"I’m sure the founders of this faith and the founders of this church could not have imagined the world of today. But they gave us a way of thinking about religion, a way of embodying religion; they gave us a place to be religious together that is needed more than ever, in our pluralistic world. They knew then, as we know now, that our churches need to be strong and healthy not only to survive, but to be a vital presence where we will be so needed, for many years to come."

-Laurel Hallman, Janurary 6th, 2008

Dateline Dallas, Texas on January 6th, 2008, the Reverend Dr. Laurel Hallman spoke to the congregation of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas in a special session between Sunday morning services to announce her candidacy for UUA President. In a six and a half minute speech to the multi-generational packed-house, Hallman outlined key points of the church's 108 year history of liberal religious presence and social justice that have made, and continue to make, the church a very unique place in this bible-belt community. Noting the need for UU churches is ever greater now she said:

"I’m sure the founders of this faith and the founders of this church could not have imagined the world of today. But they gave us a way of thinking about religion, a way of embodying religion; they gave us a place to be religious together that is needed more than ever, in our pluralistic world. They knew then, as we know now, that our churches need to be strong and healthy not only to survive, but to be a vital presence where we will be so needed, for many years to come."

Hallman closed her speech with an appreciation to the church members for the many things they have done and the important things they have taught her in her twenty year tenure.

"Because this congregation has taught me it is more important to be effective -- working alongside others in common-cause to create real change-- than it is to stand on the outside complaining to each other.

When I think of all that I have learned here in this church about how to be strong and effective and faithful; looking at what we want to become long-term and figuring out how to get there; remembering how deeply we are needed in the world for our open-hearted, open-minded faith; I have but one choice - to want the exact same things for our larger Association of Free Congregations.

Because of you, because of who you are and what you have bravely created here, I have but one choice.

Dr. Laurel Hallman by Jennifer

Today I say for the first time publicly: I am a candidate for the office of President of the Unitarian Universalist Association.” The 400 member crowd enthusiastically endorsed Dr. Hallman's declaration with a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. Afterwards, they rushed to shake her hand and offer support for her in candidacy for UUA President. Hallman has been an active UU since the late 1960's, an ordained UU minister since 1981 and the Senior Minister at First Unitarian of Dallas for twenty years.