In March, the Peace Corps is established.

In April, US attempts overthrow of Fidel Castro in Bay of Pigs invasion.

In May, "Freedom Riders" – more than 1000 black and white volunteers recruited by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) – test new laws against segregation in interstate travel.

Also in May, Vice President Lyndon Johnson visits Saigon. South Vietnam has been defeating North Vietnam in battle. First use of Agent Orange herbicide occurs this year.

In August, the Berlin Wall is built.

In September, Hurricane Carla hits Houston (category 4 at landfall, strongest ever to hit Texas at the time).

In October, President Kennedy recognizes the Army's "Green Beret" counterinsurgency troops and sends them to Vietnam. In December, first official US ground troops arrive in Vietnam.

On December 15, Adolf Eichmann is convicted in Israel for his involvement in the Holocaust.

Late in the year, the Soviet Union begins shipping nuclear missiles to Cuba.

Joseph Heller publishes Catch 22.

The Marshall Plan expires.

Also in Boston in May, the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) is formed. It is conceived as part of the UUA.

The Unitarian and Universalist Churches of the Larger Fellowship merge.

IARF Congress in Davos, Switzerland.

In May, Project Mercury astronaut orbits the Earth three times.

In June, Adolf Eichmann is hanged.

Also in June, Students for a Democratic Society issue the Port Huron Statement against racial inequality and the Cold War.

In October, the United States blockades Cuba and demands removal of Soviet missiles.

In November, a Senate committee visits Saigon; Senator Mike Mansfield (D-Montana), majority leader, reports back to President Kennedy that US aid to South Vietnam is being wasted.

Also in November, the first use of the term "personal computer."

Rachel Carson publishes Silent Spring.

George Wallace, new governor of Alabama, declares in his inaugural address "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever."

Also in January, first Disco opens in Los Angeles.

In March, the Supreme Court decides in Gideon v Wainwright that state courts are required to provide legal counsel to the poor.

In April, Martin Luther King Jr. issues his "Letter from Birmingham Jail."

In May, "Bull" Connor turns dogs and firehoses on civil rights demonstrators in Birmingham, arresting thousands.

In June, Vietnamese Buddhist monks protest the repressive policies of the Diem government. Several immolate themselves.

Also in June, Medgar Evers is murdered in Jackson MS.

In July, ZIP codes are introduced.

In August, Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his "I Have A Dream" speech.

On November 1, South Vietnamese Prime Minister Diem is overthrown in a US-supported coup.

On November 22, President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas.

Betty Friedan publishes The Feminine Mystique.

Stanley Milgram publishes "Behavioral Study of Obedience" in the Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology

In Britain, first broadcast of Doctor Who.

Unitarian Women's Alliance and Association of Universalist Women merge to form Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation.

GA in Chicago: "The Free Church in a Changing World." Ware Lecturer: F. S. C. Northrop.

In January, President Lyndon Johnson declares "War on Poverty."

In April, New York World's Fair opens.

In July, Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlaws segregation in schools and public accommodations.

In July and August, "race riots" occur in New York City, Rochester NY, Jersey City NJ, Paterson NJ, Elizabeth NJ, Chicago and Philadelphia.

In August, the "Gulf of Tonkin incident" occurs and the Gulf of Tonkin resolution is passed.

In September, the Warren Commission report, on President Kennedy's assassination, is published.

In October, President Johnson makes "Great Society" speech in Madison Square Garden in New York. Also, Berkeley Free Speech Movement begins.

In December, Martin Luther King Jr. wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

After serving under Robert McNamara in the Pentagon, committed cold warrior and former RAND Corporation employee Daniel Ellsberg begins two years of service in Vietnam. He becomes convinced the war cannot be won.

Kenneth Patton accepts call to Ridgewood NJ congregation, continuing to commute to Boston to serve the Charles Street Meeting House.

The UUA terminates funding to Canton Theological School at St. Lawrence University and Crane Theological School at Tufts University.

Canton Theological School at St. Lawrence University is closed, and the St. Lawrence Foundation for Theological Education created with its assets.

IARF Congress in The Hague; Eastern European Unitarians attend.

