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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Are there any UU congregations where polytheists are sizable?

By: /u/Wise_Towel5191

I want to be in a religious community where belief in multiple gods is common, not just one four person clique in a mostly Christian or mostly atheist church. Du such congregations exists?

submitted by /u/Wise_Towel5191
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Is joining a church good to make friends and help depression?

By: /u/anonymousalligator25

I’m looking to expand my friendship connections and am trying to heal my mental health and become a better person. My values are aligned with what I’ve read about UU.

Is a church a good way to make friends and become a “better” person?

submitted by /u/anonymousalligator25
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Unitarian seeking more spiritual worship

By: /u/shinelikebacon

I recently moved to the Twin Cities and I'm in the process of visiting various churches to fit the right fit. I've attended on for about a month which I really enjoyed, but my partner didn't. This past Sunday we visited another, which is a UU church. I'm finding a hard time fitting into the UU church with my beliefs, but I'm not sure where I fit in. I guess I would consider myself a Christian Unitarian(?) because of my belief in God and Jesus Christ. I am drawn to some progressive and liberal nondenominational Christian churches because of the biblical teaching and sermons, however, I don't believe all the tenants of Christianity. I don't believe in the Triune God, that Jesus rose from the dead, was born by the Holy Spirit, but I do enjoy reading and following a life like that of Christ. Maybe I am not unique in these beliefs, and maybe some people that attend Christian congregations also have similar beliefs and doubts. I couldn't call myself a true Christian because of this, and I guess I feel like a fraud if I subscribe to a faith that doesn't accurately speak what I know to be true.

I have viewed several sermons online from other UU churches, but still intend on visiting in person for the full experience. If you attend a UU congregation, is the topic of God ever discussed/mentioned? This is something I am seeking in a UU congregation, but I'm not sure it exists. It is important to me that a church focuses heavily on community care and social justice work, and I love that these topics are discussed heavily, but I know that what I am seeking is more faith based worship. The topics and sermons discussed in "worship" don't really promote spiritual growth in the way I want it to, and I think I'm struggling with that. I'm curious if anyone else feels this too within a UU church or other? How do you reconcile these thoughts and feelings?

submitted by /u/shinelikebacon
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Real question

By: /u/AdInternational4654

So how do you deal with a person who actively votes for racism and against LGBT rights? This person is extremely intelligent and has advanced college degrees. They are aware of racism, financial disparities, etc. This isn't a matter of ignorance. They strongly believe the exact opposite of what I believe. They're also a family member. Once upon a time a close family member. Another family member I have gone no-contact with, but I love this family member dearly and would genuinely miss them. Any advice?

submitted by /u/AdInternational4654
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

PayPal for Funding,

By: /u/Druids_grove

Looking to utilize PayPal or another service to set up a donation space on our website and in person to encourage people to give. Positives, Negatives, better service than PayPal? (It’s just the one I’m familiar with)

submitted by /u/Druids_grove
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

does unity have any subreddits?

By: /u/Opening-Mountain-211

not quite uu q&a since unity isn't uu, but thought i'd ask since they're pretty similar to uu, they're both liberal theologies that are significantly abrahamic yet somehow they're chill about worshipping other gods. uu is great too but i prefer unity services bcoz spirituality is more center stage but i dont live near a unity church so im looking for an online unity.

submitted by /u/Opening-Mountain-211
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What I Believe

By: /u/AdInternational4654

I am terrified of the coming year.

So it's time to review what my beliefs actually are. Maybe find some solid ground.

I believe in bodily autonomy. You cannot separate yourself from your physical body so you have the right to say what happens to it. Is that realistic and practical? Not really, but as much as possible, people should have control over what happens to their body.

I believe that we are part of the Earth, not separate from it. We are chemical processes with the illusion of consciousness. While we may be able to become a space-faring species, we are still inherently part of this planet like a blade of grass or drops of water in the ocean.

I believe there is something in the Universe that creates and destroys. I believe it has no special interest in humans any more or less than ants. We are all the same to whatever it is. I believe that it is not something comprehensible to my puny little brain and that prayers and supplications have no effect on it. But it is out there and we might as well ask.

I believe that people form their beliefs from their experiences. Each person has unique and individual experiences, so each person has unique and individual beliefs. This is important because we need to give each other the grace to understand that my beliefs may contradict your beliefs. They are natural outcomes of our lived experiences. Both are valid. Neither is fact.

I believe that every religious tradition has truth in it. I believe that no single religious tradition has a monopoly on the truth. If a particular religion aligns with your core beliefs and gives you whatever you seek from religion, then that one is the right one for you. But you do not get to impose your religion on other people who have their own experiences, beliefs, and needs.

I believe that we need to be kinder to each other and allow each other the space to breath and be. That applies to your best friend, your relatives, the customer service rep on the phone, the stranger, the immigrant, and whoever feels alien to you, particularly if it's your own child.

HOWEVER, I also strongly believe that you have the right to walk away from people who consistently cause you pain or grief - as well as people you consistently inflict pain and grief upon. It is best to try to find understanding and common ground, but sometimes it isn't possible. In those cases it's important to try and maintain connection. But if you cannot without significant pain and distress, you have the right to walk away.

I believe that a good soldier looks after themselves first - but then helps others as best they can.

I believe that if you are not harming anyone - including yourself - then you can do whatever you want.

I believe that whatever happens between consenting adults is their business. Celebrate with them or leave them alone.

I believe that you never step in the same river twice - the environment is always changing, but also so are you.

I believe that every action has ripples you never see.

I believe when you feel self-righteous, you are generally wrong and need to examine that.

I believe that lying, stealing, and murder are fundamentally wrong, but that each situation is nuanced and in some cases lying, stealing, and murder are justifiable. Lying to protect someone from harm, stealing to feed your starving family, killing to prevent more killing from happening, etc.

I believe that most people are good and doing the best they can based on their needs, beliefs, and experiences.

I believe each of us is the fountain of life and we allow each other to see the light when we show the light that is eternal within us.

I believe there is no afterlife. Once the brain activity stops, the person no longer exists.

I believe that I can be wrong on any and all of this. I'm definitely wrong on some of it, but I don't know which parts.

submitted by /u/AdInternational4654
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Received note - how to react?

By: /u/Plenty_Jicama_4683

Note: " Unitarism the spirit of the devil the antichrist! -- and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Bible: Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Bible: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Bible: For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist"

(how to respond?)

submitted by /u/Plenty_Jicama_4683
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Guidance

By: /u/Dazzling_Mud3107

Hi, I’m a 19 year old girl in college looking for guidance and just something to look to in life. I am baptized catholic but never really practiced growing up nor followed their beliefs. I am a very liberal and progressive person and I want to follow a religion who has those same beliefs. Through some research I’ve come across Unitarian, I’m interested in learning and possibly becoming a religious person (I don’t know how to word it). Any tips, things to look at, resources, or guidance?

submitted by /u/Dazzling_Mud3107
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Small UU Fellowship Funding.

By: /u/jj6624

What are some good and acceptable ways to fund a UU Fellowship? Several of the Fellowships near our location (East Texas) struggle with funding. Most lack funding due to attrition and an aging membership that is limited to fixed incomes. Ours had reached a tipping point where expenses were greater than revenue, until older members who had moved away agreed to lend support for a season, effectively giving the fellowship a needed shot in the arm. The current economy also is an issue, rising utilities and the shrinking given dollar, as well as inflation shrinking what people have to give are all factors. Do you have any creative ideas or suggestions?

submitted by /u/jj6624
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UU Book Table

By: /u/jj6624

Does your UU have a book table / room or other area that sells books? Does it have a lending library? We are new to UU and are exploring ways to help our Fellowship with the talents we have. Do you have a favorite UU related book, or book that you feel is important to UU issues and concerns?

submitted by /u/jj6624
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Grateful

By: /u/matchagray

I am so grateful for my Congregation. Everything seems so bleak right now, but I am truly excited to choose to go on Sundays. Even stay for coffee hour. Participating in groups. Helping other people. Donating my time and money. Having a group of likeminded people where I can just be myself and be around people who also want the betterment of the world and rights for all people. Like holy moly. I just don’t understand how people aren’t attracted to this kind of openness, love, understanding, and thought provoking way to live.

This place has truly inspired me to be a better person and make thoughts and words actions.

submitted by /u/matchagray
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Unitarian Church of Harrisburg (PA)

By: /u/Disaffecteddv
Unitarian Church of Harrisburg (PA)

Whether you connect better with the the ancient rituals of Winter Solstice, or the traditions around Christmas, the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg is a welcoming community for you, no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you love.

https://preview.redd.it/0inktvok5x7e1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=29e4e86a48cfb1a6ca385ccd4347c8167a0aca5c

https://preview.redd.it/i6oktvok5x7e1.jpg?width=959&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27591e80433f3c254a38f2616c39ba3d8f69bb79

submitted by /u/Disaffecteddv
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Universalist History - The Junior Star

By: /u/coreyque
Universalist History - The Junior Star

I found this on eBay entirely by accident and thought the community here might enjoy this piece of Universalist history.

Published in 1898, the book is basically a hymnal for a youth organization of the Universalist Church. Sort of a precursor to YRUU.

