I live in a place with no UU "church." The closest one is 3 hours away. I have attended a couple of the zoom sessions that that church runs but it's just not the same for me if I can't be there in person. I miss having a spiritual community and place to pray.

Near me I have a Bahai temple, a Tibetan buddhist temple and there is a Quaker meeting that happens once a month. There's of course a lot of Christian churches but I find it so distracting having to translate "god" to "spirit" in my head and avoid the whole "christ died for our sins" stuff. It's a shame cause our local little church is very cute and there's also a big church in town with lots of kids stuff for my son.

Anyone have any experience with these options? What did you find?

Look, I love kale as much as the next spiritually curious pacifist, but if I show up to one more UU event where the strongest beverage is lukewarm chamomile, I’m gonna start smuggling in espresso like contraband. Other churches get wine - we get herbal hydration. We deserve better, people.

I’m a cis man working for the U.S. federal government overseas. I want to be more outwardly religiously liberal, as Christianity continues to be elevated over other faiths. Aside from a chalice necklace, what else can I do?

if this comes off as rude then i apologize because i don't mean it to. this is such a beautiful community and i resonate with so many things UU strives towards but the closest UU church to me is 40 minutes away by car, and my household doesn't have a car. it doesn't seem like we'll be able to get one any time soon either, and i also don't have anyone who would could drive me somewhere so far out of the way every single week, nor do i have the money to order a ride to so far away and back.

i joined the the First UU discord and i'm lurking here and the closest church to me livestreams their sunday services, which i watch, but that's all i can do and i feel like i'm missing out on pretty much everything. i checked the calendar on the church's website and there are just so many things the church does that are all in-person events and i just wonder what i'm even doing or if i can really consider myself UU when i can't participate at all.

is anyone else in the same position as me? how do you cope with the isolation in an organization so focused on community?

I yearn for the life of a monastic. Doing chores and studying religions and UU literature and being in community with fellow monastics, engaging in social justice work day in and day out. Leaving behind the worldly life. I don't know what to do with this yearning. It would be my dream to build the first UU Monastery but I don't know if this is an idea that would find acceptance in UU circles. I found the Unseen Monastery but that's not really a monastery, it's more an online community and that's not what I'm after. Any thoughts? Do you think a UU monastery is possible? How should I go about creating it, where to even start?

Hey all I grew up mormon, I now attend a non-denominational bible based Christian church where I’ve found SUCH a great community. However, I am feeling a similar feeling as to why I left them Mormon church, and now I’m questioning everything.

I’ve never been much of an organized religion person in general, but love Christian music (I love to sing) and love the sense of community/friends so I’ve always gravitated towards a religious community. My non-denom Christian church I go to is very biblical and history based, but I’ve always thought of the Bible not as a history book but rather a fictional book telling stories of God and Christ to teach a lesson/provoke deeper levels of thinking. I do not believe in the trinity, however this church doesn’t really preach the trinity heavily, even thought they are “Christian”. I believe more that God and Jesus are separate, with God being “Father” and Jesus being His Son. The Holy Spirit is an entity that is more or less a conductor of their energy and love.

I ultimately let the Mormon church because I didn’t want to be apart of a religion I didn’t believe in, and am feeling like I’m going down the same path with this non-denom Christian church now—hence my issue with organized religion. Not one is going to be perfect. BUT I love the community that religion can bring, if done right.

With all that said, would universalism be a religion I may like? I’m not much of an activist and have always been apolitical…and that aspect of what I’ve read is making me weary of looking into this religion. Thoughts?

P.S. I came across this entire religion literally today as my therapist shared a quote to me. When I went to look it up again I realized it was said by Jenkin Lloyd Jones, a Unitarian Minister and Civil War vet. I loved his quote and can share it if y’all want :)

Hi guys Does anyone know of any UU servers? I have found a few but they are biblical UU (which i have no issue with, but the mods seem to be power-trippy and heavily critical of other unitarians) TIA! ❤️

Hello! I'm a Neo-Pagan who worships the Canaanite deities. Mainly Ugarit deities such as Ba'al Hadad and Asherah. Currently I give offerings of insence in my own room with my alter. However, in the past it was common to give offerings in a grove. I would be doing these offerings in a grove, however, I don't think people would be very kind to a stranger praying and burning insence in the middle of the woods. From what research I have done it says that the UU is accomadating of many different kinds of religions.