GA in San Francisco: "The Greatest Experience (to offer the real founders of a new world a home where they will be on their own terms)" Joseph Fisher becomes Moderator. Ware Lecturer: Linus Pauling.

In February, polls show 80% support of US involvement in Vietnam, and 70% support of Johnson's policies.

Also in February, Malcolm X is assassinated.

In March, the Selma to Montogomery voting rights march takes place.

Also in March, Operation Rolling Thunder begins more than three years of nearly continuous air raids in Vietnam. First American combat troops arrive in Vietnam.

In April, students protest in Washington against the bombing.

Also in April, first commercial communications satellite goes into service. New York World's Fair opens for a second 6-month season. US troops are sent to the Dominican Republic.

In May, a Vietnam "teach-in" is broadcast nationally in the US.

In July, Medicare and Medicaid are created.

In August, the Watts Riot occurs in Los Angeles.

In November, the first major battle between US troops and the North Vietnamese army; first use of B-52 bombers in Vietnam.

In December, the New York Times reports that bombing is ineffective against North Vietnamese supply lines.

War between India and Pakistan.

GA in Boston: "An Essential Past...An Unlimited Future" Dana Greeley re-elected President (opposing candidate: John Ogden Fisher). Ware Lecturer: Harry D. Gideonse.

In February, Walter Lippman criticizes President Johnson's Vietnam policy ("Gestures, propaganda, public relations and bombing and more bombing will not work.") and predicts the war will divide the country.

In March, South Vietnamese Buddhists begin violent campaign to oust Prime Minister Ky. Buddhists monks immolate themselves in May.

On March 26, anti-war protests are held in New York, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and San Francisco.

In April, a hydrogen bomb "lost" off the coast of Spain in a US Air Force refueling accident and discovered by a DSV Alvin submarine, is successfully raised and recovered intact.

In May, Sea-Land Service begins shipping supplies from the US to Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam, the first US military use of container shipping and a significant expansion of the container shipping industry. Empty containers in Vietnam were returned to the US via Japan to make the return trip profitable, increasing the flow of Japanese goods to the US. It is a significant early step away from America's oligopolistic, mass-production-based and private-sector-planned economy, toward globalization (development of worldwide supply chains).

In June, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is founded.

On June 4, a 3-page anti-war ad appears in the New York Times, signed by teachers and professors.

On June 13, the US Supreme Court announces its Miranda decision.

Also in June, France withdraws from NATO.

During the period from July through September, riots occur in Chicago, Cleveland, San Francisco and Waukegan IL, and Atlanta.

In August, the Beatles play their last concert. Their "studio years" begin.

In November, Edward Brooke of MA becomes first black US Senator since Reconstruction.

CORE issues a report stating that the burden of the Vietnam War draft falls on minorities and the poor.

Daniel Ellsberg returns from Vietnam; returns to RAND Corporation.

GA in Hollywood FL: "Creative Use of Controversy" Ware Lecturer: Martin Luther King Jr.

Freedom of Information Act takes effect.

In January, Operation Cedar Falls occurs to root out the NLF from their "Iron Triangle" sanctuary 25 miles from Saigon. The NLF does not fight, but "melts away into the jungle," and later returns and reestablishes itself.

Also in January, segregationist Lester Maddox becomes Governor of Georgia.

And in January, Super Bowl I.

From February through May, the largest US offensive of the war occurs.

In April, Martin Luther King Jr. criticizes the Vietnam War.

"Summer of Love" – in San Francisco, over 100,000 young people converge on the city's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, bringing the counterculture movement to public awareness (by living it).

In June, Monterey Pop Festival and Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" broadcast.

In June and July, riots occur in Boston, Tampa, Buffalo NY, Cairo IL, Durham NC, Memphis, Newark and Plainfield NJ, Cambridge MD, Detroit and Milwaukee.

In July, the British Parliament decriminalizes homosexuality.

In August, Defense Secretary McNamara testifies to Congress that bombing is ineffective in Vietnam. California Governor Ronald Reagan advocates bombing a wider range of targets.

Also in August, Thurgood Marshall becomes the first black Justice of the US Supreme Court.

In November, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is created.

Also in November, UN Security Council Resolution 242 is adopted.

