I have a 3 year old daughter who has expressed interest about my parents' church, a church of Christ. I have quite a bit of emotional baggage from growing up in the church of Christ because it's very hellfire and brimstone, which just doesn't seem kind to me. There is absolutely no way I would allow my daughter to be part of such a hateful community.

Also, when I say emotional baggage, I mean I still have nightmares about being forced to go back to a church of christ. My mother stopped talking to me for a bit when I stopped going because she was sure I was condemning myself to Hell.

I'd like to show my daughter what a church is like, and the UU seems like the best fit. However, while I logically appreciate what I've read of the UU online, I'm still pretty nervous. Can I have some reassurance that UU churches aren't homophobic, racist, classist, and thinks everyone but them is going to Hell? What does a service typically look like? Is there a way I can prepare my daughter for what to expect?

Anti-LGBTQ YouTubers trolled a progressive Plano church. It was firebombed weeks later No connection has been established between the attack and the church’s appearance in the video, and Plano police are still investigating whether the bombing is a hate crime. Weeks before the Community Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano was damaged in a firebomb attack early Sunday, members of the church welcomed four strangers — one of them carrying a camera — with hugs, smiles and the promise of a judgment-free fellowship. They didn’t immediately know they were being trolled and baited by a group of influencers who frequently take videos of themselves pranking progressives and liberals. The video, titled “We acted LGBT at LGBT Church,” has garnered nearly 200,000 views since it was posted to YouTube on July 12. No connection has been established between the posting of the video and the firebombing of the church, which resulted in damage to the building’s doors, but no deaths or injuries. A spokesperson for the Plano Police Department, which is investigating the arson, said in a statement Sunday the department “cannot confirm this as a hate crime at the time.”

But in a statement on Facebook about the attack, the church alluded to its appearance in the video, which it says was filmed during and after its Sunday service on June 25. The church called the YouTubers a “hate group” and said it has been “reviewing building security and working with the Plano Police Department since the intrusion.”

While a motive behind the Plano attack has not been discerned, the Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD tracked more than 350 incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault motivated by anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in an 11-month span beginning last June. Texas saw the third-highest number of anti-LGBTQ incidents in the country.

In North Texas, gatherings frequented by members of the LGBTQ community, such as drag shows and pride events, often draw armed protesters, including members of extremist groups.

The video begins with two men, Cassady Campbell and Bo Alford, standing in the church parking lot, acting out stereotypical caricatures of gay men — both use pronounced lisps and limp their wrists — and vowing to “expose” what they described as the church’s false teachings. The pair say they are in front of a Unitarian Universalist church, but don’t specify it’s in Plano.

Inside, they are greeted by several congregants who welcome them with handshakes and hugs.

“I’m glad you guys are here,” one of the church members says with a smile. The church member briefly describes part of the Unitarian Universalist ideology — there is no heaven and no hell and what happens to one person after death happens to all people.

“The essential point is, the bad things you do are not so infinitely, eternally bad that there’s an eternal damnation for it,” the member explains. Different Unitarian Universalist members are welcome to their own interpretation of the afterlife. The YouTubers are encouraged to take a hymnal, read about the church’s teachings and enjoy food with other members.

Another church member, who described herself as a lesbian who was once married to a man, explains that she came to the congregation “sad and broken and disillusioned, and this community put me back together and gave me strength.”

“Were you turned on to your husband at all, like were you into him, or did you just kind of do it?” Campbell asks the woman. She responds the question was inappropriate.

The pair is told they’re not allowed to record a sermon but do so anyway — interrupting it with shouts of “Yas b----!” and “Slay queen!” Eventually, both men drop the act and explain they’re in the church to “plant the seed” of what they describe as they Bible’s true teachings. After the reveal, church members tell them they’re lovely and polite and thank them for visiting.

Alford has published several videos of him antagonizing people at pride events, including LGBTQ-friendly churches. In one video, a congregant forcibly removes him from a church.

Campbell frequently posts videos of himself harassing women in public places, including gyms, shopping malls and grocery stores. In one recent video, he walks behind a woman at a gym and starts exercising with a weight while breathing deeply in her ear. “Daddy’s so pumped up right now,” he says. The woman tells Campbell not to talk to her and he laughs while walking away. In another video, he hits on women shopping in a Wal-Mart and then calls them ugly after being rejected.

In a phone call Monday, Alford said he was “shocked” to learn of the bombing.

“That church, I thought we had a very good connection. I have no hostile feelings toward any of them,” he said. “They were all very open and willing to talk. Nothing but good words to say for them.”

Alford said he didn’t regret any part of the video.

Campbell did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Monday.

Jodie Zoeller-Bloom, the past president of the church who is currently leading the congregation while its current president is out of town, said the church would not comment aside from its statement posted to Facebook.

Sunday wasn’t the first time the church has made headlines. In 2017, somebody stole a pride flag that was flying outside the church and replaced it with an American flag, leaving a note saying there are only two genders.

A pastor encouraged the thief to “have a conversation” with members of the church.

Source: Dallas News https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2023/07/24/anti-lgbtq-youtubers-trolled-a-progressive-plano-church-it-was-firebombed-weeks-later/

So I'm a lapsed UU (if that's even a thing) in the sense that outside of a few services at the Boulder church I haven't attended in several years. I certainly uphold the principles in my life and lately have been missing the community. The Boulder church wasn't for me for a variety of reasons but I am looking for a new community. I currently live closest to the Jefferson Unitarian Church and am not afraid to just roll in on a Sunday but I was curious about the opinions of UUs in the area as there are several options.

I am looking for a place that practices radical acceptance in all aspects and is active in social justice. I know that sounds like any UU congregation but I hope you understand what I mean. For context: I am a cisgendered male who was raised in the church from a very young age. Now in my mid-thirites I again desire a community of open and honest discourse.

Thanks for the help and if you need any clarification on what I'm looking for just ask!

I'm a longtime UU and in college. Because I'm a student, I don't work very much, and I make minimum wage at a work-study job. While I have enough money that I'm not at the ramen-noodle phase, I'm not able to give at church more than a few dollars a month.

My church does so much for me. They took me in when I came up to college and knew no one. They showed me love and support when I needed it, and they gave me a community.