It is mostly songs but also includes readings and templates for induction and graduation services.

submitted by /u/coreyque
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Let Us Fully Think Through Our Liberation

By: /u/JAWVMM

Rev. Andrew Brown, minister at Cambridge (UK) Unitarian, has been translating Norbert Čapek, founder of the Czech Unitarian church, and close friend of Tomas Mazaryk, first president of Czechoslovakia. This was written in 1925 as both the country and the church were being organized.

This is a bit of UU history, and a statement of principles still relevant.

https://andrewjbrown.blogspot.com/2024/12/let-us-fully-think-through-our.html

submitted by /u/JAWVMM
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Would anyone be interested in a subreddit for discussing books/other literaturefrom a UU perspective?

By: /u/Katressl

I was thinking people could have general posts about books, articles, or short stories they've read and how they relate to their spiritual journey.

However, my main goal would be to have a "Big Read" of sorts on a quarterly basis. Mods would take turns choosing a book, everyone who's interested would read it, and then we'd have a virtual book club. We could discuss it in typical threads, but we could also schedule live chats either on Reddit or possibly on Discord.

I'd of course be willing to mod, but I would need a few others to volunteer to do so, as well. I've included a poll to gauge interest, but I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Edit: Ugh, I can't believe I missed that typo in the title. Reddit needs to let us edit titles!

View Poll

submitted by /u/Katressl
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Angry that our congregation moved Christmas Eve service

By: /u/v_impressivetomato

Our UU always hosts Christmas Eve service at a gorgeous chapel and the city’s non-Catholic christians usually attend, regardless if they’re UU. Last year, the Powers That Be decided to hold it on 23rd instead of 24th. We all thought it could be due to day of the week but they just announced they’ll be doing it again so that people can spend Eve with their family.

It feels so disrespectful. Our congregation has a history of diminishing and vilifying christian aspects of faith while uplifting pagan, jewish, and buddhist philosophies. They do a solstice event carefully planned for the date and hour but won’t do Christmas Eve on Christmas Eve.

I don’t know if an angry letter to the Board will do anything, and I’m not well connected enough to rally signatures, so I don’t know if there’s anything to do but it’s my last straw with this “church”. Not very democratic or accepting/encouraging spiritual growth IMO.

For the record, I grew up UU. Loved OWL and the multi-faith Religious Ed curriculum. But the adult part sucks so I’ll be switching to UCC for services.

submitted by /u/v_impressivetomato
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How radical is the “activist” side of this religion?

By: /u/Mediocre-Community75

I’ve been interested in Unitarian Universalist for several years as it seems way more open minded to free thinkers and ideas than pretty much all religions.

The only thing stopping me from attending is it seems this religion is extremely left leaning activist.

I’m 110% for ACTUAL equality. Where skin color, gender, religion, or political belief shouldnt matter. What SHOULD matter is a persons character and skillset. This shouldnt even be controversial as it should stand to reason the best qualified person should get the job. No ones looked for a plumber or a doctor based on their skin color. They look for the more qualified doctor or plumber. Thats my belief.

It seems like this religion wouldnt be open minded to such an idea and mislabel it as “racist”. I think it’s more racist to assume blacks cant do things without making it easier for them. I think it’s more racist to make things harder for me cuz Im white.

I’m looking for a religion where I’m welcome not shunned because i believe in TRUE equality rather than EQUITY. How pressing of an issue is this in these “churches”? I dont plan on ever bringing political topics, but fear that Id be walking into a propaganda session where white people are brainwashed into thinking they’re inherently evil and blacks are oppressed.

I really just want a religion where I can be around good morally sound people who are intellectual. Where we can freely speak about regions beliefs and pray together. I’m not about the racial activism. If we’re going to protest corporate America,…sure I’m with ya….fight for workers rights, legalize weed, or any number of social issues fine….but I’m not willing to go to a church to be told I’m inherently racist just for existing.

Is this a critical part of the religion or am I just looking into it to much?

submitted by /u/Mediocre-Community75
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

New Children’s Book! 📖

By: /u/Mj_0299

i just made a very beautifully illustrated and informative book about the basics and fundamentals of spirituality for children to read. I would love to share it with ppl in here to read and even read to their children. Let me know your thoughts.

Link: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/44ab6b7670.html

submitted by /u/Mj_0299
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Tips on Possible Seminary Schools

By: /u/simplywas

Good evening,

I'm a college student who is highly interested in continuing my education into seminary school surrounding early Christian theology and the divinity within faith-based service. With this in mind, I am thinking of pursuing a master's in divinity, and I'm thinking of the typical non-denominational seminaries and also Meadville Lombard in Chicago, but I am also very interested in Notre Dame due to my families' traditional past in Catholicism and its heavy scholarship opportunities for such a long program (3-years). Does anyone know if this university, despite its history as a Catholic university, would openly welcome and guide a Unitarian Universalist in faith-based social work within their M.Div program?

The seminary school is apparently non-denominational and they push for ecumenism, and I don't mind learning about Christianity from a triune field of thought as long as its authentic and values each individual's personal covenant with God.

Thank y'all!!

submitted by /u/simplywas
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Request for resources

By: /u/Mission_Grapefruit92

I haven’t been able to join the church yet, as the “parish” (if that’s the right word) in my area hasn’t responded to my email yet, but I’m hoping someone here would have knowledge of texts that provide deeper insight into acquiring a higher level of patience, reserve, and tolerance of others’ behavior. I tend to be irritable by some people I’m close to, who aren’t very considerate in how they speak to people, but I mask it well. Specifically interested in Buddhism and Hinduism but any chapters/verses of any texts on this topic will do. Any other scripture you feel is imperative in a journey to hone virtuous tendencies or resilience/perseverance during hardship would very welcome as well. Bless you 🙏

submitted by /u/Mission_Grapefruit92
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

A Practical Question about Visitor Bags

By: /u/Disaffecteddv

I am planning a welcome bag for our many first time visitors at my local UU congregation. If you are a member of a UU congregation, does your church give out any kind of 'welcome bag' or any sort? If so, what does it contain. If you are visiting a congregation and received such a bad, what was it like? Was there anything you particularly liked or disliked about the contents and the gesture?

submitted by /u/Disaffecteddv
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Seeking feedback about an art concept

By: /u/SnooMaps6690
Seeking feedback about an art concept

Hi folks!

I’m a long time agnostic who’s recently been reading Jordan Peterson’s book “We who wrestle with god” and become bible-curious. But I’m literally SO uncomfortable with admitting it in front of people. It feels naughty to me due to personal trauma and family association, opiate of the masses etc etc.

But I found myself ordering multiple versions of the bible recently so I can start reading and compare and thought it was funny enough to design this sticker which is a play on the term “Bi-curious” which usually means sexually curious about being involved with masculine & feminine genders but in my case, it’s a joke about being “Bible-curious”.

I’m wondering if enough people can get the joke and see the humor when they view this image before I consider ordering it as a set of custom stickers. Please let me know your thoughts and opinions. Thank you! 🙏🏽😊

submitted by /u/SnooMaps6690
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Can I be a member of two churches?

By: /u/estheredna

I am loathe to give up my membership to a small struggling church but it's not feeding me spiritually anymore. I think it only has 2-3 years left before closing its doors.

I have been attending a different church and enjoy it, and they are having a big vote soon about a potential settled minister I would like to be part of.

Can I in good conscious be a member of both? Especially interested in any minister or UU professional viewpoints but all opinions welcome.

I would definitely keep the bulk pledging at the smaller church as they really need it and the other is very solidly in the black. Or i could wait to join the new church and switch the full pledge at that point.

submitted by /u/estheredna
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Online Communities

By: /u/dancingonmyown29

Today I finally went to my first service online with CLF. I enjoyed it and was kinda wanting to talk to other members. But I can't seem to find any online groups on places like discord , WhatsApp , telegram , etc for UUS. Anyone have any links ? Was thinking of going to my local UU about an hour away but from what I can see from their recorded services the congregation were pretty much older people. I'm 34 and was hoping to find people in my age range to talk to a bit more while I get to know the religion.

submitted by /u/dancingonmyown29
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Is it okay to attend a Sunday service for the first time without contacting the church?

By: /u/RaeDunnwithyourshit

I am spiritual though not religious and I haven’t been to a church since I was a kid so I don’t really know the proper etiquette to attending a first service.
Through the website of the church I am looking at, I filled out a “new member visitor request card” but didn’t receive any response back(it’s been a couple weeks). I feel like if I keep waiting I’ll just end up not going but I really want to see what they are all about. So, TL:DR is it weird to attend a service for the first time without any correspondence from the church?

submitted by /u/RaeDunnwithyourshit
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

A Zen Meditation on our American Thanksgiving

By: /u/JAWVMM

And Daowu says of this need to act, that it comes not through an interpretation of the image of the interdependent web, not through reading the Wealth of Nations, not through solid Marxist analysis, not through righteousness of any sort, certainly not righteous anger, a dreadful seducer beckoning us to a confusion of ends and means: but rather like someone turning in her sleep and reaching a hand behind her head to adjust her pillow.

Just this. Ends and means, one thing. Our interdependence and you and I, one thing.