In December, the world's first heart transplant is performed by Christian Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Pentagon begins a top-secret study of classified documents about the conduct of the Vietnam War; these will become known as the Pentagon Papers. As a Vietnam expert, Daniel Ellsberg is invited to participate in the study.

Ken Patton's Services and Songs for the Celebration of Life is published by Beacon Press.

GA in Denver: "Responding to a Revolutionary Age" Ware Lecturer: Saul Alinsky.

Also in January, the "Prague Spring" (political liberalization) begins in Czechoslovakia.

And, Laugh-In debuts.

On February 1, South Vietnamese General Nguyen Ngoc Loan publicly executes NLF officer in Saigon. Eddie Adams's photograph of the act is widely published and wins a 1969 Pulitzer Prize.

In February, the ancient imperial capital of Hue is destroyed in the Battle of Hue.

Also in February, students are killed by police during a segregation protest in Orangeburg SC.

In March, the My Lai massacre occurs.

Also in March, Congress repeals the requirement for gold reserves to back US currency.

On March 31, President Johnson announces that he will not seek re-election.

On April 4, Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated. Riots follow in Washington DC, Chicago, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Louisville.

In April, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibits racial discrimination in housing.

In May, North Vietnam begins the second phase of the Tet Offensive.

On June 5, Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated.

In July, the Glenville Shootout occurs in Cleveland.

In August, North Vietnam begins the third and last phase of the Tet Offensive.

Also in August, the Warsaw Pact countries invade Czechoslovakia.

Also in August, the Democratic National Convention roils as Chicago police beat anti-war demonstrators outside. CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite calls Chicago a "police state." The occasion was an "alternative convention" staged by young activists at Lincoln Park, characterized later by Abbie Hoffman: "... we had no intention of marching on the Convention hall, ... I didn't particularly think that politics in America could be changed by marches and rallies, ... what we were presenting was an alternative life style, and we hoped that people of Chicago would come up, and mingle in Lincoln Park and see what we were about."

Operation Rolling Thunder ends in October.

Yale announces it is going co-ed.

In February, Black Affairs Council (BAC) is formed in Chicago at the insistence of BUUC. Its program, aimed at "black power," appears segregationist to many. UUA bylaws required that affiliates refrain from race/color-based segregation.

In May, Black and White Alternative, later called Black and White Action (BAWA), is formed in New York City. Its program is avowedly anti-segregationist.

Crane Theological School at Tufts University is closed.

GA in Cleveland OH: "Determining Our Priorities" Proposal to fund both BAC and BAWA was defeated, making clear that a leadership struggle was underway. The Assembly votes to fund BAC. In August, the UUA Board grants affiliate status to BAWA; many saw this as defiance of the will of the Assembly. Ware Lecturer: Carl Stokes.

In January, Richard Nixon becomes President. Paris peace talks on Vietnam War begin.

In February and March, secret bombing of Cambodia occurs. Cambodia's Prince Norodom Sihanouk permits it.

Also in February, the US Supreme court rules that the First Amendment applies to public schools (Tinker v Des Moines Independent Community School District).

In March, the My Lai massacre becomes public knowledge in the US. "Vietnamization" policy is developed.

Also in March, Golda Meir becomes Prime Minister of Israel.

On March 20th, a grand jury indicts eight men who were protesters outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, Lee Weiner, Bobby Seale) on charges of conspiracy. Charges against Bobby Seale are severed during the course of the trial (Seale was bound and gagged and chained to his chair at one point on Judge Julius Hoffman's order), and the trial became known as the "Chicago Seven Trial."

In June, the Stonewall Riot occurs in New York City.

Also in June, John Lennon and Yoko Ono hold "bed-in" for peace in a Montreal hotel.

And in June, the Weathermen take conrol of Students for a Democratic Society. Their mission is the violent overthrow of the US government; they bomb US government buildings.

In July, a "race riot" occurs in York PA.

Also in July, Apollo 11 astronauts land on the moon.

In August, the Woodstock Festival concert.

Also in August, the Manson gang murders.

