One of the reasons I decided to run was because I was approached by a group of clergy and lay leaders whose judgment and knowledge about the UUA I deeply respect. They asked me to be a candidate and made their case for the gifts I bring being well suited to the UUA Presidency at this time. It was hard to turn them down. I had already been planning to bring my parish ministry in Dallas to an end in 2009, and my congregation was well prepared to support this next step in my career. They have been wonderfully supportive of my candidacy and have taken all the right steps to continue their tradition of excellence in ministry. This was the context that enabled me to run.

Since I announced my candidacy, I have been heartened by early endorsements from lay leaders from around the country and ministers from many of our strongest congregations of all sizes. A full list of endorsers is planned for posting on this web site the week after Easter 08. A few statements by early endorsers and a partial list of supporters are already up on this site.

You can view my growing list of supporters here >>>
You can read personal endorsements of my candidacy here>>>

Update - April 7, 2008 -  I hope you will check back frequently as the list of supporters is now updated weekly, and so are text and video endorsements.   If you are among my supporters and would like to add your name to this website, complete and return one of my I SUPPORT LAUREL cards which authorizes the use of your name for this purpose.  You can pick them up at any district meeting this month, or download, print and send the form from the website  Either way,  I look forward to hearing from you.