 When I stumbled upon Unitarian Universalism in 2002, I was a college student struggling with my faith. Upon entering the doors of First Unitarian Church in Dallas, I felt welcomed. Rev. Dr. Laurel Hallman was actively involved in welcoming me as a newcomer and co-teaching my
Roots class. I was touched that such a busy woman, with such a large congregation, was able to make time to speak to me and encourage my growing liberal faith.
Without Laurel Hallman, I might not be a Unitarian Universalist, and I might not be entering the ministry. Such passion for our faith, as well as the organizational ability to bring people together, is what our denomination desperately needs.
I fully support Laurel Hallman's candidacy for president of the UUA.
Christina Leone is a seminary student at Meadville-Lombard Theological School. She is the first recipient of the Spencer and Susan Lavan Scholarship for Excellence. Christina was an active member at First Unitarian Church of Dallas from 2002-2004. She was also active at Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church in Memphis, Tennessee from 2004-2008, where she served as R.E. committee chair, part-time interim DRE, OWL educator, lay worship leader, and began a young adult group. She currently leads worship for monthly young adult Soulful Sundown services at First Unitarian Society of Chicago and is the Religious Education Assistant at Third Unitarian Church of Chicago. |
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 April 2008 - An open letter to all congregations:
I write to request you nominate Rev. Dr. Laurel Hallman to be a candidate for President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). UUA policy requires a potential candidate be nominated by at least five congregations from five different districts. Your nomination will accknowledge she is qualified to be a candidate for this office.
Laurel has been the Senior Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas since 1987. She was my minister from that time until my wife, Lori, and I moved to Nashua, NH in 1998. Laurel married Lori and me and she dedicated both of our children, Andrea and Grant. I worked with Laurel in my various roles as a lay leader at the Dallas church: chair of the Membership Committee, Vice President, President, numerous canvasses, and a memorable campaign to fund and |
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While in law school, I attended a mid-size congregation led by Reverend Laurel Hallman. I appreciated the intentional ministry Reverend Hallman offered to young adults; she modeled congregational leadership which spoke well to the wide-range of ages and diversity within our liberal religious community. The depth of Reverend Hallman's sermons, her humor, spiritual direction, and sense of justice were part of the inspiration which led me to pursue ministry. Her leadership and encouragement sparked me to become a pioneering |
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 Laurel is a terrific leader who works in a collaborative fashion that makes partners of those she leads. She is extremely bright and inspiring speaker and preacher. Her sense of humor helps diffuse tense moments in meetings and makes people comfortable.
Jane Makela
GA-2008 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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 Laurel Hallman is uniquely ready to lead the Unitarian Universalist Association with skill, experience, poise, and passion . She brings definitive leadership skills, experience with groups dealing with change and with conflict, an ability to articulate our Unitarian Universalist faith in ways that inspire others, and a terrific sense of humor.
I endorse her candidacy with enthusiasm for her many talents.
Rev. Dr. Marcia Marino
Consulting Minister
United Unitarian & Universalist Society
Mukwonago, WI |
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.jpg) Laurel will be an inspiring leader - her skills and gifts are needed to help continue and accelerate the forward momentum of our movement.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Associate Minister
Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship |
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 Laurel is a brilliant preacher! I always come away from services pondering more than I thought possible. Laurel is a brilliant collaborative leader. She is strong but subtle visionary yet practical and charismatic without being overbearing. Laurel has a great vision for growing our denomination.
Ed Mendez & Ray McQueen
GA-2008 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Rev. Marjorie and Duane Montgomery |
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I have been Laurel's colleague and friend here in the Southwest District since 1987. I saw what a visionary and beloved leader she is for the large, growing and vibrant Dallas First congregation. Her wisdom and serenity have been invaluable to ministers throughout the District. She will bring great strength and an affectionate spirit to our UUA as the next President.
She has my unqualified endorsement.
Rev. Marjorie Montgomery, Retired
Emerita Minister - First Jefferson UU Church, Fort Worth
As a member of Dallas First for many years, and one who drives 40 miles each way to be there, I have witnessed Laurel's organizational ability and stalwart leadership. She will be a very effective and inspiring leader for the UUA
Duane Montgomery
First Unitarian Church of Dallas
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 I stand with Laurel because of her position to invest in our youth and faith development curricula and her support of women’s rights.
Laura Nagel
GA-2008 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
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She will provide outstanding leadership with spiritual depth, institutional vision and prophetic reach.
Rev. Bill Neely
GA-2008 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Endorsements
Click here to download the Congregation Nomination Form. Please have your church complete and file the nomination.