Now, they're moving to a different location and hoping to build a new sanctuary, which I know isn't cheap. I feel bad that I don't give more, but I am nervous to give more on a financial basis.

Would offering my time as a volunteer be comparable? I know it wouldn't help with money, but hopefully I could be of some assistance. I know one of the childcare providers is leaving soon, and that's a paid position (minimum wage for an hour and a half a week) so if I take that position I might donate from that wage every week. But we'll see.

Hi everyone! My partner and I are thinking of checking out a UU church for the first time. We like the idea of being part of a spiritual community that puts more of an emphasis on shared values and social responsibility than your personal beliefs. We're in Central Mass so there are a lot of congregations to choose from. We're just a bit nervous about the social expectations. We want to dip our feet and explore at our own pace, but we're worried that as newbies, we’ll be love-bombed by well-meaning folks who are trying to make us feel welcome. We're queer/GNC and I have physical disabilities, so we tend to stand out in a crowd. It's not a bad thing, but we're kind of concerned that because you all are so inclusive, we might end up being the ones you want to make *extra* welcome. 😄

We’re autistic, so it takes us a bit longer to adjust to new situations. We'll have to get used to the physical environment, learn the liturgy, and figure out the norms of this new subculture. With all that going on, the prospect of being approached and chatted up by random strangers is a bit overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, you all seem genuinely friendlier and more inclusive than any other religious group I’ve encountered, which is awesome, but also a bit intimidating. We watched a livestream where the Passing of the Peace took five whole minutes, and this one old lady went from pew to pew hugging as many people as she could. I've never seen anything like it! It was equal parts adorable and terrifying. 😂

I think it would really help if we could get some insight into the unwritten social rules of UU communities so we can be prepared. How do people typically interact with each other before, during, and after services? Ideally, we'd like to just hang back and observe during our first few visits. Is there a way we can politely defer socializing until we feel more comfortable without coming across as rude? We're not big on physical contact, so would it be possible to opt out of hugs during the Passing of the Peace? My partner has trouble sitting still, so would it be acceptable if they brought a sketchbook to keep their hands busy? We definitely don't want to be disrespectful, but it might help them stay focused. In terms of social demands, which would be less overwhelming, a small suburban church or a mid-size urban one (generally speaking, I know every congregation is different)?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Folks:

As a gay man, I would love to meet other gay men at our UU (Bellingham, Unitarian Fellowship in Bellingham, Washington).

I have been frustrated over the years that although there is a fair number of lesbians at BUF (short for Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship) as well as lesbian couples being formed here; there are virtually no gay men.

I had a vision late one night that a way to solve this problem is to advertise our being open and affirming; putting classified ads in the male gay publications.

Be aware that I am only thinking about this and getting feedback from folks like you; I have not purchased nor placed any advertising yet.

I would like to know if any of you have tried this and what kind of results are you seeing? It it worth it?

Since this is myself doing this with my own money and not that of the fellowship, I ccould only afford classified ads.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

Love

Mark Allyn

Bellingham, Washington

Our fellowship is about to have lots lay-led and younger adult led services. We ate looking to shake things up a bit and move away from the typical format where people listen to a sermon for 30 minutes. What have your churches and fellowships done that was different?

Folks:

I am reading in horror about the Upstairs Lounge Fire in June 1973. The Upstairs Lounge was a gay bar; this fire resulted in 32 deaths; it was the 2nd worse attack on the LGBTQ community after the Pulse gay bar attack in June 2016.

What was very attrocious to me was the fact the no church would welcome a memorial service for the Upstairs Lounge Fire victims.

Several churches who refused to host a memorial were named, but no UU churches were named.

I wonder if the UU church in New Orleans was approached for hosting a memorial and if so, did the UU church refuse to do this like the others?

I have done much internet searching and could not come up with anything.

Are there members of the New Orleans UU Church here who could shed some light?

Thank you

Love

Mark Allyn

Bellingham, Washington

A little over a year ago I felt a yearning to go back to church, having been raised Lutheran [ELCA] from infancy. I found my current U.U. church because they were holding services online due to concerns about COVID. I've been going to my new church in person as work permits (I work in retail). They still offer their services online for those who for whatever reason can't make it to church in person.

I just got done watching the General Assembly in Pittsburgh over YouTube.

I connect with the highest ideals of the U.U. church. I feel like I can be myself in a U.U. environment far more than I could in the church I was born/baptized and raised in.

Somehow, it seems as if the General Assembly's worship service was on the thin side. The reading was good, no problem in that department. But there were only a few songs, and towards the end seemed repetitive. For a service that's twice as long as my local church, they seemed to be doing less with the time they had. A lot less.

In the Lutheran church I grew up in, they accomplished a lot more in about an hour: a rich liturgy; more songs, both from the choir and the congregation; multiple readings from the Bible-- Old Testament and New Testament, including a reading from the Psalms; the ceremony of Communion; and a sermon from the pastor. And on top of that, announcements. Actually, sometimes it seems like there's too much ceremony, that it got tedious sometimes, when I was growing up.

I understand U.U. is a new religion, only a few generations old. It doesn't have a lot of experience under its belt-- they're still figuring out what U.U. ceremonies look like. Whereas Lutheranism was born out of the attempt to reform the Catholic Church of its day.

So maybe I'm comparing walnuts to maple syrup...................

In a way, I miss the richness of the church I grew up in.

​

​

Sorry for the oddly specific question, but I'm not sure where else to ask this - I've recently moved to Seattle and was excited to join the local UU contingent marching in the Pride parade, as I've done in the last few places I've lived. But looking at the websites of several nearby UU congregations, I'm not seeing anything about a UU presence at Pride here. I'm wondering if that's due to Pride coinciding with GA? Or if I'm just out of the loop, could someone please let me know how to get involved? Thanks!

By "k"

I don't like to think

About Pat Robertson going to hell.

That lets him off too easy.

I like to think about

Pat Robertson finding himself

In a heaven he never believed

Would exist.

Where Divine is reading in drag

To the children murdered at

Sandy Hook and Ulvalde.

While Edie Windsor

And Gertrude Stein drink coffee

In the breakfast nook

talking politics with Harvey Milk.

Where Matthew Shepard relaxes by

A stream, reading poetry to

A nameless young man whose family

Never claimed his body when he died

Of AIDS.