It becomes our broken song. It acknowledges fully and without hesitation the cracks in everything. It remembers the call to Thanksgiving and Humiliation. It recalls the horrors of days. And endless failures. And it sees something else. Joys small and great. Beauty. Loves, small and great. In the very same place. At the very same time. Found as we loosen the death grip of our knowing and slip into the mysteries of not knowing.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/monkeymind/2023/11/a-zen-meditation-on-our-american-thanksgiving.html

Rev. James Ford, UU minister and Zen teacher

submitted by /u/JAWVMM
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Looking for centrist, conservative, or libertarian groups/resources for UUs

By: /u/hubisnsfw

I've been a Unitarian Universalist for 25 years. When I found this faith, the church I joined had a wide variety of both religious and political perspectives, all of which were treated with curiosity and respect. There were lots of services for many different faiths, giving us a chance to explore different belief systems and experience wide varieties of religious services. There was representation across the spectrum for political beliefs, and there were great (and respectful) conversations about the ideas valued on all sides.

15 years ago I moved to a new town, and joined the local UU church. As I've become more involved and gotten to know the congregation more, I've found that there is less and less tolerance for anyone who doesn't align far-left on the political spectrum, and for anyone who has spiritual interests beyond humanism or kindness. This political season has been brutal. Our congregation has been all but a mouthpiece for the extreme-left, and when I brought up as much to our minister, he said that perhaps I didn't realize that I had joined a "liberal faith" and that this was probably why I felt unwelcome, and that I should consider if this was really the right place for me. He's been a UU minister for about 4 years (2 with us), and as I understand it, this is the new party line that graduating ministers are expected to carry. His belief is that UUism and the UUA in particular are fundamentally left and focused more on social justice rather than spirituality. He (and many in the church) don't seem to care about the fact that we've lost good people because they've been made to feel uncomfortable and there are more of us who are debating leaving for somewhere more tolerant.

I've done some reading online, and it's clear that there are still those who hold to the bipartisan curiosity and valuing of diversity of perspective. I'm very interested finding other UUs who aren't as exclusively-left-aligned as what's being broadcast these days. I've heard there are online groups that aim to keep our organization more bipartisan and diverse. Has anyone heard of any groups like this? Or have things changed to the point where there really isn't tolerance now for anyone who's not aligned with the extreme left?

submitted by /u/hubisnsfw
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Deciding upon a church

By: /u/Jealous_Speaker1183

I'm new and trying to decide upon a UU church. There are 2 near me. One is quite large and has two services each week and many "extra-curriculars". The other is smaller (a bit further) but I feel little more welcomed. The large church has two alternating ministers, one who hasn't really captured me, the other who I thought was great. I really like the small church minister, but on 1 to 1 she was kind of awkward. I just can't decide! Help direct me - I'm looking for deeper connections and conversations about our spirituality. I'm looking to be more involved in my community. What would you notice/look for that helps me make that decision.

submitted by /u/Jealous_Speaker1183
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UU podcast?

By: /u/Jealous_Speaker1183

Do any of you listen to UU podcast? If so which one or ones do you enjoy the most. As an FYI I am new.

submitted by /u/Jealous_Speaker1183
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Unitarian Universalist without attending services?

By: /u/SendThisVoidAway18

So is this possible? I'm a Humanist and atheist/Spiritual Naturalist. I like Humanist ideals a lot.

The only problem is there are many Anti-Theists I feel among the Humanist ranks. I feel like in many ways, my belief in acceptance towards all others doesn't match with a lot of "Secular Humanist" notions.

There aren't many UU Churches near me, and the one I attended awhile back was just kind of meh.

submitted by /u/SendThisVoidAway18
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Going to my first service

By: /u/Faustous

I am sure there are plenty of threads like this but I felt I wanted to put my voice out there.

My background was what I would call "lazy Christian". My parents used the church for daycare back in the 70's, but I really don't remember it being a big deal for us.

When I was in boot camp, the option was given to go to service on Sunday and I choose Catholic because the option of being agnostic was, basically, punished. Couldn't put atheist on dog tags, it was Non-Denominational.

My wife and I got married in a church with a Christian minister, mainly for our families expectations and comfort. I don't even mind attending services for events with family, but we aren't a Christian household, but more secular humanists.

Now here we are, in 2024, and everything seems to be against us. We have white knuckled our way in raising 2 kids to adulthood, one gay and the other trans. It's been a struggle, but without my wife doing ALL the lifting (I have a 4 hr daily commute), we would not be a happy family.

My wife suggested that we needed to "create a community" to help carry burdens and give us the opportunity to shoulder others burdens. I said "great... Church". She comes from a Southern Baptist background but also now a secular humanists. She then showed me information about the UU fellowship near us, reminding me that we met a group of UU members when we were at the DC trans rights march. (They were really nice and not at all what I expected).

So, we watched a live stream of our local service and were commenting about everything we saw to find where we would feel that it wasn't for us. From the music (Natalie Merchant, Simon & Garfunkel, joen Lennon), to the message (Native poet(s) and being thankful), to not seeing a single symbol of religion (mainly looking for Christian symbols), to the words used (never heard God or Jesus, except from the congregation a couple of times).

I woke up this morning being thankful that, even though we haven't been yet, we may have found a community that we could be accepted in and find a way to give back and be part of.

I am actually excited to go to service (fellowship? I need to learn the words to use) on Sunday.

Tldr: new member and excited to (maybe) find a community after a lifetime on our own.

submitted by /u/Faustous
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Going to my first unitarian service.

By: /u/Otherwise-Ruin2622

What should I expect and do they have a dress code? I was raised Baptist so that's all I'm really familiar with.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Tears

By: /u/Disaffecteddv

I have been a UU for 8+ years and I cherish my community. I volunteer my time and resources gladly, but without pressure to do so. I cannot imagine the shape my mental health would be in were it not for my congregation. It has been wonderful seeing many share their experiences with the UU on this subreddit. One common element among these posts has been people saying that it was common to shed tears during or after services. Often they say nothing more than "I cried." If you are such a person I am curious to hear what it was about your experience that moved you to tears. Share if you wish.

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I don't know what to do

By: /u/No-Light3054

This is about my UU church in Wyoming, PA. I don't want to leave the church, but I don't know what to do. I've been UU for a long time I love the values and principles of UU. But we have a person here who is a problem.

There is so much fear and hate here. Its been going on for a couple years but gotten worse the last year and the last couple months. I even heard one of the pagans say "there's hate between the walls" but I haven't seen her anymore. Its one woman at the center of it. She used to be in the pagan group and I think they kicked her out. I don't blame them. She's hateful and toxic and abusive. I don't even know why she's still in the church.

She screams at people. She attacks people on Facebook publicly and behind their backs. She spreads lies and rumors. She makes up things just to use them to attack people. She twists things so she can get attention. She makes everything about her. Even her joys and concerns are just about her being seen not about the people they're about. Anyone she disagrees with gets treated like sh*t. She supports a spiritual leader who glorifies r*pe and sexu*l *ssault. (Seriously.) Everyone I've talked to is afraid of her and doesn't feel safe around her. Even most of the people that go to her house and hang out with her say they don't want to end up her victims. She makes a lot of people uncomfortable. Someone even said that some group she was in before kicked her out for the same things. Its difficult to believe anything she says.

She screamed at our last board president during Sunday service over plastic bags being cleaned up by minimum wage workers. It was really abusive and pretty stupid. Then she stalked out of the church and screamed at the people that went to talk to her. We could hear her from inside the church. Then she posted on her Facebook how proud she was of herself for standing up for minimum wage workers.

She spread a bunch of lies about our religious education director being transphobic and attacked her in a board meeting over it. It was all bullsh*t and everyone knows it. The RE director is one of the most caring people I know and is not transphobic. I heard she screamed at her in the middle of the board meeting for using a member's dead-name when it was actually a name they said they were okay with. The board decided to have sensitivity training. I think it was the right thing to do because education is always good. But they should have gotten rid of her after that. All she did was create a problem where there wasn't one just to make herself look good. She posted on her Facebook how proud she was of herself for "dealing with severe transphobia" and attacked the board for "rug-sweeping" even though it was all lies and made up bullsh*t. A couple of months later she attacked the board again for not getting the sensitivity training fast enough. I heard she was the one that was supposed to get it scheduled and just didn't. One of the board members got the training scheduled. She posted on her Facebook taking credit for it though. A lot of us saw it before it suddenly wasn't there anymore. Its disgusting still seeing her other Facebook posts knowing they're made up lies. She made a problem out of nothing and tried to make everyone see how she was the hero and "fixed" it. All she really did was throw a public fit over something she imagined then screamed at people about it.

The same board member recently resigned claiming mental health needs. I think she had something to do with him resigning. Everyone knows she doesn't like him and was looking for reasons to attack him. And he's one of the pagan leaders so of course she attacks him behind his back. Before he resigned he addressed the church and said he suffered a mental breakdown and apologized for not reaching out. He also said he broke a couple of people's trust and had apologized to them. I don't know what happened exactly but I heard about her screaming at someone, I think the leader of the pagan group, afterward even though I was told it had nothing to do with her. Him and the leader of the pagan group are married, I think. She obviously made it about herself again and used it to attack the leader of the pagan group again. And I'm sure there's a Facebook post about it which is probably lies. I just don't have the heart to look because her Facebook page makes me sick.

