Our ICUUW has been longing to develop close and lasting relationships with the UU women in the Philippines. I was planning to visit the Philippines this spring and was hoping to deepen some connections with UU women while there but sadly needed to postpone my trip. However, the desire to reach out to our women friends in the Philippines remained and the Membership Committee hatched a plan to send our greetings via a video to the Annual Conference of their UU Women’s Association (UUWA) which met in Dumaguete on March 7-8. Participating in the video were Renee Hills, Tina Huesing, Julie Steinbach, Rev. Maggie Yenoki and me, Lee.
The theme of the UUWA’s gathering was “Women in All Sectors, A Bright Future Ahead.” Some of the activities included a keynote speech stressing the important roles of women inside the family and in the wider community, an activity of “weaving women’s stories”, information about women’s rights and reproductive health, reflections on “global women who matter”, reports on activities of various UU women throughout the year, a discussion of ways to generate income to sustain UUWA programs, conversations about ways to take on leadership roles in the national church, a talent show, a discussion of the UUWA budget and leadership, and a ceremony of appreciation for the Rev. Rebecca Quimada Sienes.
Rev. Jessa Belimac, UUWA Coordinator, has written an excellent report of the UUWA conference.
Many of us have been following with great concern the legal problems that have befallen Rev. Rebecca Sienes, the past president of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP). She has been accused of financially supporting a terrorist organization. Rebecca’s tireless work on behalf of the women of the Philippines is legendary and she is deeply appreciated for her efforts. Rev. Elvie Sienes, her daughter-in-law and a friend of ICUUW, has kept us aware of Rebecca’s case. A few weeks ago Elvie shared an update regarding Rebecca’s current situation:
Regarding Mom’s case, the lawyers said that the case will drag on for a year or two.
The last hearing was allotted to the prosecution team for their presentation of witnesses. The court has scheduled three additional hearings. Honestly, I am anxious and worried about whether we will be able to sustain the legal expenses if this goes on for more than a year.
Mom’s health is deteriorating significantly … She just celebrated her 77th birthday on March 5. She always says, ‘I’m tired.’