Where the music plays loudly

Welcoming dancers from the Pulse

And Club Q to the floor where they

Twirl and vogue with

All the murdered trans women of color

Whose names we never knew.

Where Jesus puts his arm around

Pat Robertson's shoulders and

Drapes them with a rainbow feather boa.

And, gesturing around him says

Come, meet my disciples.

I'm in a low point in my life. I'm seeking to belong to a compassionate community. There's a UU church 4 miles away that I want to go to. I want to try to go to Sunday service, but I'm worried. I'm worried I'll be out of place somehow. I'm a 32 year old woman and I'll be going by myself. I recently escaped an abusive relationship. I'm very alone, and suffering from PTSD. I'm just scared that people won't be welcoming. I don't know. I'm going to try going.

Hello!

My question for UUs is about blending faiths. I feel like I see a lot of UUs who come together that each have their own single faith (or nonfaith) that they adhere to and they come together in unity. But I am wondering about people who try to blend faiths in as respectful a way as possible. Is this accepted in the UU? How common is it? Any personal experiences?

For myself, I was raised partially Catholic and Protestant. I do not truly believe in the supernatural aspects of the Bible anymore. But I still have such respect and admiration for the poetic nature of the Bible (which I feel I still find so much personal spiritual growth through) and the cultural traditions (e.g. Lent). However, I feel like I connect to nature-centered pagan beliefs. Additionally, I've found so much spiritual enlightenment from Buddhism.

So I'm wondering if UU is an accepting path for kind of "meshing" beliefs and traditions like this? Any insight would be helpful!

Many UU churches in New England merged with UCC churches and I kind of love it. Knowing that two distinct associations of churches can seamlessly merge with each other is truly a work of God. Federated churches aren’t uncommon either but it seems that UUA/[insert denomination here] is uncommon. Many times it’s UCC/American Baptist or UCC/Presbyterian (rather expected), UCC/UMC/American Baptist (as is the case in Brookline, MA). Does anybody know any federated congregations that are associated with the UUA and another denomination? It can be any denomination but the congregation needs to have one membership (so I’m really asking about merged churches, federated churches don’t necessarily have to one entity, just a single building). Thanks! It fascinates me and brings me great joy seeing diverse traditions coming together.

I’m bisexual and genderqueer using They/them pronouns ———————————— Hello I just wanted to introduce myself to the group. Though my congregation is Christian (it’s a UUA/UCC community in Orleans, MA) and emphasizes UU values, my beliefs are still unequivocally Trinitarian and more traditional but I’m more than happy to attend worship at a UUA congregation if that’s what God is calling me to do. Officially, I’m a member of Cathedral of Hope in Houston and haven’t looked back. Each week, I worship with them and an Episcopal Church in Philadelphia (virtually of course) . Both churches have made me a better person and have shown that no matter what, we’re all God’s children. Thank you for having me and I look forward to engaging in thoughtful and respectful conversations with you! I don’t currently drive so physically attending any church is difficult.

I asked the new Google Artificial Intelligence named “Bard” about Unitarian Universalism and I love it’s response!

Bard Unitarian Universalism Description

“Unitarian Universalism is a religion that emphasizes freedom of thought, tolerance, and social justice. Unitarian Universalists believe that all people are created equal and that we are all responsible for making the world a better place. They are committed to exploring the meaning of life and to finding ways to live in harmony with one another and with the planet. Unitarian Universalism is a growing religion, and it is attracting people from all walks of life. If you are looking for a religion that is open and welcoming, that encourages you to think for yourself, and that is committed to making the world a better place, then Unitarian Universalism may be the right choice for you.”

I've known of UUism since my pagan teens, but I've never participated it it because I was scared and there wasn't a UU church in 50+ miles.

I still don't have a UU church in 50+ miles (AFAIK), but I have discovered the church of the larger fellowship. As a trans LGBT+ person, it's so hard to balance activism and anger and peace and refuge. I'm trying so hard to grow peace in myself but it's so difficult and so rewarding. I know anger sucks so much out of myself that could be used for better things, so anger isn't something I encourage or want in myself anymore. The CLF is helping me so much to make peace.

I have also loved how the CLF has challenged me. I'm trying to expand my listening skills and trying not to make quick, survival judgements on people. I have ASD, and eventually you become like you've been in war, you learn how to make a snap judgement on somebody because it could very well be life or death. But now I'm trying to heal from that, and I'm thinking of the thing in a recent CLF service - holy curiosity. I want and need to stop being so reactive, I want to really experience other people with real curiosity.

Can I call myself UU? Even though I haven't signed some book in a place I can't reasonably access?

hey I've got a question. As a trans muslimah would U be accepted into the UU community?

Hi UU folks with disabilities & our allies! How can our homes be more accessible? We all want to welcome diverse guests into our homes, and 100% of us are aging. Click below for the new issue of the UUCE Accessibility Task Force (ATF). Find out about a free, national webinar this Sunday, 4/30, noon pt. Please share:

https://conta.cc/3L0FNb7

I am thinking of attending this year's GA, despite the high cost ... $500 per person. I am my congregation's delegate. However, if I'm reading the website right, it looks like all in person attendees will be required to mask indoors at all times. This is so atypical I find it almost hard to believe. No church in my area requires masks for all, doctors do not require masks, and I live in New England which was a pretty committed mask wearing area during the pandemic height.

Can anyone offer some insight?

Additional questions-- does the UUA board mask fully when they meet? Do all UUA staff always mask indoors?

I am an agnostic-atheist, black female in my mid-forties. I am poor, since I am an immigrant and a live-in maid. I basically have no social life. So I decided to attend a UU church since I was feeling down and needed to be uplifted. I attended a UU service this Sunday, it made me even more depressed! It was the most boring thing I have ever experienced! Not to mention, that other than some kid who got some scholarship, and one other person who looked to be in their late 20's or early 30's, I, a woman in my mid 40's, was the youngest person there.

Don't get me wrong, the operatic music was well performed, and the orchestra was very impressive. But it's 2023! I feel like this was the same music they were playing 50 years ago. The sermon was empty platitudes like you would hear from a politician looking for votes in an upscale white, suburb. Nothing of any substance. The sort of lib-speak that is void of humanity. I almost fell asleep and had to resort to doing my Duolingo French lessons on my phone.