She accused a guy in the pagan group of sexu*lly *ssaulting her. No police were called and I heard they both said it was a misunderstanding. I've heard all kinds of things about it, but what I saw happen was he stopped coming to the church after that. I did hear someone tell her that if she needed more than just what our policy does, she needed to go to the police. But she keeps attacking the pagan group for some reason even though they have nothing to do with the policy and he stopped being around. The guy hasn't been near the church in over a year and a half.

I keep hearing a story about her posting something on the pagan group's Facebook page and the leader of the pagan group taking it down and her screaming at the leader of the pagan group and threatening her. Her own Facebook page says the post that got taken down was by a guy named Raven Kaldera. I Googled Raven Kaldera and he's a disgusting piece of sh*t. He's a sexual predator. He's been involved in multiple r*pes and sexu*l *ssaults of women and men. He's banned from a lot of pagan groups and places. So are a lot of people he associates with. Some incidents he's been involved in say he tells people that r*pe and sexu*l *ssault are something that makes people spiritually stronger. I didn't even have to look very hard. I'm disgusted that anyone in my church would accept someone like that as a spiritual leader. We accept all faiths, but faiths that accept and glorify r*pe and sexu*l *ssault shouldn't be allowed. I don't even know how our church would accept someone like that. I think the leader of the pagan group was right to take the post down. And if those are her religious beliefs, I don't know why she's even allowed in the church. I don't want my religious organization accepting someone that glorifies r*pe and sexu*l *ssault. And she still uses the incident to attack the leader of the pagan group on her Facebook page. Of course its only posts that people she wants can see and never the people they are about and doesn't use names, but we all know who she is talking about.

It makes me wonder about the accusation she made against the pagan guy though. She's lied and spread false rumors and twisted everything before. Her spiritual leader glorifies r*pe and sexu*l *ssault. I try to ignore rumors, but all of that make some of the things I've heard hard to ignore. Regardless of all of that, they still believed her and acted within our churches policy.

The posts she makes are her accusing the pagan group of protecting the guy she accused of sexual assault even though they have nothing to do with the policy and he hasn't come back since And if it was an accident what are they protecting him from? It looks like they took her post down because she was posting someone who endorses r*pe and sexu*l *ssault and she got angry and invented a reason to attack them. She's done it before. Protecting sexual predators seems to be okay when she does it. But she's not just protecting one, she's endorsing one. It seriously feels like a pig painting a horse pink then trying to shame it for being a pig.

I also learned that the local pagan shop won't do business with the pagan group because of her lies and rumor spreading. I did hear that the pagan shop won't do business with her anymore either though.

She is the membership committee chair and got some policy enacted where new members need to be approved by her. I don't know how that's possible, but it feels really wrong and I don't know why the board would allow it.

Her lies and manipulation has destroyed friendships and divided our community.

I don't know how to deal with someone like her. And I don't like that the board seems to just accept her abuse. I avoid her but she's destroying my community and I don't know what to do. The pagans seem like good people and the services they do are always powerful and spiritual. The pagans did so much for the church and they support so many causes, and now most of them don't show up anymore. They have been kind and accepting and caring. She has been manipulative and toxic and abusive. The leader of the pagan group was always there when people cried or needed support. She always came to service. She was there for people. She did the new year's service every year and it was really amazing. The pagan board member that resigned always sat in the back of the church and watched out for everyone. He threw a guy out of the church once when the guy started preaching to us how we were all going to hell. I have trauma around that and was going to leave, but he took care of it. I know he is a veteran and a cop and carries a gun. I never realized how safe it made me feel just having him there. I heard someone say he was the one who got the panic buttons and started our food pantry. And I use it sometimes. He does a beautiful service for Memorial Day. He doesn't show up anymore. It seems like most of the pagans don't show up anymore. There's a few, but not many. And she cries about there not being enough volunteers but with the pagans not around anymore there won't be. They did a lot.

I know there are things that I don't know. I know that some of this is just me guessing what is happening. I know there are things that probably happened that I don't know about. But all I is see her attacking people and screaming at people and being abusive. I see her making up things and lying and screaming about it to get attention. I never see any of the pagans doing any of that. Most of them don't even seem to want to be noticed for anything they do. She seems to want to create problems just to be noticed. I didn't even get most of this from the pagans. Some of it is on her own Facebook page when you read between the lines. I see good people who look out for us and do so much for the community leaving and her staying. And no one is doing anything about it. Our last president was a good guy but didn't do anything about her. The current president isn't around much and doesn't seem to care. I think because he's not around much he doesn't see any of her abuse. He seems kind of spineless and clueless. I want the board member who resigned back. I want the leader of the pagan group back. I feel safe with the pagans. I don't feel safe with her at all. And no one I asked does either. And the current church leadership isn't doing anything about it.

I admit I don't want to become another one of her victims, so I am not using my real profile. She will probably accuse one of the pagans for posting this and I don't want them to be attacked either. But something needs to be done about her. I've already written to the board and told them about this, but it still keeps happening. No one else seems to want to speak up and I know they all see it. I don't want to just leave the church but I don't know if I can stay in it knowing she's free to just abuse people.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Don’t doomscroll about the election; do this instead…

By: /u/SpeedRacerNumber5
Don’t doomscroll about the election; do this instead…

Opinion piece by Perry Bacon, Jr. appearing in the Washington Post:

“Don’t doomscroll about Trump. Do these five things instead: “2. Join a Unitarian Universalist congregation.”

https://wapo.st/3OpGTy9

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7th principle

By: /u/litlkitten23

Hi im very very new to UU and am trying to learn more about it. I agree with all the principles but the 7th, because I have know idea what it means...please help.

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Wedding ceremony - readings/scripts about the divinity of love?

By: /u/willow238

Hi! I'm not officially a member of UU but thought this could be a helpful community.

My fiancée and I are planning our wedding and I am looking for guidance so our friend/officiant can help us have a hand fasting ceremony that feels sacred but not "religious."

I am a (very very) lapsed/former Catholic who is no longer Christian but likes ritual and tradition. she did not grow up religious but is personally spiritual with an interest in some things pagan-adjacent. I would say that we are both spiritual in that we hold certain humanist-type views and find spiritual meaning and divinity in nature, human connection, tradition/ritual, and love.

Most "secular"/non religious ceremony scripts that I see are lacking in the sacredness I associate with weddings, and so many seem like genaric statements for people who avoid spiritual thinking all together. (Sometimes when I see peolle officiating their friends weddings, it sounds more like what you'd hear in a best man toast than at the altar)

I personally see a wedding as a deeply important ritual which is fundamentally changing both of our lives (outwardly and internally) and I am hoping to find some words/blessings that reflect that.

Like, how do I make this feel "holy" and/or incorporate "blessings" without mentions of a specific god? To incorporate things about the divine nature of love and unity and creating a new family?

Can anyone suggest some resources, blessings, scripts, etc?

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I attended my first (and second as of this writing) UU sermons

By: /u/Aibyouka

To those who regularly attend UU services, a lot of this will sound familiar. I just wish to share my experience and also post it here for anyone considering.

I was raised southern Baptist spent years as an agnostic trying out different things like Wicca and Shintoism while I lived abroad, but feel most "at home" in some flavor of Abrahamism and converted to Islam a little over a year ago. I still consider myself a Muslim/Quranist, if not for the simple fact that it's a religious book that resonates greatly with me. People ask how do I reconcile my queer identity with having faith and I answer, "Just fine" because I do believe it is the people who take faith-based words and twist them to justify horrible things. But because of that it's obviously difficult to actually worship in community. Outside of sightseeing in foreign countries and a recent funeral, I haven't stepped foot in a church in nearly two decades. I've never stepped foot in a mosque, I'll just watch Friday prayers online. That changed a couple of weeks ago.

Months ago I searched for "lgbt congregation" or something similar and one of the first things that came up was Unitarian Universalism. I was shocked at the open mentions about LGBT acceptance and POC involvement on the website. Even with this, I put off going to my local branch (literally 10 minute drive away) for months. I was just too afraid that it might all be a lie, or lip service. Then I saw that they were having a TDOR service, and I took that as a sign to go. I'm so glad I did.

I've been going through a lot personally lately, a lot mentally. While I am of course working on my mental health medically, I feel the need for spiritual work as well. This was a healing experience. It felt familiar, but different. All the fixtures of a church were there, but this felt more welcoming. Going into the Christian church that the UU rents out, I was greeted with light filtering through rainbow curtains. There was a Pride Progress flag draped across a wooden wall hanging of a dove. (I was told later that these were there all the time, and that the Christian pastor who had arrived about five years prior had put them up.) I was greeted with a smile, a hello, an "assalamu alaikum" and offered to sign up for the newsletter and a to put my name and pronouns on a nametag. I noticed that recurring members had permanent nametags, all with names and pronouns on them.

The service started off with a native land acknowledgment, a prayer for transgender people who have lost their lives, a hymn, a sermon about how binaries lock us into viewing the world as "us vs. them" and how it lends to a cycle of hate and violence, testimonials from the congregation about their own trans relatives and how it helped them change how they see the world as well as their fears for their safety, a memorial reading of names (many from my area but also some famous cases from this year as well), money collection, another hymn, and finally a prayer for the hope of freedom of gender roles and expressions for all people including children, as well as safety, security, and community.