Basically would be be appropriate and ok for me to. Bring my alter/shrine to do a quick offering and prayer outside? Would y'all find that as something weird? Like I just need a quick space that isn't my room

Thank you so much!

Hello Friends, I'm not sure what I am asking in this post. Maybe just some encouragement, maybe some venting, but also ideas and perspective. I went to a small Christian high school, and have never been to a reunion. But for some reason, I said yes to the 40th anniversary class reunion. I now live a lot closer to the school than previous years, maybe that is why. Why I have avoided it is complex. I didn't feel like I fit in with the other students, and don't have a lot of positive memories from the place. I can tell from social media that many of the people I went to school with have become more politically conservative, and I have become more progressive. And last, but not least, I have some pretty terrible family of origin dynamics, and don't want to field questions about my estrangement from family. So, why am I going? A big part of me does want to go. I wonder if I can connect with anyone else who didn't feel like they fit in. I am curious if there are any other fellow de-converts. Also, I want to be more open to connecting with people I am politically at odds with if it is possible. (?!). And the perspective of seeing other age mates...ageing, marking time together feels like it could be meaningful. I kind of hope that I am pleasantly surprised. Anyway, I'm a little worried about how to field any questions about my state of non-Christian. I do feel so much better having the community and path of Unitarian Universalism as my steadiness. I would have been taught growing up that UU is a cult. From my experiences and knowledge, I know many people I will encounter would be so sad to know I am no longer Christian. I wouldn't be surprised if there is actually worship singing and prayer at the class reunion. I'm sort of afraid that will make me feel very emotional and uncomfortable. So any pointers on navigating this event? Any experience like this?

My mom and I attended our local UU church when I was preschool age, and occasionally when I was in elementary. In the years since, I went through a big spiritual deconstruction, and am now converting to Buddhism, but I've started volunteering at the UU because the community aspect is important to me.

There's a strange discomfort and uncertainty I feel being there. Like I'm an intruder or imposter. Everyone there knows the protocol and expectations that I don't. Has anyone else left the church and then returned after a long time? How do you get back into the flow?

Unity In Difference

The first quality we need to develop is tolerance, built on a basis of mutual respect. A mind that lacks this type of tolerance is openly antagonistic toward people who hold different views. It is a mind that clings very strongly to one’s own beliefs and feels threatened by the mere presence of other viewpoints. We need to loosen this grip in order to be able to communicate in a meaningful way.

Hi. I am the new parent/ guardian of a kid whose mother recently died of cancer. She was (unfortunately) indoctrinated by her cousins who are LDS. I am atheist. However, I do not think it would be good for my child to try to remove her belief in God but I would like to deemphasize the sin/ hell / angry god stuff. She is neurodiverse/idd and reads at a 3rd grade level but has teen interests. She has also asked for a Bible/ Bible story book but a lot of those stories and kids bibles make my skin crawl, the sin stuff has already had a terrible effect on her mental health so I’m not jazzed about Noah’s Ark , ya know? Are there any good kids books or simple readers with actual good for your mental health messages that are still “Bible”-ish? (FWIW I grew up IDF Baptist and it was very harmful for me so I am really not able to just roll with that. I do, however, want to respect her belief in god/heaven. I just don’t want to teach her not to speak up for herself or watch her constantly feel like god is mad at her for what she sees as sins but are really just basic mistakes. One day she was literally praying for forgiveness because she dropped a piece of ice on the floor.)

I'm an aspiring student of Buddhism and all the different sects are overwhelming. I was first exposed to Nichiren Buddhism, and then learned about Theravada, and now I'm interested in visiting a Zen temple.

What have your experiences with the different sects been?

I really enjoyed it, there was one part that kinda floored me but it wasn’t the speakers fault

There's a UU church a few blocks away from me, and I've been wanting to go. Their website has info about becoming a member, and it's a process, but can I just like attend a service?

Also, do UU's receive communion?

I’m a reasonably new UU having joined our local congregation after being so bored staying inside on Sunday mornings with our two young children.

I’ve since been welcomed into a community that aligns with our family values and my personal love of direct action to support community and marginalized people who are your neighbors.

In the late 2010s I was a Twitch streamer of no real reknown as a goofy hobby for musical appreciation and a card game addiction.

