

  • Rev. David A. Miller, Senior Minister, UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA

  • Rev. Connie Simon, Interim Minister, River Road UU Congregation

  • Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister, Mt. Diablo UU Church, Walnut Creek, CA

  • Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Co-Chair, UUA Article II Study Commission

  • Rev. Dr. Rebecca Ann Parker, Theologian, Author and former president of Starr King School for the Ministry

  • Rev. Kate Walker, Minister, First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, PA

  • Kathy Burek, former member of the UUA Board of Trustees

  • Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development, Olympia UU Congregation (WA)

  • Charles Du Mond, Co-Moderator, UUA

Music Participants

Music Director: Rev. Verdis LaVar Robinson, Minister for Growth, First Unitarian Church of Rochester; and Minister, UU Church of East Aurora

Performers: Bēheld, a group of women in the DC area creating music, community, and sisterhood. Members are Jen Hayman, Julie James, Norah Quinn McCormick, Loyce Pace, Meg Parker Young, Rochelle Rice, Nicole Rumeau, and Melinda St. Louis

Convocation activities will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, located at:

2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124

The UUCF Sanctuary Building, where most parts of the event will be held, has accessible surfaces and entrances. Some breakout sessions will be held in a different building, but participants will have the option to stay in the Sanctuary Building. UUCF also has a T-coil system that can be linked to hearing aids.

For information about nearby accommodation, please see the Hotels and Restaurants page.

Spark Convocation Organizers

Rev. Wendy Bartel, Co-Minister, UU Society of Schenectady, NY
Kathy Burek, former UUA Board Member
Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel, Minister of Social Justice and Community Development, UU Church of Arlington, VA
Rev. Peggy Clarke, Senior Minister, Community Church of New York
Rev. Monica Dobbins, Assistant Minister, First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City
Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley, Minister, North Universalist Chapel Society, Woodstock, VT
Cara Fortner, Intern Minister, UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA
Rev. Lynn Gardner, Co-Minister, UU Society of Schenectady, NY
Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson, Minister, Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, IL
Rev. David A. Miller, Senior Minister, UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA
Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister, Main Line Unitarian Church
Mac Perkins-High, Intern Minister, First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
Rev. Verdis Levar Robinson, Minister for Growth, First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY
Rev. AJ van Tine, Associate Minister, First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY
Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker, Minister, First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
Laura Weiss, Director of Music and Arts, UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA
Rev. Vail Weller, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Unitarian Universalist Association

Support for the Covocation has been provided by the Community Church of New York Unitarian Universalist.