Not once was God or any particular entity mentioned. There was no talk of sin and punishment, only love, community, and striving for understanding and togetherness. Prayer was referred to as "prayer, meditation, or intentional reflection". I could tell the congregation were from multifaith backgrounds, some seemingly not necessarily believing in a particular being at all. There was just this shared idea that we are all in this universe together, so let's commune and try to set our spirits right to fight for what's right.

I was nearly brought to tears. Before and after the service so many people came up to talk to me. I'm young but clearly not a student at the local university and the majority of the congregation is 55+. People wanted to know how I even found out about the place and hear my story. I felt seen, I felt heard, I felt respected. I plan on going back.

And I have! The Thanksgiving sermon was a great message about service/self sacrifice, knowing yourself, and setting healthy boundaries. And since the congregations minister is a musician, it was a very musical sermon as well, which I was told happens the last Sunday of every month!

I imagine that of course every UU congregation is different. I'm just very glad I gave myself to chance to experience one.

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Choosing readings for an upcoming service

By: /u/Jennysez

We are a lay-led congregation. I am the worship coordinator for an upcoming service. The speaker has asked me to provide a couple of reading suggestions for her. I don't even know where to start. Her homily will focus on "Practicing Presence When You Disagree." She will refer to some Jewish sources, as well as work from Crucial Conversations, Non Violent Communication and the group Braver Angels as well as her own experience in being present with those who have a different viewpoint than her.

Where do I start? I have never picked out readings before.

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Non-LGBTQ Welcoming Congregations?

By: /u/Existing_Mistake6042

When I looked up my local UU congregation on the main UU website, I was surprised that of the very few pieces of information available there, one was that the congregation is "LGBTQ Welcoming." Not affirming, just welcoming. This was tagged alongside other features that I imagine may vary by congregation - wheelchair accessibility, "honor congregation" status. I thought all UU congregations were LGBTQ welcoming, and this honestly makes me less likely to actually follow through on attending...any insight here? Which congregations are NOT welcoming, and how might one know, besides these listings?

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Sometimes I feel like I don't fit in anywhere

By: /u/SendThisVoidAway18

Hello, all. First and foremost, I consider myself to be a Humanist. I believe in social justice, compassion and tolerance towards everyone. This is a conclusion I have come to ever since my deconstruction from Christianity/religion a year ago. I'm also bisexual, so this has played a part in my thought process, as I align quite a bit with LGBTQ rights and equality.

In terms of beliefs, my spectrum has been all over the place since I left my "religion." I'd consider myself somewhere in the realm of agnostic, atheist, and spiritual naturalist. The thing that resonates with me quite a bit is "Naturalistic" or Scientific Pantheism. I believe in a spiritual connection to nature. And when I say nature, I don't mean just like outdoors, lakes, birds, trees, etc, but also the natural order of things in the universe. I think everything in the universe is all interconnected. For me, this interconnection is "god," at least metaphorically speaking. This is fine for me personally. If someone believes in a literal deity god, this is also fine to me.

That said, I feel like there is so much hate everywhere. For example, I'm a member of a Pantheism group on FB. This group has strongly become pretty Anti-theist in their views. Even though I am not a fan of religion in certain senses, I still believe in tolerance and respecting others.

Even from other "Humanists," I get this feeling a lot. Particularly those with the "Secular Humanist," moniker. They speak down to others who are god believers or Christians, and even those who believe in anything supernatural or are sometimes anything other than an atheist. There was someone who spoke of how agnostics are wimpy and less because they aren't atheists. This was in a Secular Humanist group.

The amount of hate and intolerance from all sides of the spectrum is sickening to me. From Christians, atheists, god believers that aren't necessarily Christian, and anyone else. Can't we all just play nicely and get along? Ya know, some of that "Coexist" notion? I feel like my mind, despite being a "Humanist" is much more UU in philosophy, though I don't attend any kind of services or church, etc.

I feel like there should be more love and tolerance in the world, and less hate.

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Is this the right place for me?

By: /u/Alternative-Two-3744

Hi! I have been interested in joining a religious community again. I enjoy Christianity and have read a little bit about UU but I would really like to be in a church where Jesus is believed to be God, part of the trinity you know? UU does not believe this in the doctrine right? I understand that UU is a very accepting of different beliefs but it would be hard for me to listen to sermons that teach such a big difference in beliefs. Please let me know your advice and if i should look into attending my local UU church

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Interested but Confused

By: /u/Medical-Low-7562

A friend told me I'd fit in to th UU community but, I'm lost and confused but intrigued. I believe in heaven and hell but I'm an LGBTQ ally. I HATED going to church and hearing some of my friends and family were "going to hell" for simply being who they are. But I'm also one who doesn't believe premarital sex is a sin nor is having a child out of wedlock. I am pro-choice and believe women should have control over their own bodies. I would like that go to church but not somewhere that says everything I mentioned, is a sin.

Is this really the right place for me??

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I should stop worrying about religion

By: /u/Eurasian_Guy97

I need to stop fearing that I could be going to hell for Not being a Muslim or a Christian.

I'll never be 100% sure of the truth even as I believe in God, whoever God is.

With that said, I should stop worrying. It's been hard for me.

Please be nice in the comments as I understand that this may sound like a silly post. But I'm sincerely looking for answers and feeling worried.

I want to get back to my life and Not waste it by worrying.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Received an answer from Jesus and Allah

By: /u/Eurasian_Guy97

This will sound strange but yesterday, after a Muslim on Reddit prayed for me, I began to have faith that Allah is God and that there's only one aspect to God, not a trinity.

On the other hand, I've believed in Jesus for years and my prayers directed to Jesus have been answered.

With this said, my faith has been directed in two different areas at different times and I'm not sure how this is possible.

I hope that God will guide me to whichever religion I'm supposed to be a part of. I'm awaiting an answer from God to guide me to whichever religion I'm meant to be a part of.

I'm just wondering what people think about these two different answers to prayer happening from two different impressions of God.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I need a prayer for forgiveness

By: /u/Unusual-Display-1234

I had to make a very difficult decision last week that has ended in sincere regret. This is something i cannot take back. i am riddled with grief and sadness and need strength. I truly thought i was making the right choice but now i see that i only did it out of fear. I have not been able to get this out of my head and hate myself so much. Please i am begging, i need prayers, i need forgiveness and healing.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UU’s in Minnesota

By: /u/mpete76

My wife and I are planning on a relocation to Minnesota from Atlanta. We are UU’s and have a family with 3 little humans. We haven’t decided where just yet. Likely around the Minneapolis/St Paul area. Any recommendations on congregations with an active community in the area?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Bertrand Russell’s 10 Commandments for Living in a Healthy Democracy

By: /u/JAWVMM

The teacher who urges doctrines subversive to existing authority does not, if he is a liberal, advocate the establishment of a new authority even more tyrannical than the old. He advocates certain limits to the exercise of authority, and he wishes these limits to be observed not only when the authority would support a creed with which he disagrees but also when it would support one with which he is in complete agreement. I am, for my part, a believer in democracy, but I do not like a regime which makes belief in democracy compulsory.

https://www.openculture.com/2024/11/bertrand-russells-10-commandments-for-living-in-a-healthy-democracy.html

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

r/Paganism

By: /u/Pale_Rutabaga_2519

r/Paganism

Hi im currently a Christian and im having dount in faith I mean today I accepted Jesus for the fidth time But I dont know anymore and Im scared everyone will judhe Me and ill go to hell but please someone help me, :C

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Curious but nervous newcomer

By: /u/elic7

I moved to New England from the deep south not long ago. I hadn't given Unitarians any thought, largely because it's not really a thing where I'm from and I've only heard of it in passing a handful of times. But I saw some social media posts from a local church since the election that have me curious. Largely because as an AFAB trans person who is mixed I am so angry right now, but want to... walk the line? Of feeling anger and turning that into motivation without letting it consume me.

I considered going to their service today, but ultimately chickened out. I was raised roman catholic, went to catholic school, church twice a week, the whole shebang and am wary to say the least about religion and especially organized religion. So I guess I'm asking for people's experience on joining, good and bad. And of course, anyone who was raised in a similar religious environment I am particularly interested to hear your thoughts. And what made you decide to check it out to begin with.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UUs in their late 20s/early 30s?

By: /u/MillieXCII

I have been considering making UU my spiritual home for a little while now, but have had some hesitations because there aren’t many younger people in the fellowship near me. I’m 32 (childless) and was hoping to meet people at a similar stage of life. Today’s service totally shifted my perspective. The message centered around the disappointment, sorrow, and fear we are experiencing post election, and I have never felt so safe and seen in a room full of elderly people. (I recognize this is my own bias due to being raised in a Republican family.) I am so enamored with UU’s commitment to inclusion and seeking justice for marginalized communities.

So while I’ve decided to join the fellowship, I’m also wondering, are there other UUs of my demographic? If so, I would love to connect with some of you all!

EDIT: Thank you all for your responses! It’s nice to know I’m not alone!

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Are you Theist or Atheist?

By: /u/promemegod

Ive grown up in the UU church and had more time this last summer to go to a few services and i heard that something like at least 40% of our congregation is athiest (including me!). I was wondering how UU reddit skews on this scale? I like the idea of just having community and being with the youth i grew up with there and hanging out with them we have said it doesnt feel like it should have to be called church at this point 😅

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Has anyone ever met an Unitarian Universalist who was a “fundamentalist”Christian?