As I looked around at these 70 and 80 yr olds, I just wondered where the UU church will be in a decade or 2. Or maybe it's just a social club for well to do aged boomers, and they don't care what happens when they're dead....Sad thing is, I'll probably go back next Sunday. But they certainly are not going to be attracting younger people with what they are doing now.

A proposal to replace Article II of the UU Bylaws (which in turn will replace the Seven Principles and Six Sources) will be voted on by UU delegates to UU General Assembly in June. The agenda for Article II is outlined here.

...

EDIT:

The proposal of the Article II Study Commission is a significant rewrite of Article II in the UU Bylaws. It fact, it does replace both the Seven Principles and the Six Sources.

More information can be found on the Study Commission website. They are currently accepting feedback through an online form, until April 30.

The website with essays is: https://savethe7principles.wordpress.com/. (And to correct an assumption some people made, I had nothing to do with the creation of the website.)

I don't know if this applies to this sub, but LOST was a show that incorporated themes of religion/spirituality, free will, destiny, science, philosophy, synchronicities, mythology, demigods, elements of consciousness, quantum physics, magical elements, dreams/visions, it's own Source, and a whole lot more.

If anyone has any thoughts on it, feel free to post them.

I really need advice and please be brutally honest. I am relatively young, female, latina from a working class background in South America.

I dropped out of college once, I only completed a semester, and that was among Strikes and an abusive relationship (no one's business, I know). Even though after the Strike, I had some really nice grades, I never looked back and applied to other University, where I got my undergrad degree in Education (3.64 GPA)

My GPA isn't good, but for some reason people always believe in me. I'm a really big mess, and I have dipped my feet into several religions and ideologies. Some people say I am a good writer. In a very particular and random way, I've found American Transcendentalism, and then Early 19th Century New England Unitarianism, then Unitarian Universalism. That has been a huge part of my life, in a way. I have already translated a 1838 book -actually a transcribed lecture - by William Ellery Channing, which I consider to be my first "baby". I am -currently- somewhat familiar with the work of Earl Morse Wilbur, too.

I have made true and disinterested connections with important scholars in New England, I have presented at the Thoreau Society and I am a volunteer at a UUA program that deals with International Relations, Interfaith Relations and Diversity. I can't help but dream about HDS, but I think it is too late for me, because just when I found a way to channel my passion and start having a reason to make deliberate efforts, I realized I have this tarnished past to carry as a burden. It is sad, because I think I would be possibly an unexpected candidate, since there is NO UU tradition where I live. Oh, and I also work as a volunteer in my local community sharing what I've learned from Unitarian History books with people that don't speak English. I'm also a part of Liberal Faith Social Justice programs. My country has been through a lot regarding authoritarianism and fundamentalism, so we're trying to make a difference. I know I can apply to other schools, but right now I am mostly worried about HDS.

Even if I get another degree at home, and get stellar results, and then hypothetically almost ace the GRE, is it still impossible ?

Went to my first UU service today, it was the first time Id been inside a church of any kind in ~10 years. It was an emotional experience, but I really enjoyed it! The sermon was lovely, and had just enough spirituality/god mixed in with the more humanist/secualar philosophical notes, for me at least. Just wanted to share my experience. The one thing that gave me pause was I seemed to be one of the youngest people there, other than children (im in my late 20's). I was a little hopeful there would be a younger crowd, but I know religion of any kind is a tough sell nowadays.

I'm a member of the UU church in downtown Anaheim, California. Since COVID started, we've been meeting on Zoom. Now we're holding hybrid meetings, on Zoom or in person. Eventually, we're going back to meeting strictly in person, no firm date yet. You might be able to find a Zoom service, maybe ours.

hello! i recently found out about UU and joined this sub just barely. it's been great investigating so far.

i'm exmormon (PIMO, if you know what that means) and I've been burned really bad by trusting the religion i was raised in. UU seems so wonderful right now but I want to take my time to determine if this is what i really want to try or not.

i guess the main reason for my hesitance is the rampant sexual abuse, transphobia, and cult tactics in my local community. i don't want to experience that again without tools to cope and report it.

i'm very lost on where to find potential resources for this issue. i greatly appreciate the lgbt friendly tags for the local services but it's all a little overwhelming trying to get info on the more actionable of UU's safety tools.

if anyone has any advice or could offer guidance on how to better understand the formatting of the links in the about section that would be great! and thank you for your time.

Just some general questions here. I align most closely with Christianity, but agree with some portions of Christian Universalism and some with Christian Unitarianism. I don't know what this makes me, I've been thinking maybe I should find which one I align more closely to and just agree to disagree on some points? I guess my only issue is that UU is a lot of religions and I am only a christian and that's confusing (not problematic) to me. Thank you!

For those who weren't raised UU and are converts like I am what was it that attracted you to this faith tradition? In a nutshell I used to follow a very conservative, even fundamentalist, form of Catholicism until I started questioning Original Sin and other crucial doctrines so I tried to find another community and found my local congregation thanks to a suggestion I found on this site a few years ago so it was the "warm of community" as well as the responsible search for truth that brought me here.

At first I thought I wouldn't stay for long and tried other communities like the Episcopalians but as my personal theology started getting farther away from anything recognizable as Christian this one felt like the one I truly belonged to and becoming a Humanist in theology confirmed that and I feel pretty happy about it.

Hey!

My church is seeing a boom in young families, and I'm looking into what it takes to start a church daycare in Washington state.

I'm looking between the alternatives of the daycare being a separate entity and the church renting the space to the daycare, versus the daycare being part of the church and using the space for free.

Does anyone have advice and/or resources on how to to start a UU daycare?

Really appreciate it!

The Current UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, described "Building a Beloved Community" as:

"A community that practices a radically inclusive and compassionate, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural, multigenerational faith within, and acts powerfully in partnership and solidarity for justice and liberation beyond."

This concept of Beloved Community predates UU (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King cited it but it came before him as well) yet with the recent Article Two draft I have noticed this wording and references to Building a Beloved Community occuring across UU circles.

Has your congregation(s) discussed or explored what "Building a Beloved Community" means to them?

I appreciate your thoughts and responses 🙂

I live in brazil, and here we don't have this type of community :(

This may be a stupid question. But is there any body of scripture that’s specific to UU? I know it derives inspiration from multiple bodies of scripture but is there any text/holy book that only UUs claim?

