This is my second effort at staying in communication with Florida UUs through individual congregation newsletters. There is much on which I could write about the fast-paced, challenging, and important October Trustee Board meeting in Boston, some of which you will read in future columns but this time, due to recent conversations with UUs, I think it might be germane to write some information about the role of UUA President and our UUA Moderator.

The President, at this time Rev. William Sinkford, is the chief executive officer of the Association and is an ex-officio, without vote, of all standing committees of the Association, except the Nominating Committee and the Ministerial Fellowship Board of Review. The President is also a member of all standing committees of the Board except the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. The President of the UUA is elected every four years by the delegates at General Assembly, and is eligible to serve two terms. Rev. Sinkford's first four-year term ends in 2005. The President is a paid officer of the Association. The Association President is our national spokesperson and is the voice of our denomination "stand" on important social and justice issues. His role and activities are so varied and important that they are impossible for me to summarize adequately and I suggest looking at the UUA website, www.uua.org, where it is easy to find his speeches, letters, travels etc., and photos.

The Moderator, also elected by the delegates at General Assembly, serves a four year term and is eligible for two terms. The Moderator presides at General Assemblies and meetings of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee. The Moderator represents the Association on special occasions and assists in promoting its welfare in various ways. The Moderator has the top volunteer position in our Association. In October, 2003, the Moderator, Diane Olson, resigned for personal and health reasons thus leaving an approximate two-year unfulfilled term. In the case of a Moderator resignation the Board of Trustees fills the position until the next regular General Assembly at which time an election is held. We, the Board, interviewed five declared candidates with carefully prepared questions, cast secret ballots, and filled the Moderator position by electing Gini Courter, who will serve until June, 2004, when an election will be held for the one remaining year of Ms. Olson's term. I hope this is not too confusing and encourage you to go the UUA website, www.uua.org, for comprehensive information about the resignation and the process the Board used to fill the Moderator position.

In an historical note the only other Moderator to resign was the UUA's first moderator, Marshall Dimock. He saw his role as a virtual co-president, demanding office space and a staff. According to what I have learned, Dimock interfered in the appointments of department heads, tried to get people fired, and actively opposed the President. After three years, frustrated by his inability to have his way, he resigned and disappeared from UUA affairs.

Perhaps you are reading this as a column in your December newsletter. I wish you a wonderful and warm holiday season. Again, it is an honor to serve as your UUA Trustee. Contact me at lundjb@earthlink.net with your questions and thoughts.