On September 24, the "Chicago Seven" trial begins. The defendents treat it as a platform for expressing anti-war, anti-imperialist, anti-establishment views, talking of "the revolution" and engaging in theatrics. They confront directly Judge Julius Hoffman's insensitive and high-handed conduct. Celebrity witnesses testified, including Phil Ochs, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, Norman Mailer, Allen Ginsburg, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Timothy Leary. The trial itself becomes occasion for social protests. The National Guard was called in for crowd control duty.

Ho Chi Minh dies on September 2.

Also in September, the first automatic teller (ATM) is installed in a bank branch in Rockville Centre NY. And in Britain, the first broadcast of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

In November, Nixon announces the "Vietnamization" policy.

Also in November, the premiere of Sesame Street. And Apollo 12 lands on the moon.

Vietnam draft begins.

IARF Congress in Boston.

GA in Boston: "Encounter With Change" Robert West elected President of the UUA (opposing candidates: Aron Gilmartin, Phil Larson, Deane Starr, John Ogden Fisher, Victor Jokel, J. Harold Hadley). Perhaps the larger tensions of this GA contribute to this field of candidates being called "the seven dwarfs." Proposal to fund both BAC and BAWA is placed late on the GA agenda; many saw this as an attempt to have the vote after most BAC supporters had gone home. BAC announced it would withdraw from the UUA if BAWA were funded. Efforts to move the vote earlier on the agenda were defeated. BAC supporters quietly began to leave. Jack Mendelsohn called this to the Assembly's attention and announced he would convene a meeting at Arlington Street Church; about 400 followed him (and called themselves "the moral caucus"). They later returned; the Assembly voted to fund BAC and not BAWA. Ware Lecturer: Martin Marty.

On February 18, "Chicago Seven" defendents were found not guilty of conspiracy, but five were convicted of crossing state lines with the intent to incite a riot (violation of the 1968 Civil Rights Act).

In March, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty takes effect.

On April 22, the first Earth Day.

In April, Apollo 13.

In May, Kent State shootings and riots in New York City and Augusta GA.

In July, riot in Asbury Park NJ.

In August, National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and North Vietnamese leader Le Duc Tho begin secret peace talks.

In September, Palestinian terrorists hijack four planes.

In October, Cambodia's Prince Norodom Sihanouk is ousted. Lon Nol succeeds him.

Also in October, PBS begins broadcasting (taking over from the National Educational Television – NET – network, which had been formed in November 1952).

Also in October, "Doonesbury" debuts in newspapers.

In December, the Environmental Protection Agency opens.

BAC disaffiliates from UUA. Over the next quarter century, the UUA would become less and less integrated, and more and more pained by the reality of its being a white, upper middle-class movement in a profoundly diverse world.

Richard Beal visits Transylvania.

GA in Seattle: "Dynamics of Diversity" Ware Lecturer: Rollo May.

In January, cigarette advertisements are banned from radio and television in the US.

In February, Apollo 14 lands on the moon.

In March, Weather Underground explodes a bomb in a men's room in the US Capitol.

In Washington DC, May Day protests. Also in May, Amtrak begins intercity passenger service in the US. And, first broadcast of NPR's "All Things Considered."

In June, the New York Times begins publishing the Pentagon Papers. The Washington Post publishes a series of articles on the material. The Supreme Court ruled that the newspapers had the right to print the material under the First Amendment. The "White House Plumbers" break into Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office.

Also in June, Southwest Airlines begins operating.

In July, 26th Amendment is ratified, lowering the US voting age to 18.

Also in July, Apollo 15 lands on the moon. First use of "lunar rover" vehicle.

In August, riots in Camden NJ.

In September, Attica Prison riot in Attica NY.

In September, Army Lt. William Calley is convicted of premeditated murder in My Lai massacre court-martial trial.

In October, Disney World opens in Florida.

Also in October, the UN admits China and expels Taiwan.

In September, two US Defense Department intelligence agents visit Beacon Press to pressure them not to publish; President Nixon also called and threatened.

In October, Beacon Press publishes The Pentagon Papers.

In November, the FBI begins investigating UUA finances.

IARF Congress; Eastern European Unitarians attend..

GA in Washington DC: "Tomorrow Is Now" Ware Lecturer: Alvin Toffler.