Google and the official website turned up nothing. Thought I would ask here.

I am curious to get some perspectives from folx of this "Beloved Community" on wether they are, or are not, attending GA this year (either in person or virtual).

I have attended virtually twice over the years, but I am weighing in going in person (there definitely is significant financial costs involved even with the scholarships).

I have spoken with some members of my congregation and they only seem vaguely aware of GA/many seem relatively uninterested.

It's interesting to me a Universalist offered convocation held 100 years ago still holds the record of most attendance (5,000+ per David Robinson's book) compared to around 2-3k in person today (though zoom probably increases this number?)

Though for a faith of over 200,000, 3k is 1.5%, which still seems a small percentage).

Please share your thoughts!

The meta-principle of Unitarian-Universalism is simply:

#1: we cordially agree to disagree

Any official set of principles should have that as the first principle in the list.

Dear friends,

Happy New Year! I am sending you care as we begin another year. This, 2023, is an important year for Unitarian Universalism.

We are currently in a multi-year process to consider changes to our UUA Principles and Purpose. This process formally began in 2020 when the UUA Board appointed an Article II Study Commission. This is a dry name for such important work. The reason is our Principles, Purpose, covenant and Sources are contained in Article II of the UUA Bylaws.

Our seven Principles and six Sources – which we know and love – were adopted in 1985. They offered a substantial (even radical) change from what preceded them. The changes came through years of effort by UU women, particularly the UU Women’s Federation, to push for gender equality in UUism, support for women in the ministry and to eliminate sexist language from our bylaws, hymns, and yes, from the version of Article II passed in 1961 (at the time of merger).

But the changes didn’t just address gender, they made significant language changes that reflected the times. It removed language of God, man, and brotherhood, but also added the language of interdependence and added sources reflecting the growing theological diversity shaping our tradition.

As a lifelong UU, coming of age after these changes, I am grateful. They changed our movement in ways that were important for the success of women leaders, ministers, and for me, as our first elected woman president. These changes, at the time, brought fierce dissent. But more, they inspired excitement and possibility.

Why Review Our UU Principles and Purpose?

In the mid-2010’s, the ground began to shift again – much as it did in response to the women’s movement. The emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, the election of Donald Trump with his racist and misogynist campaign, and the urgent calls to confront white supremacy culture in our own movement – all of these compelled UUs to ask questions about whether our Principles reflected fully who we are and who we need to be.

By the 2017 General Assembly, there were multiple grassroots efforts to change our Principles. The first was overwhelmingly adopted – to change “prophetic women and men” to “prophetic people” to move beyond gender binary. There was also a proposal to change the first principle from “the inherent worth and dignity of all people” to the “inherent worth and dignity of all beings.” This proposal was ultimately tabled as delegates grappled with the reality that we still had a lot of work on living the first Principle for people. Discussions of the Eighth Principle were also taking place and by 2020, hundreds of UU congregations had adopted it! The Eighth Principle recognized the need to go beyond aspirational Principles to articulate commitments to dismantle systems of oppression – calling us from aspiration to action.

It was within this context that your UUA Board appointed an Article II Study Commission to integrate these conversations and lead a discernment process for our whole Association about our core values, covenant, and purpose. The Board gave the Commission a broad charge to review, change, or reimagine Article II to “enable our UUA, our member congregations, and our covenanted communities to be a relevant and powerful force for spiritual and moral growth, healing, and justice.”

After two and a half years of study and conversations with thousands of Unitarian Universalists, the Article II Study Commission submitted their final report and proposal to the UUA Board for its January 20th meeting. Read the report and proposal (PDF 26 pages). https://www.uua.org/files/2023-01/a2sc_rpt_01172023.pdf

This spring, congregational delegates and the Board can propose amendments to the proposal. Amendments will be considered at the 2023 GA and require a majority vote to be accepted. If any of the delegate amendments are accepted, and if the proposal receives majority approval, then the Article II Study Commission will make any necessary changes to create a final draft for consideration at the 2024 General Assembly. The final proposal will require a two thirds majority vote at GA 2024 to be adopted.

Seven years ago, when I was beginning my campaign for UUA President, I approached the process with an intention to be open to the process while letting go of outcomes. My hope for us as Unitarian Universalists is that we approach this discernment about Article II with similar openness. May we enter our conversations with a spirit of curiosity, holding off attachment to outcomes, and listen with our whole hearts and to the fullness and diversity of voices in our community. May the process itself deepen our understanding of and commitment to our faith.

Yours,
Susan
https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/why-change-principles

I am wondering what “love” means for you.

I am particularly interested in hearing whether or not you think that, in order to love someone or a group of people, you need to be in a personal relationship with them.

In other words, is some level of emotional intimacy necessary in order to love? Can someone “love” abstract groups of people? What does it mean to “love” humanity as opposed to “loving” people in one’s life one actually knows. Should there be two separate words to describe whatever this abstract “love” is and the love that involves an emotional, complex connection with actual known individual(s)?

We got to a UU "church" with a "minister" on Sundays - where we "worship" and sometimes sing "hymns". I really don't like all the psuedo-Protestant language. And "worship" is the hardest for me. I do not worship or venerate any deity or concept. That language makes my skin itch. (I've been told worship doesn't have to be directed towards any object. Sure, Jan). I'm not mad that people use and like the term. But for me.... I'd like to know some good alternative terms to use to make me feel comfortable when I get invite in the weekly email to "attend worship".

Hello ya'll! I'm interested in becoming an UUA minister. I was formerly an ordained minister with a non-denomination congregation as well as worked 10+ years in ministry with the Salvation Army and United Methodist Church. (my theology has become way more liberal and progressive). I have a Master of Theology, but from my understanding, I would need to complete a MDiv. I would enjoy doing so, but am quite leery of the cost, as well as I can't really move and attend in person as I own business's where I live. Does anybody know of a low-cost, online MDiv?
Also, I feel that I have enough relevant experience and would have no problem starting at a congregation tomorrow (hopefully, I don't come across as arrogant!). I don't mind furthering my education, but would rather not wait years until I finish an MDiv, etc.
My observation (I humbly admit I could be wrong) is that there are congregations that are in need of ministers (I have noticed some having openings for over a year!). Yes, some are part-time positions, but I feel someone like me (who doesn't need full-time work) could fill the congregation's needs.
Any advice or thoughts? Thanks!

