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Unitarian Universalists of Basel
In 2010, prompted by a series of unlikely events and conversations, I pulled together a handful of people and planted a new UU fellowship in Basel, Switzerland. There was no place in this historically Catholic and Protestant region for people of liberal religious values to gather in spiritual community, and yet people were searching and longing for this place, so it had to be done.
In starting this congregation, I was very intentional to create a foundational system that would not be dependent on one person for ongoing leadership. It had to be flexible enough to allow for natural democratic process and evolution, while also having a framework to help it stay consistent to its mission, purpose, and connected to tradition and our global siblings in faith. I was the president for the first 5 years, and then left to attend seminary.
This entirely volunteer-led congregation has been instrumental in providing leadership for the European UU Region, participating in local, regional and global activities for faith and justice. UU Basel models true multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-faith community, bringing people from staggeringly diverse backgrounds together in worship and shared values. It is known in the region as a welcoming, caring congregation that attracts members, visitors and high-profile speakers from great distances.
My role there now is as an observer, providing worship, resources, workshops and leadership support only when invited as a consulting minister. I keep my distance because, as a founding member, I know my presence could impact current leadership and system dynamics, so am conscious of maintaining healthy boundaries, but cannot help but be so proud of who they have become.
2016 Recommendation Letter
I have had the opportunity to watch Lara bring her skills and commitment to the development of a new UU Fellowship in Basel, Switzerland. Lara's leadership with this community has helped them hold on to realistic goals as well as visionary dreams. Year after year the Fellowship improves its program and outreach, and adapts to the challenges that a small/new Fellowship necessarily faces. Lara has remained non-anxious and optimistic throughout. And, has an awareness of the ways that professional boundaries impact her changing role in that community.
Rev. Eric M. Cherry, Director UUA International Resources Office
In starting this congregation, I was very intentional to create a foundational system that would not be dependent on one person for ongoing leadership. It had to be flexible enough to allow for natural democratic process and evolution, while also having a framework to help it stay consistent to its mission, purpose, and connected to tradition and our global siblings in faith. I was the president for the first 5 years, and then left to attend seminary.
This entirely volunteer-led congregation has been instrumental in providing leadership for the European UU Region, participating in local, regional and global activities for faith and justice. UU Basel models true multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-faith community, bringing people from staggeringly diverse backgrounds together in worship and shared values. It is known in the region as a welcoming, caring congregation that attracts members, visitors and high-profile speakers from great distances.
My role there now is as an observer, providing worship, resources, workshops and leadership support only when invited as a consulting minister. I keep my distance because, as a founding member, I know my presence could impact current leadership and system dynamics, so am conscious of maintaining healthy boundaries, but cannot help but be so proud of who they have become.
2016 Recommendation Letter
I have had the opportunity to watch Lara bring her skills and commitment to the development of a new UU Fellowship in Basel, Switzerland. Lara's leadership with this community has helped them hold on to realistic goals as well as visionary dreams. Year after year the Fellowship improves its program and outreach, and adapts to the challenges that a small/new Fellowship necessarily faces. Lara has remained non-anxious and optimistic throughout. And, has an awareness of the ways that professional boundaries impact her changing role in that community.
Rev. Eric M. Cherry, Director UUA International Resources Office