By: /u/Pombalian

By that I mean a person who believes the Bible ( or the Protestant canon of Scripture) is infallible and that its beliefs or commands should be enforced on every one else.

I am interested to see if the “Biblical Unitarian” has been gaining some stronghold in UU congregations. I want to know if a trend towards social conservatism is also affecting the most liberal denomination of the Christian tradition ( notice I don’t say Christian denomination, since upon the merger of Unitarians and Universalists agreed on founding an universalistic and open-minded institution, open to all theistic and atheistic strands of thought that recognize the intrinsic worth of humankind)

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Rev. Randy Lewis (Tulsa All Souls Unitarian) sermon "How Deep is Your Love"

By: /u/rastancovitz

"How Deep is Your Love" sermon (Youtube)

Relevant to the previous thread, here is a sermon by Rev. Randy Lewis of All Souls Unitarian in Tulsa OK about a UU minister who voted for Trump.

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How is your congregation responding to the election?

By: /u/balconylibrary1978

How are other UU congregations responding to the election? We had an ingathering Wednesday night where we shared our concerns, sang songs and did readings. The minister is also giving a sermon tomorrow about the state of the country.

It can be anything from sermons, statements, forums, special services, education....

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Maybe It's Time to Get Angry

By: /u/mfidelman

I'm a long-time member of the UU Church of Medford MA - known for such luminaries as Lydia Maria Child - author, abolitionist, women’s rights advocate, and Indian policy reformer; abolitionist George Luther Stearns, one of the “Secret Six” who funded John Brown in his militant opposition to slavery, and Reverend Eugene Adams, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma.

I watched the election results in the First Parish Church in Concord MA - where once gathered the MA Provincial Congress, calling for Revolution.

My Fellow UUs, enough with the Peace & Love stuff. It's time again to GET ANGRY, and GET ACTIVE.

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Reasons why the convicted felon supporters shouldn't be allowed in UU.

By: /u/insignificant33

At this point whoever supports that felon supports sexism, racism, LGBTQIA+ phobia, anti-climate activities etc.-all of which are clearly against UU values. There's a clear difference in morality hence these folks shouldn't be allowed in UU. Many people from marginal communities are UU members and they aren't safe around those "anti-human rights activists".

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UUs who voted for Trump?

By: /u/Dumbldoors

I was told a very small minority of UUs voted for Trump, and I am really curious why? Trump and what he represents is so antithetical to our UU principles and values, I'm just so curious how someone can both be UU and support Trump.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Joining for the First Time

By: /u/ClarisaNightinggale

So I am considering going to my first Unitarian church meeting. Went to one mindfulness group where we discussed some Buddhist literature and philosophies and found the speaker of the group to be heavily consumed with his own personal beliefs and feelings about coming to the present moment. My curiosity in the UU movement as a whole is based on the incorporation of many faiths and appreciation for the wide diversity of faiths throughout the world. Regular attendees: have you found that ministers generally reference or allude to symbology and/or metaphorical concepts present in many faiths during worship sermons? I’d like for my weekly attendance to be a place where I could grow in my understanding of the worlds religions/cultures as well as a place to connect with a spiritually inclined body of people.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Felt the Compulsion to Rejoin UU Today

By: /u/PsychologicalAd5562

I'm a 22M law student who grew up UU as a kid. To be honest I hated going to church as a kid and have been an atheist all of my life. I haven't been to church in well over a decade. But looking back I've realized how many of the values that I hold important come from what I was taught growing up unitarian. I felt the compulsion to rejoin the community in light of the recent election disaster. I feel like I'm missing the sense of community and having people to talk to for moral guidance. Especially being in the first year of law school, the communities I'm in right now are severely lacking compassion and morality.

Any advice of how to get involved besides just going on Sundays? I will try to go a Sunday I have free, but I don't have much free time as a law student.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What’s missing from my UU experience

By: /u/elusine

Philosophically I have felt aligned with UU values for most of my life. But I only started attending my local congregation a couple months ago. It checks many boxes for me: extremely warm and welcoming, full of the misfits and outcasts, generally liberal, doing work in the community, lots of small groups, doesn’t tell anyone what to believe.

However, I am a lover of faith, a nerd about faith, I love listening to religious podcasts by people of all sorts of religions and I can tell when people “get it”. I can frame my religious discussion using the terms of many systems and find the different perspectives nourishing.

The lovely UU minister gives nice messages, but much of the discussion is around the fact that we all have Big Questions. What I want to hear about are what people around me feel are their answers.

I want to know what you believe, what gives you life, what nourishes you. I thought a church would have more of this kind of discussion. It feels like everyone wants to skirt around being too concrete or personal about spiritual matters to avoid offending anyone.

Tell me your experience as a UU member. Do you feel like there is space for this in your general congregation or is this a small group thing only? I know you can’t speak for other congregations, but I’m curious what individuals here perceive to be the etiquette and vibe of their own congregation’s UU culture.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Any UU’s in Pittsburgh?

By: /u/Draculalia

I very recently moved to Pittsburgh (alone and am trying to get a read on local churches.

UU’s are so welcoming that it I had no worries about trying out churches, meeting people, etc. Unfortunately the first minister I reached out to was not welcoming on multiple levels.

I don’t want to be gossipy but I do want to explain why I’m on edge about all this. The minister with whom I corresponded refused to see if anyone in her congregation would meet for coffee, saying that UUs were introverted. She said that unless I attend services in person then she wouldn’t think I am ready to receive community.

FWIW, my hesitation to attend services is based on not having transportation, being immunocompromised, and living with chronic severe pain.

I won’t go into the rest; I just wanted to explain my cold feet and see if any ministers here have more empathy.

Feel free to PM me if you have anything you don’t want to share publicly.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I have hope it's not over yet.

By: /u/drakgremlin

Harris hasn't resigned. The numbers are super close in a lot of places. Not everything has been counted out and finalized. There is still room for hope.

I know my hope might be dashed. I know it's unlikely given the election fraud from last time and the people they put in place for this time. I still have hope.

Corporate media may have called it but yet I still hold hope. Until Harris reigns I hold hope.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

A message to my fellow UUs regarding the election.

By: /u/ForeverBlue101_303

It's official, the Cheetoh-encrusted, toupee-wearing embodiment of greed and hatred will be president again.

I hope this isn't me being silly, but I believe that as much as you guys are scared for our future and our people, you shouldn't be discouraged.

Whenever awful situations arise, use your fears as a motivator to fight for your rights to put these monsters in their place as your fears can help you become stronger and better than your enemies.

Remember, as much as Trump wants to be a fascist, the US is and will always be a democracy, a nation run by the people, and regardless of whatever ideologies we side with, it's our right for our voices to be heard and fight for your rights.

Don't be discouraged. Be strong. Be better than your enemies.

The road will be tough, but it's how strong enough you are to walk on it that matters.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Considering joining but nervous and can use some advice!

By: /u/sail0rmean

My partner and I recently moved to a new area. We are in our early 30s, no kids but we both expressed feeling exceptionally lonely and have had a difficult time getting out and making friends. To make it doubly difficult, I work full time from home so I don't have much of an outlet through work either..
We are both very spiritually inclined, me a bit more, but my partner is very open and is an active member of AA and has a strong relationship with his higher power. Neither one of us come from any sort of organized religious background but we do seem to share many of the same beliefs of UU.
We are very nervous to show up to a sermon? (not even sure if that is what they are called!!) but are curious about being apart of this community.
I guess I am just looking for some tips on etiquette and what to expect to hopefully lessen some of this social anxiety. I also understand that we may (besides children) be some of the youngest folks there. I don't particularly mind this, as I often love being around more experienced folks (heh) but I also want to be realistic about whether we can stick this out longterm with such a potential big age gap. Any advice from younger folks on this one?
Thank you!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What are your thoughts on hauntings?

By: /u/becauseofrandomness

Curious what various UU members think of the ghostly side of things

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Attended my very first service!

By: /u/loneflame-666

It went so well! As a Theistic Luciferian I was super nervous to attend but I was able to actually listen to others talking about their experiences with the church and their personal beliefs, which I always love to hear from people. Everyone was so friendly! I even got a compliment on my necklace! I may never officially join the church or anything but I will enjoy trying it out for a period of time and connecting with others with differing beliefs. I am so happy I wasn't judged for my spirtuality! I also absolutely loved the lighting of the chalice as it heavily resonates with me!

Just wanted to share my enthusiasm :)

Edit: I now see that someone posted their experience of having their first service before me! So happy for them!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Attended my first UU church service!

By: /u/becauseofrandomness

I grew up Jehovah’s Witness and left almost 2 years ago. Family discarded me and surviving on my own has been a significant struggle and the threat of imminent homelessness at any given time is ever present. Today I attended my first UU church service and to my surprise I did not have the PTSD anxiety breakdown I was afraid I might having going to a religious environment. The welcoming vibe that doesn’t tell me I’m wicked or evil for being gay is so welcomed and I look forward to attending more events and services in my local UU congregation. THANK YOU!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

My partner doesn’t like my beliefs. How do I go about that?