I’ve been thinking about getting back into doing streams and making videos to raise money for my congregation and some local early childhood ed schools we donate to regularly.

MY QUESTION- is being outspokenly UU on the internet in a controversial category?

Before I had kids I had plenty of DM threats from random males threatening to fuck my dog and the like which is expected but I really only want to do a little fundraising with an existing skillset with no clout fiend motivations.

Any opinions appreciated thanks yall.

When I was in college, maybe around 2017, a classmate invited me to the UU church down the block from our school. I'm not particularly religious and don't believe in god, but they wanted to show me a little more about spirituality and also help me make friends. I remember it being a very refreshing experience. I liked particularly that it wasn't forcing G-d down your throat and introduced other perspectives of spirituality, in all different cultures. Unfortunately, I have a hard time connecting with others, so I didn't end up making close friends. Maybe follow one or two on instagram. I stopped going because school got more demanding. Anyways, present day I'm 29 years old and going through a life crisis. I don't know who I am anymore, I don't what I love. Work a boring and stressful desk job. I have mental health issues I'm battling (yes I go to therapy and take meds). Right now I'm dealing with terrible insomnia that is plaguing my life/relationships. Nothing seems to be helping and I've tried loads of things. The church popped in my head. I know a lot of people find peace in spirituality and also helping others (which the church tends to do). The closest church to me is 20 minutes, not great but not awful. Could this help? Anyone have any experience or thoughts?

I dont affiliate with any religions but I like learning from them. This is what introduced me to UU.

But it is my understanding that UUs dont usually believe in heaven or hell? I believe in an afterlife, I guess you could call it heaven. I dont believe in a seperate place like hell where souls get punished.

I also fully devote myself to God. I believe there is a God/creator. And that all religions are pointing to the same God, but they have different interpretations.

I would really like to call myself a unitarian but do unitarians believe in God, souls, or an afterlife?

Hi guys, new member from South Africa. I recently “felt” God after years of being angry with Him and not believing at all! Super atheist- I haven’t discussed it with anyone yet. I want to read the bible- for the poetry, life lessons etc. but Jesus is not for me. This whole heaven/hell, devil etc. just not for me. My question is- is there a way to read the bible without going through all the Jesus stuff? Is that even possible? Or should I just sort of remove the Jesus part when I read it mentally and read just the lessons?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Is it just me, or did our last Sunday service feel more like a TED Talk on social justice and less like a peaceful moment of spiritual reflection? 🙄 One minute I'm meditating on life's mysteries, the next, I'm debating the latest political crisis. Can we get a little more serenity and a little less activism, maybe? #UUProblems

I joined a UU congregation last January. I fell in love with it however over the past few months I found myself getting bored with the sermons. I kept going out of guilt and a sense of duty until I realized the sermons had nothing to do with stories or beliefs in religions. Rather the sermons tended to deal with things like loneliness, inclusivity, social media, procrastination, justice, that sort of thing.

Don’t get me wrong, they are interesting topics but I wanted to learn about different religions and their practices and beliefs, not listen to something that sounds like a speech at a self-help seminar. The most I hear about a religion is at Christmas and Easter.

I’ve thought about attending services of different congregation across various religions and denominations, but haven’t acted on it. United Church of Christ seems interesting.

Has anyone else experienced something similar in their UU congregation? Does anyone here identify as a Unitarian while attending services of different churches, temples, mosques, etc?

A conservative coworker (referred to herself as “more red” than I and another coworker who mentioned reproductive rights concerns in a recent discussion — we work in healthcare and have to move states every few years so it was appropriate) has started asking me about my UU congregation. She wants to build community for her young family, which I think UU is great for. When I told her about the diverse topics we’ve discussed in our religious education classes she thought it was great to learn about so many different things as a generally curious person. I’ve given her info about how UU philosophy varies from mainline Protestant and dogmatic congregations, let her know about our incoming nonbinary Christian UU minister, and she still seems interested. I have encouraged her to google more about the values/principles of UU and provided the program from our most recent service that has lots of info on it.

We are friendly and have hung out on occasion, and share a lot of projects and personal discussions. If you were in my position, would you invite her family to join for an upcoming service you think might interest them? I’m all about building a longer table, but don’t want to cross any boundaries, seem like I’m trying to recruit her to become a blue-hair liberal, or to in some way have her or my church community offended by disagreements on some fairly fundamental values. Thoughts?