In April, Apollo 16 lands on the moon.

In June, the "White House Plumbers" break into Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate hotel complex in Washington DC.

Also in June, the US Supreme Court rules that capital punishment is unconstitutional.

On June 29, the US Supreme Court ruled that Senator Mike Gravel's aide could be questioned by a grand jury about the Pentagon Papers leak, because it had nothing to do with legislative business and therefore the aide had no immunity. Justice William O. Douglas dissented: "The story of the Pentagon Papers is a chronicle of suppression of vital decisions to protect the reputations and political hides of men who worked an amazingly successful scheme of deception on the American people. … here the government, not the press, is lawless." Justice William Rehnquist voted with the majority.

In July, the first Rainbow Gathering.

On November 21, US Appeals Court, 7th Circuit, reversed the convictions of the five "Chicago Seven" defendents, on the grounds that the judge was biased. Contempt charges against all the defendents and their attorneys were overturned. The US Justice Dept. decided not to retry the case against the five; the contempt charges were retried, some convictions confirmed, but no sentence given.

In December, Apollo 17 lands on the moon. It is the last Apollo mission.

The first e-mail program is developed for ARPANET.

In July, Beacon Press lost the case. Beacon appealed, and the case was in federal courts through 1974.

IARF Congress in Heidelberg. CUC becomes full member of IARF (International Association for Religious Freedom).

GA in Dallas: "Affirm One Another" Ware Lecturer: Malvina Reynolds.

In January, Paris Peace Accords are signed, establishing a cease fire in Vietnam. In the US, conscription ends.

Also in January, the Supreme Court decides in favor of abortion rights in Roe v. Wade.

In March, last American troops leave Vietnam.

Also in March, 71-day standoff between federal authorities and the American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee SD begins.

In April, LexisNexis computerized legal research service begins. And, New York's World Trade Center officially opens.

In May, a federal judge in Los Angeles declared a mistrial in the case against Daniel Ellsberg. Ellsberg had been indicted on felony charges for leaking the Pentagon Papers; evidence surfaced in his trial that the "White House Plumbers" had violated his constitutional rights by breaking into his psychiatrist's office and illegally wiretapping him.

Also in May, Sears Tower is completed in Chicago. And, Skylab space station is launched.

In July, Senate hearings on the 1969 secret bombing of Cambodia are held.

Also in July, US Drug Enforcement Administration is established.

In October, Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho win Nobel Peace Prize.

In November, Congress passes the War Powers Act over President Nixon's veto.

In December, the American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from the DSM-II.

Also in December, the Endangered Species Act is passed.

Richard A. Posner publishes The Economic Analysis of Law, arguing that efficiency should be a primary criterion for judging legislation.

In March, seven White House officials are indicted for involvement in the 1971 Watergate break-in.

In May, impeachment hearings begin against President Nixon.

Also in May, India successfully tests a nuclear bomb.

In July, the US Supreme Court unanimously rules that Nixon may not withhold his tape recordings of telephone conversations from the Watergate special prosecutor, who had subpoenaed them.

On August 5, the "smoking gun" tape is revealed. On August 9, Nixon resigns.

In November, the US Justice Dept. files an anti-trust suit against AT&T (decided in 1982).

The National Academy of Sciences publishes "The Effects of Herbicides in South Vietnam."

Stanley Milgram publishes Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View.

Beacon Press publishes Leo Pfeffer's God, Caesar, and the Constitution: the Court as referee of church-state confrontation.

GA in New York City: "Stone Soup: General Assembly is What We Bring" Ware Lecturer: Elliot Richardson.

In April, Saigon falls to the North Vietnamese. The last Americans evacuate. "Boat People" flee Vietnam in coming years.

Also in April, the Khmer Rouge take power in Cambodia, ousting Lon Nol.

Eugene Navias publishes Singing Our History (curriculum supplement for David Johnson's The Disagreements Which Unite Us).

GA in Minneapolis: "Seasoned by the Memory of Tomorrow" Commission on Appraisal reports that membership in the Association had declined since 1961. Ware Lecturer: John Beecher.

SATNET, packet satellite network, links US and Europe.

In July, New York City blackout and riot.