By: /u/EntertainmentOk6690

Hey! So, I have been UU my whole life. I believe in god as a non-sentient energy that everything exists as part of, with the language of that energy being manifestation. I also believe in reincarnation. I work in plant conservation and ecology with the drive to promote environmental justice on an interspecies scale, along with just loving my career field. All of that is to say, I am very liberal, spiritual, and open minded with my beliefs.

I have been in a relationship of 3 years just about (with our anniversary coming up in January) with my partner. He is amazing and thoughtful in almost every way. However, he is a very devoted Christian, and he is unwilling to compromise on anything religious. (He has a lot of medical trauma, and one time he died briefly during a surgery. He says he say a vision that reaffirmed his beliefs. I have my own way of interpreting his vision with my own beliefs.) We try to avoid talking about our religious beliefs, and whenever we do talk about them, he is clear that he does not like my beliefs. His parents are very religious and republican (they don’t believe in climate change…), and apparently they have very strong thoughts on Unitarian Universalism. He told me to never mention it around them. From this though, he is unwilling to ever explore UU despite it being an open religion. I have gone to a few church events with him and his family, but I always feel slightly off-put when his church talks about me going to hell (I don’t believe in Hell but that’s not great energy to be around). One time, I also researched and emailed with more liberal and open minded church for a few weeks, and then I asked him to go with me to one of those. He instead told me that he already planned on going to his parents churches those days. We have talked about exploring other churches, and he was receptive then. I just wonder now if he doesn’t actually mean what he says in those conversations. We talk about our future all the time, but, occasionally, he says that I will believe what he believes. I don’t love that. I feel very proud of what I believe in, and it guides me through how I interpret the world. With the person I love hating my values, I feel like I should be ashamed of them sometimes, and I can’t talk about what I believe.

Further, I have deep problems with the whole “humans are over all other creatures” belief in christianity since I work in environmental conservation. I have had to had conversations on the plant-interspecies justice side where I ask if there would theoretically be a plant-Jesus, and he was not very interested. Hahaha

I am actually about to head out the door alone to go to my first UU event in like 7 years. I’m actually very excited to be in that environment again.

I guess, I’m just wondering what this group might think of all of that. What would you guys do? How would you approach this situation, and how would you have a conversation about that if you were in my shoes? And have any of you ever been in a situation like that? How did it go?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Flaming Chalice

By: /u/thatoneboiyoukno

I went to my first service last week, as I mentioned in a previous post, and I really enjoyed it. One question I had but didn’t get a chance to ask—and I’m hoping someone here might be able to answer—is about the very beginning of the service when the reverend lit a candle in a chalice. Could someone explain the significance of the flaming chalice in basic terms?

Also, shortly after that, the congregation was invited to come up and light a small candle on what looked like a metal tree, with one on each side of the sanctuary. During this time, there was a beautiful piece played on the piano, which made the moment feel even more meaningful. I’d love to understand the meaning behind this practice as well.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I’d like to leave…

By: /u/Emotional-Trash-3268

I have decided I’d like to leave the church I attend as a member. I haven’t brought this up with anyone at the church but I haven’t met my pledge for this year either. Will I be required to meet it before I can leave?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I’m struggling with being open minded part

By: /u/sjsieidbdjeisjx

I know a big aspect of being a UU and one thing I’ve been struggling with recently is being open minded and accepting of people with different opinions.

I live in a very conservative part of the USA, in the middle of nowhere in Indiana. My wife and I have been attending our UU church for about 4 months now and it’s great. We are finally around people who share our same beliefs, religiously and politically. With us being in rural America we are in the middle of hateful politics and rhetoric. My friends and family are ALL republicans and we do not see eye to eye with them regarding any of that! I’m struggling to be accepting of them as I think there politics is full of hate and make my and my wife’s life harder. How do I become more accepting and ok with that? They are my family after all and these are friends I have been with since I was 4, I’m 33 now. With this charged political season my wife and I are sick of the people around us and the hate they spew.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Will a UU church be a good place for me?

By: /u/loneflame-666

Hello! I'm a Theistic Luciferian and I have a history with Christianity and Catholicism that has left me spiritually traumatized. (However, I accept people in these spiritualities.) I'm wondering if a Unitarian Universalist Church in my community would be a good place where I can learn and enjoy time around others without running into negative experiences. The reason why I'm wondering is because my partner has chosen to go and I'm going as well and I want to know if I will be "safe" from negativity toward my spirituality since it is usually a very taboo path. I'm not looking to identify as a Unitarian Universalist, I'm just looking to find a spiritual place in my community where I can connect with others. I'm also not very educated on UU and am looking forward to learning more! I got invited to join them and the minister was super nice and friendly! They weren't aware of what my spiritual identity is though. I really connect with the whole lighting the chalice thing because Lucifer's sigil is a chalice. Anyway, if anyone has any ideas about this, please feel free to let me know.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Out of town etiquette question.

By: /u/SorchasGarden

I'm planning to attend services in a different city/state next month. Is it considered polite to email the minister ahead to let them know? Thanks!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Update on my previous post.

By: /u/thatoneboiyoukno

This is me coming back to update everyone on my experience! Last week, I made a post looking for guidance on whether Unitarian Universalism would be a good fit for me and how to attend a service. Many of you responded with kind words of encouragement, and today, I finally attended.

When I say my experience was incredible, I truly mean it. I arrived at the parking lot about 10 minutes before the service, which was scheduled to begin at 11 AM. Guest parking was clearly marked and easy to find—especially since my anxiety had me checking it out on Google Earth beforehand! The lot was packed, which was definitely not what I had expected. The campus itself is shaped like a large “U,” with a massive courtyard in the middle.

As I followed others into the courtyard, two older women approached me right away, asked if I was new, and kindly showed me to the welcome table outside the sanctuary. There, I met one of the greeters, who was incredibly welcoming. He explained how the service would go, offered me a name badge, and handed me the order of service. After that, he led me into the sanctuary and told me I could sit wherever I felt comfortable.

The sanctuary was beautiful—filled with natural light and high wood ceilings that felt inspirational. And the smell… it was like honeysuckle or fresh flowers. Just amazing. Today’s service focused on remembering our loved ones who have passed, which tied into Día de los Muertos. The music was moving, the readings from the reverend were thoughtful, and I even appreciated the part when all the new guests were asked to stand so the congregation could welcome us. Several of us stood, and the applause we received was so heartwarming. It was a wonderful feeling.

There was also a moment during the service where everyone greeted their neighbors, which I enjoyed. Several people came over to introduce themselves to me, making me feel even more at ease. After the service, they had food and coffee available for everyone. A woman came up to me and asked if I’d be interested in a UU 101 course, just to learn more about the religion and what it means. She wasn’t pushy at all, just kind and informative, so I agreed.

The course itself was great—there were a few other people joining too. The two women leading the course were knowledgeable and passionate, but never in a way that felt intimidating. Afterward, they gave us a tour of the campus, showing us a library filled with books by philosophers, social justice authors, and writings on the UU faith. They encouraged us to explore the campus freely and made it clear that we were welcome back anytime.

What struck me most was that, throughout the entire experience, no one was trying to impose their beliefs on me. It was clear that everyone holds their own beliefs, and the focus of the UU faith is to support individuals in finding what they believe in. I will definitely be back next week!

to add* yes, they had coffee. 🤣 It was offered both before and after the service. The courtyard had a covered patio and if I had to guess, I would say around 40 people were gathered, drinking coffee and eating pastries, while chatting with others.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Help figuring out what tradition this is?

By: /u/CuriousPotato81

I went to a UU as a young person and we did a tradition of candle lighting during the winter time. It has specific candle colors for each day. The closest thing I can come up with is Advent during the same time? But the thing I’m thinking of had a list of different candles and meanings. Maybe a variation on Advent? Does anyone have a list like this they’d be willing to share or have other insight?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Come To Christ - He is the Only Way To Be Saved

By: /u/Ben_Leevey

I created this video a while back, and would like to discuss it with folks. I would love your thoughts! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt2gXmy59XM&t

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Help me understand

By: /u/thatoneboiyoukno

Hi everyone! I’m seeking some guidance or insight from those who may have walked a similar path. I grew up in a large family that occasionally attended a Pentecostal church, though we weren’t deeply committed to it—it was more of a convenience. After I came out, my family was essentially pushed out of the church, and we haven’t returned since. These days, my parents will still mention God or talk about Christ, but it’s not as fervent as it was during my childhood.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself grappling with my faith and spiritual identity. I’ve always had so many questions about religion, but more often than not, my questions were either dismissed or left unanswered. Now, nearing 30, I know I believe in something, but I’m not entirely sure what. Recently, I came across Unitarian Universalism (UU), and it really piqued my interest.

There’s a UU church less than 15 minutes from me here in Texas, and I’m curious about attending a service. Do you simply walk in and take a seat in the sanctuary? I’m a bit cautious about attending because I’ve never been to a place like this, and I’m unsure what to expect.

Could anyone explain, in simple terms, what UU believes? What texts, if any, are used? And as someone who might identify as agnostic (I don’t deny the existence of a higher power, but I feel it may be impossible for humans to fully understand it), do you think UU would be a good fit for me? I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Is Unitarian Universalism a form of religious Humanism?

By: /u/SendThisVoidAway18

Hello, all. I was just curious... Is the UU faith essentially a form of religious Humanism?