My employer gives me 2 days off per year to do any sort of community service or volunteering. I've volunteered in hospice, but that required an actual recurring time commitment. Is there any as-needed thing I could do just for a day or two you can think of?

Hello everyone! I'm new here, but I was just wondering if anyone had any good resources on the history of UU and also have a kind of specific (and maybe dumb lol) question:

I grew up Independent Fundamental Baptist, then was Progressive Baptist for a few years, and have been attending a United Church of Christ for about a year now. I live in a particularly rural and conservative state so while the UU concept has intrigued me for a while there was no where I could attend. I'm moving to California and have already found a few congregations within a reasonable distance of where i'll be living, but would like to know more about the history of it before I make the decision to try going.

As for the question: Is the firm belief in a singular God something that would make UU not a good fit?

I've obviously been Christian my entire life, and continue to attend Christian churches just because they've seemed the closest to my beliefs. Over the past couple years I've read as much as I could about Judaism, Islam, Bahá'í faith, and even Mormonism. I've come out of it believing still that the Abrahamic God is God, and that Jesus and Muhammad were at the least prophets. However, I no longer believe any one religion is right, and am very much against Evangelism and trying to 'prove' God is real (People saying we have 'proof' has always bothered me as it defeats the purpose of faith). I've decided the love Jesus taught while on earth is more important than anything else (wild that that's a controversial statement considering Romans 13:8-10 haha). As I said, not believing in one Abrahamic religion has alienated me from all the mainstream places of worship, but will the belief in just the Abrahamic God alienate me from most UU congregations? If anyone thinks so and has another suggestion to look into I'm all ears!

thank y'all so much in advance <3

Does anyone know of any books that provide a UU or religiously liberal perspective on mysticism? The mystical aspect of spirituality is something I am desiring to know more about.

Right now I’m short on my weekly rent. I don’t have any family to turn to—no backup, no safety net. It’s just me and my girl trying to hold on. I used to make ends meet doing Doordash but my car broke down a while back and I had no choice but to sell it. Since then it’s been week to week in a motel room trying to stay afloat. This shortfall could leave us out on the street with nowhere to go.

I’ve been pushing through serious malnutrition and am doing everything I can to get back on my feet. Due to my situation I’ve been surviving on the cheapest food I can get—things that keep me going but leave my body weak and depleted. I’m dealing with the long-term effects of poor nutrition and exhaustion and I’m trying to pull through. I just need some help getting to the next step.

I've tried reaching out across social media and Reddit groups designed to help and I've only been attacked and mocked. I’ve faced relentless attacks from every direction—mocked for my situation, accused of laziness, called a con artist, and told to just “get a job” like it’s that simple. I’ve been told I’m wasting everyone’s time, that I don’t deserve help, and that my struggles aren’t real or important. People have treated me like I’m less than human, simply because I’m asking for a lifeline in a moment of desperation. This constant judgment chips away at your spirit, making it even harder to keep fighting. It’s not just about money—it’s about dignity, survival, and trying to protect the person I love in a world that seems determined to tear us down.

Every time I reach out, I get slammed—called lazy, a con artist, a waste of space. People attack me like I’m asking for charity just to mess around, not because I’m fighting for my life and my girl’s safety. They don’t see the nights I lie awake, overwhelmed and scared, wondering how to keep a roof over our heads. They don’t feel the weight of every cruel word, the sting of being judged for trying to survive. It’s more than money—it’s my dignity, my pride, and the desperate hope that someone will see me as a person, not just a “problem” to be dismissed. That kind of pain? It cuts deep, and it’s hard to carry when all you want is a chance to keep going.

I care about my girl more than anything—she’s sweet, innocent, and means the world to me. Every move I make is about keeping her safe and protected from the harshness of this world. I’m not just asking for help for myself; it’s about making sure she doesn’t have to face those vultures out there alone. That responsibility weighs heavy on me, and it’s why I keep fighting, even when the attacks and doubts come pouring in. My priority is her safety and well-being, no matter what it takes.

