Sabbatical – Philippines

Congregational Journey Contact Form

This is an opportunity to learn about Unitarian Universalism in the Philippines in both a rural and an urban context, and to engage in skills-sharing and community building with colleagues of the UU Church of the Philippines (UUCP).  Explore how Unitarian Universalism exists and functions in the cultural context of the Philippines, in an environment in which few members have economic privilege. Discover what it can mean for you (and perhaps your congregation) to be in ‘spiritual solidarity’ with Filipino UUs.

General Outline

The staff and leaders of the UUCP seek to further develop their skills in effective ministry  and have identified these specific areas:

  • Nurturance of the UU faith through teaching and articulation of theological concepts
  • Youth and Young Adult Ministry
  • Project development, management and community work
  • Church administration, leadership and financial management

Experienced UU ministers and DREs are invited to apply to spend anywhere from three weeks to four months with the UUCP, providing skill development in these and other areas for approximately 20-hours per week. Contexts will include worship services, traditional classes and less formal discussion groups. The unique skills that a successful applicant brings to this ministry will also be integrated.
The organizing and implementing body for this program is the UU Church of the Philippines’ Religious Education Committee. The UUCP will provide sabbatical program participants with housing and local transportation. Other expenses will be the responsibility of the applicant, with some financial assistance available from the UU College of Social Justice on request.

Location

The primary location for this opportunity is Dumaguete City, though travel to other locations in-country is possible and encouraged. The length of stay is variable according to your needs, with a minimum of three weeks and a maximum stay of four months. Specific dates must be arranged with our partners. The UU Church of the Philippines provides a small apartment for visiting religious leaders, which is attached to the UUCP Headquarters.

Resources

In order to learn more about the Philippines and our UU congregations there, we recommend the resources listed below.

In Our Image, by Stanley Karnow

Maglipay Universalist, by Rev. Fred Muir; a book on UUism in the Philippines

UUA blogs about the UU Church of the Philippines

UUCSJ’s Study Guide, a resource for cross-cultural engagement

For more information about this placement, contact Eric Cherry, Director of the UUA International Office.

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Heather Vickery is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with UU congregations, State Action Networks, past UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ) program participants, and regional staff in order to expand engagement in UUSC and UUCSJ’s work. As the Coordinator for Congregational Activism, she manages the workshop offerings and group visits to the UUSC/UUCSJ office and assists with communications for the Activism and Justice Education Team. Heather is an active member of the Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network and a dedicated dog-mom to her rescue puppy Nova.

Heather may be contacted at hvickery@uucsj.org and 617-301-4303