The Fourth International UU Women’s Convocation took place in Kolozsvár (Cluj), Romania, September 5-8, 2024. This gathering, organized by the International Convocation of UU Women (ICUUW), brought together almost 200 people from Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. All presentations were in either English or Hungarian, with simultaneous translation available in the other language.

One keynote speaker was Dr. Maureen Porter, an anthropologist of education at the University of Pittsburgh, also a talented weaver, who showed us how we can weave a network of mutual support and understanding among women around the world.

Another keynote speaker was the award-winning Hungarian journalist Hesna Al Ghaoui. A former foreign editor, reporter and a war correspondent for the Hungarian Television, Hesna talked about fear, how it affects us and how we can address and use it. Her new book is called Fear Bravely.

A panel of Romanian women entrepreneurs talked about their journeys. There was worship every morning and engaging cultural presentations in the evenings. We were all invited to attend the annual meeting of UNOSZ, the Hungarian Women’s Association, which also co-sponsored the Convocation.

Each day offered opportunities for small group conversations. In Chalice Circles, we talked about what we found most interesting and/or challenging in presentations and interactions each day. In Global Sisters Groups, we searched for ways to work for justice.

Many women were glad to learn about the 400-year history of Unitarianism in Hungary and in the Hungarian-speaking area of Romania (Transylvania). Pre- and post-Convocation tours allowed many participants to visit historic Unitarian sites in Transylvania.

As with the previous three ICUUW Convocations, justice work at this one focused on what is most important for the women of the host location. Our Unitarian sisters in Romania are close to a war zone, so much of the discussion centered on war and peace and how to support refugees. Since the war in Ukraine began, ICUUW has funneled more than $200,000 in U. S. contributions to a Cluj-based organization called Gondviselés Segélyszervezet (in English: Providence Charity Organization), which has worked with refugees and also taken food, medicine and other supplies into war zones. It was fascinating to hear from the leaders of Providence, including the family from Odessa who settled in Cluj to help direct the work. We were moved by the beautiful singing of a choral group from the Ukraine. Much of the Global Sisters discussion focused on how we can continue to work with refugees. A closing statement was crafted, asking how women can help the world find peace.

ICUUW was founded following the first International Convocation in Houston, Texas in 2009, and there were Convocations in Romania (2012) and in California (2017). The Fifth Convocation will take place in 4 or 5 years; we will be looking for a location where UU women can match the eager collaboration given by the Romanian women.

Rev. Carol Huston

New York City