This isn’t about some old patriarchal script or who wears the pants. It’s about a bond built on love and protection—me standing between her and a harsh world that shows no mercy. It’s about carrying the weight so she can have a chance to heal and breathe without fear. That’s not control or dominance; that’s survival, respect, and fierce devotion. This isn’t about some outdated idea of patriarchy or control. It’s about responsibility and love—me doing everything I can to protect and provide for the person I care about most. It’s not about power or dominance; it’s about keeping my girl safe in a world that doesn’t always show mercy.

Michael Servetus, influencer of Unitarianism, burned to death by Calvinists for heresy

Norbert Čapek, Unitarian church founder in Europe, tortured and gassed by the Gestapo for opposing Hitler

Viola Liuzzo, Unitarian Universalist civil rights activist, shot by members of the KKK after marching in Selma

James Reeb, Unitarian Universalist minister and activist, beaten and murdered by white supremacists while participating in marches at Selma

What are your congregations doing with regard to renting out your church space to unaffiliated organizations? Especially in the current U.S. political climate. Do you rent to anyone willing to abide by the rental agreement? Where is the line renting to political organizations like the Democratic or Republican Party?

Hi all, I just wanted to share some pictures from the NAMI Walks 2025 event this morning!!

My team, Bay Area Impact from BAUUC, raised almost 4K in funds!! Walked a little over 3.25 miles!! Check us out here: https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=72361

Cheers to a good cause. The city mayor was there but I highly doubt he was gonna be walking in them jeans!! LOL!! 😂

You know you're in a UU community when "What do you believe?" is met with 7 different answers and 3 follow-up questions. It’s like a spiritual potluck, and somehow, every dish is quinoa. But hey, at least no one’s pushing a pamphlet on you! So, let’s keep it weird, inclusive, and just a tiny bit less existentially overwhelming. 🤔

John 14:6 (NIV11)

⁶Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

https://www.uua.org/beliefs/shared-values

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014%3A6&version=NIV

I don't believe everything Jesus says personally - and sadly, many people have died for Christianity, which is a topic for another time (and I'm glad for the blessing of religious freedom) - however, what is the common UU perspective on John 14:6? Are there multiple interpretations that reconcile with the value of pluralism (diverse community in theology, culture, and experience)? I have made other posts about the Bible here, but do most UUs reject many Bible verses, including words of Jesus like these? How do they interpret verses like John 14:6, and others, and reconcile them with pluralism? I grew up evangelical, but I now identify as post-evangelical. I believe some things in the Bible, but not everything. For example, I don't believe end times scripture - I don't believe Matthew 24 (which are also the words of Jesus) or Revelation, and I don't believe Jesus is returning. I guess I'm simply trying to sift out what I believe in the Bible and reconcile my beliefs, including with the UU faith (which I feel aligns well with post-evangelicalism). I haven't made up my mind about what John 14:6 means yet, and I also haven't made up my mind if Christ actually rose from the dead, along with other miracles mentioned in the Bible. I do believe Jesus died, and I believe many disciples died for their faith. I do believe in Proverbs 3:5-6:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) ⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

I believe that acknowledging God means acknowledging someone who knows what the truth is, beyond what the Bible says, or what is attributed to Jesus. That might be a different perspective than the author of Proverbs 3:5-6 intended, but it makes most sense to me. What do you think? How do many UU members interpret John 14:6? Are there perspectives in UU that agree with my interpretation of Proverbs 3:5-6, and perspectives that disagree with it? I'm not intending to preach here, and I'm not expecting to convert anyone or be converted. I'm sorry if this is the wrong space for discussion like this - I'm simply wondering what you think :) I don't think this discussion fits well in either strictly atheist or strictly Christian subreddits... if there is a better subreddit, please let me know! I welcome all perspectives and I'm attempting to be as respectful as possible. Hopefully I have phrased my post well enough to do that and to clarify my question. I suppose a true UU would also focus on other religions as well, and not just Christianity, Jesus, and the Bible :)

Hello everyone.

I'm from Indonesia and I was raised as a Muslim, went to madrasa school and then i had existential and spiritual crisis at 10. Since that I became agnostic yet still practicing islam but as a ceremonial only because if I didn't do that my parents and peoples around me will judge and punish me, now my age is 20 Years old.