In September, Vietnam is admitted to the United Nations.

In December, Vietnam invades Cambodia.

US General Accounting Office issues report, "Use of Agent Orange in Vietnam."

On November 18, 909 members of Jim Jones's People's Temple died in Jonestown, Guyana, all but two from apparent poisoning in an event termed "revolutionary suicide" by Jones on an audio tape of the event. It was the greatest single loss of American civilian life in a non-natural disaster until September 11, 2001.

On November 27, Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk are murdered by City Supervisor Dan White. City Supervisor Diane Feinstein becomes acting mayor.

IARF Congress in Oxford, England.

GA in Boston: "Celebration, Communication, Community, Heritage, Social Responsibility" Ware Lecturer: Jean Mayer.

In January, Vietnam captures Phnom Penh.

In February, China invades Vietnam, later withdraws.

In May, "White Night" riot in San Francisco follows announcement of minimal sentence given to former City Supervisor Dan White.

On Christmas Day, the USSR invades Afghanistan.

Paul Carnes dies. Eugene Pickett becomes President of the UUA.

GA in East Lansing MI: "A Time To Grow...To Everything There Is A Season" Ware Lecturer: Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Ken Patton publishes Hymns of Humanity through Meeting House Press. It is dedicated to Vincent Silliman.

GA in Albuquerque: "Touching Our Heritage...Enriching Our Tomorrows" Ware Lecturer: LaDonna Harris.

GA in Philadelphia: "An Urban Experience" UUWF proposes an amendment to the UUA Bylaws article titled "Purposes." Ware Lecturer: Vernon Jordan.

In November, the Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated in Washington DC.

Hymns in New Form for Common Worship is published by the UUA's Commission on Common Worship (Christopher Gist Raible, ch., Carl Seaburg, sec., John Corrado, Til Evans, Frederick E. Gillis, Adrian Mak, Marjorie Montgomery, Christopher Moore, Lucy Nave, Clarke Dewey Wells).

GA in Brunswick ME: "Coming of Age" A hearing and discussions on the UUA "Purposes" result in a packet of study materials being mailed to all congregations. It includes a report on the hearing, and information about historical Unitarian and Universalist statements of beliefs or principles, and how the Unitarian and Universalist traditions were combined in the 1961 consolidation, and theological diversity in the movement, and the impact of feminist thought on UU theology, as well as discussion guides and a questionnaire to return to the committee that held the hearing. Ware Lecturer: May Sarton.

On January 1, TCP/IP becomes the core internet protocol.

In August, Hurrican Alicia hits Galveston and Houston.

In December, Congress votes to cap aid to the Nicaraguan Contras. Reagan administration officials seek funding in other ways.

GA in Vancouver BC: "L'Assemblee Generale" A report on the "Purposes" study process was given; further materials were sent to every congregation, including two draft statements of principles. Ware Lecturer: Thomas R. Berger.

National Science Foundation contracts with MCI to create NSFNET, a new T1-based backbone. CSNET continues alongside it.

In June, Congress rejects request for aid to the Nicaraguan Contras.

IARF Congress in Tokyo; first to be videotaped.

GA in Columbus OH: "Being Human in an Age of Technology" Amendment to the UUA Bylaws "Purposes" article is approved in first-round vote. Ware Lecturer: Dr. Helen Caldicott.

In July, President Reagan tells the American Bar Association that "America will never make concessions to terrorists."

On October 7, the cruise ship Achille Lauro is hijacked by Palestinian Liberation Front terrorists; the next day the highjackers murder American Leon Klinghoffer.

On October 22, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White committed suicide.

UUA Board forms Black Concerns Working Group.

GA in Atlanta: "Like the Phoenix Rising" Bill Schulz elected President of the UUA (opposing candidate: Sandra Caron). Natalie Gulbrandsen elected Moderator. Amendment to the UUA Bylaws "Purposes" article, "Principles and Purposes," gains final approval. Ware Lecturer: Shirley Chisholm.

In December, Congress begins investigation of Iran-Contra affair; independent counsel Lawrence Walsh is appointed.

UUA publishes feminist theology curriculum Cakes for the Queen of Heaven.