What would you recommend for someone like me that is interested in UU, and is seeking to practice it outside of the US or other countries that have UU congregations?

Hello, does anyone know if there is an UU group in Spain? Thank you in advance .

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Sabbath is a wonderful gift that many of us don’t enjoy… let’s enjoy it

A short thought on this subject-https://twitter.com/the_sigmamale/status/1616820138518654976?s=20&t=BVyBEARhBNtM9i9_xMiO2A

Hello all,

Recently stepped back into the UU circles to find my local church embroiled in a debate over reworking the principals and rational individualism. As one who came of age as part of the UUA and is now returning from raumspringa, this is a mini-manifesto of why I think irrational communalism has a place in the UUA right alongside the enlightenment principals of rational individualism.

A manifesto of Irrational Communalism

(A postmodern response to a dilemma within the UUA.)

There was once a time in the history of our species, long after we began to group together as tribes but long before the invention of currency. It was a time where our communities never got bigger than a hundred or two. It was a time when we as people were able to remember every single face in our local existence. We could remember who it would be intelligent to trust. We could remember in whom our faith could be most wisely invested. We could remember the promises we made to each other, if only because the ‘other’ was always right there, next to us.

The channels and nets responsible for facilitating the exchange of matter and energy between individuals of the tribal ecosystems were systems made of faith. Not faith in some supernatural force, but rather faith in each other. It is an active decision we make when we choose to let our defenses down around each other. It is an active decision to have faith in someone else's rationality. What the tribes had was faith in an equilibrium, that if I have your back you'll have mine, and that for every leap of faith we invest towards the community, the community will invest one right back.

This was the old magic. This was irrational communalism. And it is something which has been lost by western society.

Slowly, the tribes discovered new technologies which allowed their numbers to grow. No longer could the individuals rely on just their memories to know who in their community is worth investing faith into. So, instead of placing faith in each other, we invented a talisman -the technology of currency. By placing our faith into currency instead of each other, we remove the risk of accidentally placing our faith into a bad person - because a dollar is a dollar, regardless of who you get it from.

Over time people have accumulated these talismans of social faith. With all of this faith amassed and stored for the long-term, they begin to lose track of why we constructed this ecosystem of faith in the first place - to take care of the community. Instead, we have come to rationalize ourselves to be individuals who don't need to have faith in the community anymore. They had all the faith they needed - faith that they would be provided the resources they required through expenditure of their investment.

It's why people are leaving the faith communities in droves. The people can recognize that we have to place our faith somewhere other than the talismans if we are going to survive. We can recognize that an ancient covenant has been broken - the covenant which brought our society together in the first place. And when we lose sight of our covenant, we lose sight of our community. Today, I look around to find that we no longer have faith in each other, or our covenants, and that our ecosystems of faith are beginning to dissolve.

All across America, from the liberals to the conservatives to the hippies and the fash, so many faith communities preach doctrines of love while standing on a power structure based on cash. Our churches couple with their larger social ecosystem through the tax code, most often organizing their internal power structures around the protocols of the 501 series of corporate charters.

It was a message of faith in a single, balanced community body for which the man named Jesus Christ was murdered at Golgotha. It was a message that reminded us of a time when we used to have each other's backs - regardless of whether it was rational to us in the moments of our solidarity. Feed the hungry. Tend the sick. House the strange. As a philosophy, his was to remind us that when we place our faith into each other, we stand taller than any Corporate Person in whose veins flow the impersonal, amoral faith. We stand as a single body against the flow of the river. It is through the magic of an irrational, communal solidarity we stand as leviathans against the tides of entropy, gazing forever towards a state of infinite complexity, endless beauty, and light.

Because the nature of the new faiths are impersonal and amoral, and because we are no longer required to have faith in one another… we are no longer required to keep our promises to one another. Who needs faith in your neighboring communities when you get all the matter and energy you need to satisfy your budgets by outright consuming the matters and energies of yourselves? No longer are faith communities required to remember the protocols which once let them maintain healthy, working relationships with their neighbors.

The dilemma of individualism comes to infect the whole communal identity. Churches have a great deal of faith invested into the idea they can stand alone as a community, all they need is enough cash.

Currently the best model I have for making some sense of how the structures of power of the individual relates to those of the community is the theory of holonics, advanced by journalist Arthur Koestler in the late 1960s in his book The Ghost in the Machine. It posits that at each level of hierarchy among rational, living systems is in and of itself a whole, living system. We are made of a body, consisting of organs, which are made of cells. At each level, each living system is responsible for tending to its own internal balance.

Within the scope of personal, individual ecosystems there is a structure which requires rationality to function. It is intrinsic to our biology and a part of the way we came to be part of a community in the first place. However, the virtual space of the communal ecosystem is one which, to us at least, appears to be irrational. It is because this is a different level of Koestler’s hierarchy. The social ecosystem is the community's possession, and as such not one of us can ever fully comprehend or appreciate the amalgamation of public opinions. But it is within this irrational space that we find a virtualized, abstract intelligence, not powered by any computer. This is our analog intelligence.

And yet, there is a way for the rational and irrational spaces to interact. Through the contraction of our circle by the application of a covenant, we can organize the protocols to organize the processes of virtualization and abstraction necessary for an individual to interact with the whole. And now that we have come full circle, we might once again remember the names of our tribes. We can now apply all of the new technologies which have been discovered in the meantime since forgetting them.

Technologies like the general assemblage, a process used by the Occupy Wall Street movement to make sound, rational, communal decisions by exploiting the personal and irrational biases of consenting moderators. Technologies like IPv6 networking protocols which offer the potential to untether us from the telecommunications monopolies. Technologies like the Ethereum blockchain, which distributes computational loads across entire communities.

We made a major mistake which caused us to forget the names of our tribes before we knew how vital they were to remember in the first place. That name, that song, that rhythm, that resonance that causes us to dance through space in time in the ways two people sometimes do together.

If we are to return to an ecosystem of faith, we are required to reclaim both our structures of power and systems of communication from the corporations. If - and only if - we are able to do so, there will forever be a space for the rational, individual self within the seemingly irrational community.