In recent times I've read Ralph Waldo Emerson and other trancedentals thinkers then discovered Unitarianism I want to learn more about Unitarianism and be one of Unitarianist if possible but I'm afraid I have limited access in my country to learn about it (because there's no Unitarianism community here)

Is it just me, or does every UU sermon feel like an emotional workout? I walk in expecting spiritual enlightenment, and walk out needing a nap and a snack. It's like, "Sure, we’re going to talk about personal growth... but also, I need to meditate on my life choices after this." Let’s hear it for the UU group therapy sessions disguised as Sunday services! 🙃

Our UU is Lay-led, and I absolutely love it. The variety of services, the way everyone chips in to do things, the way that that no one is in charge or seen as the leader. We have our board and we have elders and respected community members, but those folks are seen as beloved resources, and folks doing helpful work, rather than people “over” the rest of everyone.

What do y’all like about being lay-led? Are there any things you miss about having a minister? What do you prefer about not having a minister?

I’ve heard good things about quarter time ministers, which seems balanced. And have even thought about going to seminary myself. But the dynamic at our fellowship is so perfect, and I think a minister would disrupt that too much. Still, it would be nice to have someone trained in grief chaplaincy, and designing wedding services, and generally just be a resource for the community who’s trained in many things.

Is there a way to get the best of both worlds? How does your congregation do it?

This may seem like something of a silly question all things considered, but it's something I keep returning to and can't seem to find an answer for. Do any of you have "nicknames" to describe your involvement in the church BESIDES the full-length "Unitarian Universalist" or the abbreviation "UU"?

The full name is fairly long and unwieldy, and the abbreviation is short but feels weird to say for some reason? So has anyone come up with any other ways of denoting that you're part of this community? Is anyone out there calling themselves a "U-ie"/"Uni"/something else I've not thought of? Or does "UU" eventually just start sounding more normal the longer you say it? 😂

If you could choose the most crucial knowledge/courses/certifications for an admin, what would they be?

I started working as the admin at the local uu church at the beginning of the year. I LOVE the job. I'm in charge of accounting, email campaigns and newsletters, building and grounds, contractors, assisting with grant management, rentals, etc.,

However, I came into this job pretty light on professional experience. I have learned SO MUCH on the go and through pure problem solving.

In the next year, I will be offered some staff development opportunities. I think it's most important to do a basic bookkeeping course of some kind just to reaffirm everything I've learned and fill in any blind spots. What else should be on my radar? What would help me most in my job and to fill out my knowledge/skillset?

I want to make the most of this opportunity, both so I can be a great asset to the church and for my own professional development.

And if you can think of a better place to ask, lemme know! I couldn't find an active nonprofit admin reddit.

Small background: I’m an EX Jw which would be the opposite of UU. I’m intrigued by this religion that’s new for me. Are there places to meet up?

So long story short, our local UU was failing 8 months ago, I joint and have been working,almost single handedly to revive it, we have grown from 7 to 21. I am really ignorant about UU as a whole, and feel very alone. The old congregation [7] are very supportive but the new [14] are varied from supportive to antagonist. Growth means financial support, and the old congregation can’t maintain all the expenses on their own. Where do I draw the line between growth and the needed for financial support. “If I builded it will they come” who can I talk to about what is and isn’t acceptable for UU? Case in point a couple with multiple UU experiences tell me that the programs I am providing aren’t UU centric, but the old [7] UU’s are quite happy with what I am doing. The couples words were like a gut punch. I hope this doesn’t come across as a rant…

Do you have to go to the main congregation if you want to go to the CUUPS one? Does CUUPS have believers of a lot of pantheons or just a few? I don't know if I'm a real pagan yet or just an atheist who likes that a pagan revival today exists, but I want to believe in a pantheon and be around other people who do.

I left our Mother's Day service today feeling frustrated and disheartened. The whole theme of the service was about the “crisis of masculinity”—how many men today feel lonely, lack close friendships, toxic masculinity, and how that isolation may lead to extremism. While I don’t deny the importance of these issues, I was shocked that this was the sole focus on a day meant to honor mothers and the caregiving labor so many people (not only women, but especially women) carry in our communities.

Mother's Day can be emotionally complex, joyful, painful, or all of the above. It deserves space that centers that experience. Instead, it felt like mothers were asked to step aside so we could center men’s pain.

I’d love to hear how other congregations marked Mother's Day — what were your services like in terms of theme and tone?

And if anyone has advice on how to raise this concern thoughtfully within my own congregation, I’d really appreciate it.