GA in Rochester NY: "Take Up the Song" Ware Lecturer: Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

In March, President Reagan publicly "takes full responsibility" for the Iran-Contra affair.

In May, Congress holds televised hearings on the Iran-Contra affair. Oliver North testifies in July. Hearings end August 3.

Riane Eisler publishes The Chalice and the Blade.

IARF Congress at Stanford University in CA; Judit Gellerd attends.

GA in Little Rock: "Faith of the Free" Ware Lecturer: Anthony Lewis.

CUC-wide discussions on "The Language of the Land" reflect on the Canadian context.

GA in Palm Springs CA: "Touch the Earth...Reach the Sky" Ware Lecturer: Robert Coles.

Also in February, last Soviet troops leave Afghanistan.

In May, Tiananmen Square demonstrations in Peking. China's government suppresses them by force on June 3.

In June, Solidarity wins elections in Poland.

Oliver North is sentenced to a fine plus community service in July.

In October, communism ends in Hungary.

In November, East Germany lifts travel restrictions; Germans dismantle the Berlin wall.

Also in November, the "Velvet Revolution" in Czechoslovakia: peaceful protests lead to the communist government renouncing its monopoly on political power.

In December, riots break out against Ceaucescu regime in Romania; on Dec. 22 the army ceases to support the government and marches on the Central Committee Building with civilian crowds at its side. after a hasty trial, President Nicolae Ceaucescu and his wife were summarily executed on Christmas Day.

UUA President Bill Schulz and Moderator Natalie Gulbrandsen visit Transylvania.

GA in New Haven: "Bend Toward Justice" Ware Lecturer: Sissela Bok.

Hypertext is implemented by CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) to serve the high-energy physics research community.

In February, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union agrees to give up its monopoly on power.

Also in February, the Bulgarian communist party relinquishes its claim to power.

In April, John Poindexter convicted in Iran-Contra affair and jailed. The conviction is reversed in November 1991.

In June, free elections are held in Bulgaria.

In October, East and West Germany are reunified.

CUC-wide discussions on "Our Common Future" (based on the Bruntland Report) prepare for global summit on the environment in Rio de Janiero.

IARF Congress in Hamburg. Post-conference tours to Eastern Europe follow; the choir of First Unitarian Church of Berkeley CA tours Transylvania.

GA in Milwaukee: "Sound the Chorus of Faith" Ware Lecturer: Schuyler Chapin.

In September, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania become independent.

In December, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics becomes the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Also in December, the US High Performance Computing Act (authored by Al Gore) becomes law; it creates the National Research and Education Network (NREN).

GA in Hollywood FL: "Speak to the Earth and It Shall Teach Thee" Ware Lecturer: Elizabeth Dodson Gray.

In September, Continental Congress of African American UUs is held in Philadelphia.

GA in Calgary: "Building the Global Village" Assembly unanimously passes a resolution creating the UUA Office for Racial and Cultural Diversity. Ware Lecturer: Mel Hurtig.

Buehrens appoints Rev. Ken McLean as special assistant to strengthen international ties among Unitarians and Universalists; McLean and UUA funds are made available to AEIOU.

UU Partner Church Council is founded. Leon Hopper is President; Judit Gellerd is General Secretary. (Judit Gellerd, Leon Hopper, Peter Raible and Richard Boeke organized it.)

IARF Congress in Bangalore.

GA in Charlotte NC: "Universalism: For Such A Time As This" John Buehrens elected President of the UUA (opposing candidate: Carolyn Owen-Towle). Denise ("Denny") Davidoff elected Moderator. Anti-Racism programming is a major focus of the Assembly. Ware Lecturer: Marion Wright Edelman.

Internet radio begins. Pizza Hut offers pizza ordering online. First internet banner ads.

Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) is formed.

GA in Fort Worth: "Facing Our New Frontiers" Amendment to the UUA "Principles and Purposes" – "the sixth source" – is approved in first-round vote. Ware Lecturer: Dr. Holland Hendrix.

In April, National Science Foundation stops allowing direct access to NSFNET.

RealAudio premieres. First internet-only radio station. Vatican goes online. Canadian government goes online. Operation Home Front connects soldiers in the field with their families at home via the internet.