Final report of the Article II Study Commission

I’m currently looking into Quakerism which I’ve always been interested in since high school. I have been a part of a UU congregation for the past 8 years. Anyone have similar experiences?

I've finally made up my mind. My first tattoo is going to be the number 637, and a chalice, all tattooed on my wrist^1. For those not in the know, #637 is the Litany of Atonement in the Gray Hymnal, aka Singing the Living Tradition. (Does anybody ever actually call it that??) The refrain is "We forgive ourselves and each other. We begin again in love." The Litany of Atonement is slowly finding its way into the foundation of my relationship as recurring words of comfort.

What I am getting hung up on is Part 2, the chalice. There are a dozen different designs, and I'm finding it hard to choose! So, TatUUed² folks, my question is this. How did you decide on the particular design of your chalice tattoo? What was the significance of that shape?

I could go with the two circles, but that's not what my home church's chalice looks like. Do I lean into our "ringless" chalice, do I not? Need to hear what other people have done!

¹ Astute UUs of good humor may note that I have planned for myself the equivalent of a bible verse wrist tat, and have my welcome permission to chuckle at the irony of a Pagan of all people doing such a thing.

² This joke is not mine, it is shamelessly stolen!

On this lovely new year Sunday morning, “Let us purge the statements of outgrown crudities, cruelties, falsities, blasphemies, Infamies! Let us dare to believe that the light of Lord today is holier than the mistakes about Him made by those who walked in darkness.”

Hello fellow redditors! First of all, I would like to apologize for the inevitable mistakes you'll find here and there through my post, as English is not my first language.

I've been in a spiritual crisis for the past fifteen years basically, but it has intensifies lately and I've been looking around for a direction to find a place and belief that might make me feel home. I was raised Catholic as it's the main religion in my country, but I've felt disconnected from it since I was11 or 12 I think. I have always been very attracted to pagan and pantheistic beliefs, but I cannot go past the absence of "structure" and guidance; in other words I feel lost without that sense of community and belonging that Churches can give, but I can't relate to the most mainstream Catholic and Christian teachings, way of behaving and seeing life. I've called myself agnostic for the longest time but I know it doesn't represent me.

I came across UU denomination and I really like the message and openness to others. I am living in the US at the moment and there's three UU congregations nearby that I would like to join sometime to have a "taste", although at the moment I work weekends and cannot attend the Sunday service. What's blocking me, apart from working Sundays, is that my husband and I plan to go back to my country in five years, and even though there's a lively UU community in Europe, there's nothing in my country. There's a Facebook group that only shares philosophical posts once in a while, a WordPress blog that's been inactive since 2017 and that's all. I am scared to get into it as I won't find any of the things I like about structured religion once we move back.

I a very sorry for the long post, but it's been bugging me for the longest time and I felt no one could have a better answer than people who are actually involved with it!

Thank you and have a wonderful Tuesday.

Just wondering what's left of Henry Ware's influence :)

Let's look back at some memorable moments and interesting insights from last year.

Your top 10 posts:

• "I organized the first UU student group in my University’s history! We’re expecting a really big turnout :)" by u/comradetori
• "A serenity prayer of sorts (h/t UU Hysterical Society)" by u/doxymoronic
• "Redditor makes r/all post about OWL program" by u/kendie2
• "I think I'm going to join my local UU church" by u/JimmyEatWhirl
• "I don’t want to be a pillar of the community" by u/northernlaurie
• "I attended my first in person UU service today!" by u/randomUser042718
• "The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (UK and Ireland) held its General Assembly Meetings last week. I was pleased to be one of the new Ministers to sign the GA Roll!" by u/RobinHanford
• "Found this poster of Principle 7, but it bothers me that there's no space in "a part." Completely changes the meaning!" by u/Killer_Sloth
• "The minister on “This Fool” (Hulu) is UU!" by u/catlady047
• "UU Joke that came to me this morning" by u/vonhoother

I am agnostic but religions fansinate me. I want to learn more about some of them so I decided to reach out and speak with people who are members.

There are not unitarian universlists in my country (as far as I searched) so I decided to ask here. I would like to speak with somene in order to tell me about his/her religion.

Thanks in advance.

We could speak here on viber , telegram or on instagram if you want.

Hi there, I've been having a discussion with someone regarding a cultural practice called a karakia. It's basically a Maori prayer shared at the beginning of a meeting or event.

The discussion centers around cultural practices in a secular environment. I support the Maori culture but not the religious aspect and have said that Karakia shouldn't be performed in public secular environments (govt, schools, councils etc).

The person I'm in discussion with says prayer isn't inherently religious and calls the karakia 'secular prayer' even though it most often references God or deified ancestors.

The guy I'm talking with isn't very good at presenting a straight forward argument and I'm trying to conduct a good faith discussion, not win an argument so I'm looking to explore the notion of secular prayer.

TYIA for any engagement.

I just recently started going to a UU congregation and it’s really made me want to think and learn about different philosophies, religions, frames of thought, and the UU itself. Podcasts tend to be one of my favorite ways to get a better understanding of things so I wanted to see if you all had podcast suggestions. Even if it’s not UU specifically, if it feels like it connects with your UU faith, I would love to look into it.

This year I took a job at a grocery store that allows mustaches, but not beards. I've had a beard for about 15 years. I needed the job, so I bit the bullet and shaved. I hate it. I'm tired of looking at a stranger in the mirror, and I get razor burn every time. It occurred to me that I might be able to get a religious exemption for this arbitrary rule--were I Muslim, Sikh, or Orthodox Jew, it wouldn't even be a question. Obviously it's a little less clear in our case, but I think I might be onto something. Does anyone have any relevant experience or advice? Any UUA documentation I could show to the GM that would support my position?

Anyone else thinking about spinning up a uua.social Fedi server (like Mastodon)? We could crowd fund it on Faithify. I'd want the UUA folks to be aware of it and hopefully support it, at least in spirit.

Does your congregation use a church management system, such as Breeze or Planning Center (there are a ton). Is that your donation platform or do you use something else? Or just a donation platform, such PayPal, or?