I'm looking for someone to point me in the right direction. I have witnessed terrible hypocrisy as a staff person at my Unitarian Universalist church. There's so much to say, but first I will say that the minister calls the UUA too "woke", and has discussed wanting to break away from the UUA. I actually found information too that back before they became a minister, they ran for office as a Republican candidate. I honestly don't understand what "called them to ministry", as they have had multiple complaints made against how rude they are, and I even heard that some liken them to Dolores Umbridge from the Harry Potter series.

What's so disorienting is that it is blatantly obvious that the minister is just in this for their benefit, their sermons are purchased templates and trite, and I've witnessed them talk poorly about church members. The thing is, yes, there's a chunk of people who don't like the minister, but they don't openly express it. And as for the rest, they worship the ground the minister walks on. For example, the minister is able to spend without discretion and is putting this church in a financial crisis. All this being said, the church unfortunately is probably going in a direction from which it will not be able to recover, it is just a slow burn at this point. But I am a person who is passionate about justice for justice's sake, and would appreciate being pointed in the right direction so that this church doesn't turn into a cult with a narcissistic leader. I mean, there's no checks and balances. They have full power. Anyways, I'd appreciate any help or guidance. Thank you!

Hi, all! I’m a UU moving to the Bay Area in July and am not leaving any stones unturned when it comes to finding a rental. I have short list of apartment complexes and am monitoring all the rental websites daily. City preferences: San Mateo, Burlingame, San Carlos. Budget: $4,300 with 2 beds preferred. Dog friendly a must. Know anyone? Thank you!!!

Hello all -

I don't mean this post to be derisive, I'm just a bit confused with an invitation I received recently from my cousin and his family, who are Unitarian Universalists, and looking for clarification as they don't seem inclined to give any.

They have two children, and the invitation is to a "congregational dedication ceremony" for both.

So far so good - I'm familiar with this sort of thing. Standard fare for most religions.

Except they were already dedicated a few years back. My family was there. I have pictures and the original invitation.

Now, the new invitation has a location listed some distance from where they currently live and different from the congregation where they held the previous dedication. Does the word "Congregational" in Congregational Dedication mean that if you register to a new congregation of Unitarian Universalists you re-dedicate?

I'm sorry if my question seems ignorant. It is, I'm sure. I wish that my family were in a slightly more civil place on the discussion of religion so that I could ask this directly.

I think it’s a pretty normal story. I was raised Catholic, was an alter boy, went to Catholic school and then suddenly it 13 it didn’t add up. I talked to my mom and she said it was just over for me. I’m 58 now.

There’s a lot of things about church that I like though, the singing, being part of a multigenerational community over a long haul.

I believe it’s also important to publicly profess that we ought be good, if that makes any sense. Showing up to be part of a group that believes kindness is a virtue to be acted upon is important.

I grew up in a Lutheran household. I think I lean a bit more agnostic/secular humanist now, and pretty much quit attending church after being confirmed at 15. None of my family attends church anymore.

Sometimes I miss going to church, but there are many aspects I do not miss nor would want to be involved with. I was trying to find a church for agnostics, and UU popped up!

I’d really like to attend a service to see what you all are about. I’m guessing my local congregation is fairly small.

Is it fine to pop in and sit by myself? Am I going to get people confused about who I am and why I’m there? The thought of going alone feels kind of intimidating, and I know my church growing up would have had some people act icy to an unannounced newcomer. I guess I’m hoping to hear that these churches are generally friendly to strangers :)

Any UUs here in Canada? Ontario would be a bonus

Next year will be my 50th as an activist community organizer for human rights of people with disabilities, all kinds of disabilities. I have been a member of our local UU Church in Eugene for about a decade, and I co-chair our Accessibility Task Force.

What are your ideas for bridging the topic of disability justice with UU? Yes, of course, we UU tend to be very progressive and open to intersecting with a variety of social change movements. But we also know that historically UU has had a special challenge, one could say it is class-based. That is, disenfranchised groups on the poverty-end of the social hagiarchy often have a difficult time bridging to UU. Perhaps you can brainstorm some ways to help?

Dear UU's:

Please help us get out the word to other UU Churches.

