International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)
After participating in a European-wide Unitarian Development conference in Kolosvar, Romania (Transylvania) in 2012, I was invited by the ICUU Executive Committee to fill a mid-term vacancy as member-at-Large, and was subsequently elected to serve two further terms in an Officer role as Secretary. Leadership in this global umbrella organization for Unitarians, Unitarian Universalists and associated free religious groups brought me into connection with congregations and faith leaders in more than 20 countries. Some are small, emerging groups, just finding their way and others with histories and traditions going back 450 years. My understanding of my UU faith and our tradition will forever be influenced and enriched by the experiences I have had through my leadership and ministry in the ICUU.
The stories and voices of people I call friends and colleagues in the Philippines, Transylvania, Japan, Kenia, Burundi, India, Indonesia, will forever shape my vision of who we are in the world, and who we may yet become. Leadership in this context is about making space for complex cultural and theological differences. while seeking ways to effectively communicate and develop resources and systems to further the mission of the ICUU.
The mission of the ICUU, “To empower existing and emerging member groups to sustain and grow our global faith community.” is dear to my heart. Arriving at this statement took many, many hours of collaborative and deliberative process, consulting with member groups around the world, workshops at council meetings, special retreats focused on the purpose, mission, history and future of the organization, and then, finally, crafting just the right words to capture it all. Beyond the words, though, is the work itself of bringing our life-affirming and saving message of Unitarian Universalism to truly impact our world.
2016 Recommendation Letter
I've known Lara Fuchs for approximately 5 years. During that time she has served in a variety of leadership roles in the global UU movement. I've especially appreciated the service she has provided to the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists as a member of their Executive Committee. Her ICUU EC service has required close attention to complex realities, and she has often demonstrated reliable intercultural competence in very challenging circumstances. Her interpersonal skills are a notable asset. And, she brings a great deal of knowledge and personal experience that are relevant to organizational development. ICUU is a stronger organization because of the commitment that Lara has brought to their work.
Rev. Eric M Cherry, UUA Director International Resources Office
The stories and voices of people I call friends and colleagues in the Philippines, Transylvania, Japan, Kenia, Burundi, India, Indonesia, will forever shape my vision of who we are in the world, and who we may yet become. Leadership in this context is about making space for complex cultural and theological differences. while seeking ways to effectively communicate and develop resources and systems to further the mission of the ICUU.
The mission of the ICUU, “To empower existing and emerging member groups to sustain and grow our global faith community.” is dear to my heart. Arriving at this statement took many, many hours of collaborative and deliberative process, consulting with member groups around the world, workshops at council meetings, special retreats focused on the purpose, mission, history and future of the organization, and then, finally, crafting just the right words to capture it all. Beyond the words, though, is the work itself of bringing our life-affirming and saving message of Unitarian Universalism to truly impact our world.
2016 Recommendation Letter
I've known Lara Fuchs for approximately 5 years. During that time she has served in a variety of leadership roles in the global UU movement. I've especially appreciated the service she has provided to the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists as a member of their Executive Committee. Her ICUU EC service has required close attention to complex realities, and she has often demonstrated reliable intercultural competence in very challenging circumstances. Her interpersonal skills are a notable asset. And, she brings a great deal of knowledge and personal experience that are relevant to organizational development. ICUU is a stronger organization because of the commitment that Lara has brought to their work.
Rev. Eric M Cherry, UUA Director International Resources Office