Im asking this in good faith but as a Jew I do not trust UU and dont really understand it. From my perspective, like Jews for Jesus, its essentially a Christian org that pretends its not despite having ministers, churches, celebrating Jesus, ect. I like all the left-wing aspects of UU but I have a hard time not seeing it as another way for Christians to destroy minority religions by assimilating them. I also find the using of our and others religious ceremonies and symbols and stripping them of their religious significance, presenting them as set dressing for a mostly Christian audience is offensive. Please correct me.

September 15, 2022

The Article II Study Commission is excited to share a full draft of Article II (PDF, 3 Pages) for feedback. The Study Commission's outreach team will be hosting Zoom feedback sessions in the first half of November, along with gathering feedback through a forthcoming online form for individual comments.

The Study Commission will present its final draft to the Board in January for inclusion on the agenda for General Assembly 2023. It will then be the subject of mini-Assemblies before the initial vote at GA 2023. If it passes that delegate vote by a majority, it will require a 2/3 majority vote at GA 2024 to become the new Article II of the Bylaws.

This draft makes significant changes to Article II. We invite you to read it using one of the practices we have started following in our work:

1. Read it the first time to observe how it makes you feel.
2. Read a second time, observe what it makes you think.
3. Finally read it a third time before thinking about any suggestions.

It will be ideal if you can hold suggestions until the online form is available so that they can be more easily gathered and read. But do feel free to direct questions to [changemanager@uua.org](mailto:changemanager@uua.org)

Zoom Feedback Session Registration

• Saturday, 11/05 at 3 p.m. Eastern
• Sunday, 11/06 at 2 p.m. Eastern
• Tuesday, 11/08 at 10 p.m. Eastern
• Wednesday, 11/09 at 8 p.m. Eastern
• Thursday, 11/10 at 7 p.m. Eastern
• Saturday, 11/12 at 3 p.m. Eastern
• Sunday, 11/13 at 2 p.m. Eastern
• Monday, 11/14 at 9 p.m Eastern

More generally, does your UU community have a liturgical calendar of the year? What's in it?

Last week several members from our local UU had our first unofficial atheist meeting. We all had a great time, and have decided to meet every few weeks and try to build a secular community in our congregation. The problem is we have no idea how this will look in practice. We all enjoy the social aspect of hanging out with like minded people, but as far as possibilities for affinity groups or ways to contribute to a service we don't have any refrence of how that looks. If anyone has a humanist group at their UU I would love to hear about your experiences.

I have gone back and forth about pursuing a M.Div. for nearly 20 years. I had once gotten to the point where I was applying to several programs but rescinded my applications and pursued doctoral work in Psychology instead (I'm a Psychologist, by training and practice).

That said, I read, most often, about Unitarian and Universalist history and often find myself writing and drafting sermons but never delivering them anywhere, even as a layperson--mostly because we don't have a Congregation or CC in my Rural area.

I'm happy in my role as a Psychologist, but often wonder if it'd be possible to "do both" [i.e., become a part-time UU minister or associate AND practice as a psychologist].

If I pursued the M.Div., I'd want to complete via a part time option online at either ML, SK, or HDS (I know HDS is a FT program, and unlikely to work out).

Any thoughts? Any seminarians with advice? Comments about their own experiences with PT M.Div at ML or SK?

Hey all.

So I have been struggling much with my faith, especially where issues of the nature of Jesus and the afterlife are concerned. After much study, I think I align with unitarianism and universalism more than most.

I believe there is only one god, and the trinity doctrine is not accurate. I believe the plan is to reconcile all things through Christ "And I, if I am raised up, shall draw all men unto me."

However, after reading around UU resources, it looks like the movement leans left liberal. I myself am somewhat of a moderate. I embrace the welfare state, believe in gender and racial equity, oppose the death penalty, advocate for a more compassionate immigration system, etc. On the other hand, while I belive members of the LGBTQ community should have all the rights every citizen is entitled to and should be free from persecution, I am not particularly affirming. I am also pro life when it comes to elective abortions.

​

Generally, I know positions are not suppose to matter. But in a world where you are with us or against us, it kind of does.

The long and short: Are there corners of the UU movement where moderates are welcome?

As UUs are deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, I wanted to share a link to a conference — Counterweight — which is exploring liberal (instead of radical left) approaches to these issues.

https://cw.heysummit.com/

The conference can be attended for free. If you choose the free option, you can view all the talks (for free) up to 24 hours after they have been given. The conference started yesterday, Sep 22nd and goes on for 4 days.

I'm curious, as someone searching for a liberal religion but believes in a hereafter, if I'd fit in as a UU

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I notice that the moderators of this liberal religion forum censor the voices of minority and marginalized UUs if their beliefs are different from the moderators. I also ironically notice that the minister moderator of this forum is a white man.

Perhaps the moderators can explain what "centering the voices of minorities and marginalized peoples" actually means. In practice here, it appears to mean centering the voices of minorities who follow your personal views. The idea that minority UUs should only have and express one view is an ignorant, condescending, narrow-minded, and, frankly, bigoted philosophy.

I have noticed other racial and ethnic minorities in this forum have expressed that they left their UU congregations because of the expectations of narrow ideological and political conformity. Such expectations of conformity, censorship, and "we only welcome and listen to minorities who believe what we expect them to believe" makes UU only more unwelcoming to most minorities. This is in particular as the prevailing expressed UUA positions run counter to the views of most minorities in this country.

Many white privileged American progressives have had a long history of arrogantly and condescendingly informing minorities "what they should believe" "for their own good." The new UUA, new UU ministers, "white allies" and this forum appear to be continuing this self-righteous tradition.

This is how you create a really tiny church, and, ironically, a really tiny church that most minorities in this country will not want to join.

It appears that the UUA and many UU ministers have forgotten what liberal religion means.

​

(Hoping to find ways our congregation can improve and learn from others.)

-sign people in for Sunday service - reach out to people when they haven’t been in ___ weeks? - do anything special for new visitors? - have a Church Management system, for example Planning Center - post recorded Sunday services online? (Private, secured?) - have 40 to 70 on Sundays, and 70-150? Etc. - have “Sunday school” aka faith formation for youth? - have a full time minister?

When exactly did Unitarian Universalism become a post-Christian religion? Was it immediately after the UU merger in 1961? What religions were included when Unitarian Universalism became post-Christian? Was it mostly just Christians and Humanists, or were there others as well?