National Webinar Thurs. 15 May 2025, 1:30 pm pt. Free but pre-registration required. Access successes & challenges at UU Churches. All welcome from anywhere, any faith. Your participation encouraged! ASL interpreted. Hosted by Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene. More info:

https://aciu.info/2025/05/03/access-uu-free-webinar-2025/

If anyone can answer my questions in the dm that would be great, I am interested in UU and I'm really curious and want to learn!

Does anyone else attend their regional Summer Institute? I’m only aware of the one in my region, but I assume there are others. I’ve been going for the last few years and it’s been a welcome break from an often hostile world.

Unfortunately, this year my SI will be held in a state that’s passed anti-trans laws with anonymous reporting of trans people in the bathroom. Being trans myself, this makes it a no-go. I will not sacrifice my dignity on the alter of “lawfulness”. [I hope I didn’t just break rule 6.]

I emailed the planning committee months ago when the bill was about to be signed into law, and got no response. I checked the website recently and the only thing they mention is that bathrooms/shower facilitues are sex-segregated (it’s a college dorm) and there would be a map of family bathrooms, not showers.

Call me crazy, but I expected more. I expected some kind of heartfelt commentary about how unjust this was and how SI was holding all affected persons in their hearts. Some kind of recognition that this is a devastating blow for trans attendees, who already exist in a hostile world and look forward to a week of peace and goodwill.

I am so disappointed. I know cis people don't truly “get it”, but I thought if any group would empathize it would be UU’ers. Now I’m screaming into the void with this post because I don’t know what else to do. I guess there’s nothing else to say. The intent of these anti trans laws is to remove us from public life, and in this instance, they’ve won.

Hello! So I don’t even know how to start this. I was raised in a very traditional Christian family, and now that I am like free to follow what I actually believe, I’ve been looking through religions that kinda match what I believe.

UU seems the most promising in this regard! But I don’t know much, would anyone mind sharing their experiences or knowledge?

Thanks!

hi very serious can travel. middle age white italian male felon. located in ohio

i don't know if i'm a real pagan but it makes me happy whenever i see non-abrahamic spirituality like someone wearing a pentacle on the bus or referring to the godS as in more than one existing or owning lots of gems that aren't jewelry. but i'm not ready for others to hear through the grapevine that i'm into that or even that i view the return of polytheism positively.

We need to sing songs about freedom and justice,

Pray for each other,

Collect for mutual aid,

Have potluck,

Listen to our neighbors,

Have non-violence trainings

Be a space where people can connect

Make space for creativity

Show how fun and beautiful this can be

Give courage

Keep alight a flaming chalice of hope

(Edit for format)

I work in the activities department at a long term care facility. I'm the only one in my department there on Sundays and would like to create some kind of "church" activity for the christian residents, which is most of them.

I am not a religious person, but the branch of christianity that is UU connects with me and my sense of spirituality the most. I'm hoping it can act as a bridge for me and the residents.

Could anyone recommend some bible study or church adjacent suggestions? The more creative the better :)

p.s. We already have hymn CD's and read along hymn books.

I looked on Google images, and I don't see any. Just art of it. I would love to see pictures of one of it exists. I love our symbol, and I love neon lights even more.

I think it would be cool if there was one with a white chalice, reddish-orange rings, and a flame made up of three different tubes. A yellow one, a slightly bigger reddish-orange one around it, and a bigger red one around that. If I made neon signs, I'd make one.

I am 29, and I grew up in a Catholic family. When I was attending Catechism to perform my communion, I noticed I found a disagreement between the Bible and what catholics do (such as the images). Spent my whole life lost, until my actual partner made me rediscover God (He's an Evangelical), but of course I want to follow MY heart, MY relationship with God and I think UUism is the place.
How can I start? There is no churches where I live, so I am okay with livestreams. I don't know if there is a Discord server (or similar) about it, so I can discuss a little bit more and receive guidance about lectures, reading material... I thank in advance, and I am available if someone wants to chat with me about it.

Edit: thank you everyone for the kind answers. I have been taking a look to all the churches and I still can't decide which one I will choose for next Sunday, there is so much to look for and read so I guess I have a lot of homework to have fun with :)

I’m 25 and I grew up UU. I stopped attending church at 17 but I still fully believe in the UU principles ect. I’m now at a point where I want to find my UU community again. I went to a service which was good but when folks were getting coffee after I felt a little uncomfortable since there was no one around my age. Advice? Where can I find a UU community that has folks my age?