In Transylvania, a new church building is dedicated at Barot, the first in 50 years (and possibly the first in the 20th century); two more buildings were under construction.

Latino/a UU Networking Association (LUUNA) is founded.

Between the Lines: Sources for Singing the Living Tradition is published by Skinner House Books (Jacqui James, ed.).

GA in Spokane: "Building Our Future Generation By Generation" Amendment to the UUA "Principles and Purposes" – "the sixth source" – gains final approval. Ware Lecturer: Norman Lear.

In April, the Taliban take power in Afghanistan.

IARF Congress in Iksan, Korea.

GA in Indianapolis: "The Future Is Now" Ware Lecturer: Sylvia Ann Hewlett.

Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) is founded.

Richard Beal begins term as UUPCC President.

GA in Phoenix: "Building Interfaith Cooperation: Interfaith Action for a Just Community" The Assembly approves a resolution calling on the UUA to work towards becoming an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural religious community. Faith-In-Action Department is created to facilitate linking all anti-oppression efforts. Ware Lecturer: Rev. Joan Brown Campbell.

GA in Rochester NY: "Fulfilling the Promise I" Ware Lecturer: Amitai Etzioni.

UUA "Seventh Principle Project" is organized. "Green Sanctuary" program is launched.

David Keyes publishes Most Like An Arch, a guide to building international partnerships, for the UU Partner Church Council. John Gibbons begins term as UUPCC President.

IARF Congress in Vancouver BC.

GA in Salt Lake City: "Fulfilling the Promise II" Ware Lecturer: Mary Pipher.

GA in Nashville TN: "Fulfilling the Promise III" Ware Lecturer: Morris Dees.

On September 11, terrorists attack the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington.

In October, the US begins bombing Afghanistan ("Operation Enduring Freedom")

In December, the Taliban are dislodged from power and retreat to the Afghan-Pakistani border.

UU Partner Church Council hires Cathy Cordes as its first Executive Director. David Keyes begins term as UUPCC President.

GA in Cleveland OH: "Fulfilling the Promise IV" Bill Sinkford elected President of the UUA (opposing candidates: Diane Miller, Larry Peers). Diane Olson elected Moderator. Ware Lecturer: Rev. Dr. James Forbes.

5 Green Sanctuaries.

IARF Congress in Budapest.

GA in Quebec City. Ware Lecturer: Stephen Lewis.

In November, "Rose Revolution" in the Georgian Republic.

Barbara Kres Beach begins term as UUPCC President.

GA in Boston. Gini Courter becomes Moderator. "Seventh Principle Project" surveys GA attendees about making GA "greener" (environment-friendly). Ware Lecturer: Julian Bond.

GA in Long Beach CA. Ware Lecturer: Holly Near.

In April, "Tulip Revolution" in Kyrgyzstan.

In September, Hurricane Katrina devestates New Orleans and the Gulf coast of Mississippi; a month later Hurricane Rita strikes Louisiana and east Texas.

"Seventh Principle Project" is renamed UU Ministry for Earth. Regional representatives are trained and organized for delivery of services. 31 Green Sanctuaries (including Bay Area UU Church in Houston).

UUPCC Networkers are reorganized around geographic locations of overseas partners rather than geographic locations of North American partners.

Church of the Younger Fellowship is launched.

GA in Fort Worth: "Ministering to Families in Today's World" Ware Lecturer: Elaine Pagels.

UUPCC Board offices of President and Vice President are changed to Chair and Vice Chair. President Barbara Kres Beach continues as Chair, Vice President Harold Babcock continues as Vice Chair.

IARF Congress near Taipei.

GA in St. Louis: "Toward Right Relations" UU University (leadership school before GA) is offered for the first time (multiple presenters; DVD produced). GA registrants are offered "carbon offset" option for the first time. Ware Lecturer: Mary Oliver.

Harold Babcock begins term as UUPCC Board Chair.

GA in Portland OR: "Choices That Matter" UU University: Gil Rendle (DVD of his keynote addresses produced). Ware Lecturer: Rashid Khalili.

In late September, lack of confidence in the financial industry brings on market crash widely called the worst since 1929.

In November, Barack Obama elected US President.