I would consider myself a Humanist. I used to consider myself a Secular Humanist. However, in recent times, I have come to embrace a type of Spiritual Naturalism. It seems the "Secular Humanist" movement has a tone that is highly against spirituality or any kind of "god" type beliefs of any kind, almost hinging on Anti-theist.

I, however, would like to refrain from such behaviors and believe in more positivity and tolerance towards others. I don't really believe in anything supernatural for the most part, but recognize there are many who do. I recognize that humanity comes in a diverse range of belief systems. I don't really believe in taking part in worship of any kind personally, but I see that rituals, ceremonies and other things give meaning to a lot of people, even if I don't share the views on my own personally. I also believe in secular values, but more so in the interest of keeping treatment towards others fair and ethical, without favoring a particular religion, not because I am anti-religion or anything like that.

That said, I feel like my views are very similar to the UU/religious Humanist aspect. I'd argue on paper, that my belief system sort of encompasses many things, mostly being Humanism, Scientific Pantheism, which is a form of Spiritual Naturalism, agnosticism, and technically atheism.

Perhaps my own "form" of Humanism, whatever it is, need not any alignment or labels. Any thoughts?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Taking over as chair and sole member of the membership committee.

By: /u/malphonso

For reasons I shouldn't share I've been tasked with taking on the chair of the membership committee. Because of the reasons there isn't going to be any handing over of documentation or contacts, aside from a log of headcounts she performed from time to time. So I'm practically starting from zero at a relatively small church (30 members, 20 pledging units).

Where do I start? I want to get out in the community at fairs and such, and I also want to be able to organize events to keep our members engaged, but it feels like I'm eating an elephant and don't know where to take my first bite.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How relevant is the unitarian or universalist part in your church?

By: /u/some_kinda_genius

I recently started going ans after some research, I find the concepts of unitarian and universal salvation very appealing. I know modern UU has sort of evolved past that, but I was wondering if anyone still subscribes to these beliefs. I saw some sermons online touch upon it, but it was more in a "this is our history " kind if way.

I like how unitarianism encourages ppl to see Jesus as a fallible person inspired by God. Definitely makes him more relatable and I don't feel like my intelligence is being insulted. And universalism basically fixes the problem with so many Christians fixating on punishing or condemning outsiders.

I just feel like these are pretty powerful ideas and I'm wondering if you guys still feel they are relevant today?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How do you track your congregations financials?

By: /u/TheWhiskeySour

I'm on my congregation's governance council, and we're trying to find a better alternative to our current software for our financials team. We are currently using Power Church and have for many, many years, but from what the finance team is telling us, it's not sustainable anymore. We're looking into different options, but so far nothing has really sparked for them. Therefore I'm reaching out to see if any of you have suggestions or resources! The team complains that they are getting burned out on how much work goes into using the software, but they don't want to outsource to a third party company to do the work. So, from what I'm being told, we need a solution that is in-house, but more user friendly, and hopefully can be more easily learned by multiple people so that as the team changes, we can more easily pass the baton to the new crew.

We're reaching out to our other local UU chapters to see what they use, but I am hoping that by spreading a wider net that we'll get some more ideas. Thank you all in advance!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UU Conflict Resolution or Right Relations Abuse

By: /u/DoubleExponential

Any stories about how these two ideas are misused? Especially when used for conflict between a congregant and staff?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Colorado Springs Church?

By: /u/Yorradorable

So one of my partners has recently gotten interested in the UUs and has an interest in attending the church in Colorado Springs.

So I was wondering if there's anything that y'all could tell her about that congregation and what to expect from their services?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Breakoff Unitarian sect post-Article 2 revision?

By: /u/allezaunord

Sorry in advance that this is vague, but I'm asking here because the information I got was too vague to Google it effectively. My aunt told me that in the wake of the Article 2 revision, members of her congregation are considering leaving the church/UUA and attending services by a sort of breakoff group that doesn't answer to the UUA and doesn't follow the new Article 2. It's led by a man who seems to have formerly been a UU minister but was criticized for writing something that was perceived as anti-trans/LGBTQ. Does anyone know anything about this? My aunt is in Connecticut but it sounded like this wasn't a local group. She's getting old and doesn't always explain things well, hence my lack of info/confusion!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Book recs

By: /u/WhatTheFlan

Are there any books you think someone interested in UU should read and or you felt influenced by in your spirituality?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Christian-My relationship with God is more important than my human relationships

By: /u/balconylibrary1978

I recently had a friend who told me that "his relationship with God is more important than my human relationships." This person is a Catholic that desires to go into the priesthood. How would a UU respond to this?

I think that "God" the force or the thing that it is can be found in things like friendships and relationships and we interact with that force through those things (just like art, music. literature, nature walks....). To me a "relationship" with something invisible is not paramount to something earthly. Thoughts?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Humanism within Unitarian Universalism?

By: /u/SendThisVoidAway18

Hello all. I've identified as a Humanist for quite a while now. The more and more I go in depth with my journey of my own self discovery and learning, the more I find about how I lean towards certain things and then sometimes my views change slightly.

In terms of beliefs, I'm technically an agnostic atheist on paper. However, I think I'm a bit more of a kind of Pantheist or Spiritual Naturalist in some regards. I feel a type of spirituality within nature and considering the cosmos, and interconnectedness of all things with universe. I don't really believe in anything supernatural however like gods, demons, heaven or hell.

Now, I had considered myself a Secular Humanist along my pathway to discovery as well. However, I've recently almost sort of became disillusioned with this line of thought, as it seems a lot of people who are Secular Humanists are more interested in bashing others who are religious or believe in (a) god, which I am not. It seems spirituality in general, or anything with "Theist," in it is automatically frowned upon or arrogantly discarded.

I see purpose in people believing in things, rituals and spirituality, having community in church, and faith to some people, even if I can't get on board with all this personally. Everything isn't for everybody. I try to be more open-minded and believe in peaceful coexistence with everyone, regardless of what beliefs you have, as long as they aren't harmful or a kind of discrimination. The only thing I really disagree with is religion being brought into politics, and aggressive proselytizing.

That kind of makes me wonder, since I know religious Humanism is also a thing, is the UU philosophy more so this type of Humanism if that is the case? I don't really desire to be a part of any "religion," in any technical sense, but I think my belief in Humanism is a bit of a combination of religious Humanism (like UU) and Secular Humanism aspects. Ironically enough, from what I've read, religious Humanism is apparently considered a non-theistic stance as well?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What does your congregation do to not welcome newcomers?

By: /u/WasAble

I know the subject line sounds snarky however I'm serious. I'm a lifelong (it's starting to feel like a long life) UU. I recently attended a workshop at a neighboring UU church. A member there greeted me and she was wearing a name tag that had a bold "10 year member" banner along the bottom. It evoked a visceral "I don't belong" here reaction in me and I suppressed an urge to flee (and I'm an old white guy).

Until recently, our church had a color-coding system for name tags (members had one color, visitors another, etc) which inadvertently created a "we're 'in' and you're not" vibe. We also use jargon (eg. "join us in the back lounge after the service") that's not easily understood by newcomers.

What does your congregation do to not welcome newcomers? I'm hoping to trigger awareness and perhaps change where needed.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How do you explain Spirituality to a Christian?

By: /u/Puzzleheaded-Bug5726

I think religion confines ppl into arguing over meaningless man-made rules/theologies. How is a catholic God any different than a Muslim God for example?

Wouldn’t it make more sense that there’s only ONE God who is UNIVERSAL?

Why would God discriminate against geographical location? If you so happened to be born in India to a family practicing Hinduism.. why would God Condemn you for doing what you think is right?

Why are Christians so convinced that those who do not worship and walk the same way they do are going to Hell?

What about those who cannot read? What about those who are blind? Deaf?

Anyways, I’m wondering how you could possibly explain Spirituality to a Christian who’s convinced anything outside the dogma of Christianity is essentially evil.

Is it even possible for a religious person to empathize with someone who doesn’t have their same believes???

I am not religious but my bf is. He seems to think his love for Jesus is what’ll take him to heaven….

He says he loves me…but how much can he truly love me..if deep down, he thinks my disbelief in the Christian version of God will send me to Hell?

Why is it so difficult for him to think outside of the Christian context? Any questions or points I try to make in favor of my spirituality, he dismisses with Christian logic or a Christian explanation instead of a more objective one. No matter what I say, it’s like he doesn’t REALLY hear me.

I feel like religion has him trapped in a bubble avoidant of hearing anything besides more religious confirmation bias.

submitted by /u/Puzzleheaded-Bug5726
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

OWL Experiences?

By: /u/CUUC-Plano

Hi All,

Our church is bringing back OWL programs for the first time in awhile, and we're extremely happy to be able to do this again! We were wondering if there were any experiences that anyone here could share (positive or concerns) regarding the program. Any extra info helps!

submitted by /u/CUUC-Plano
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Visitor handout draft - critiques welcome!

By: /u/Jennysez
Visitor handout draft - critiques welcome!

Thanks for the previous advice on doing a visitor handout.

This is my draft of a 5.5"x8.5" handout to give to first time visitors to our congregation. My guess is that if they made their way through our door, they will have some idea of what UU is about.

I'd love some feedback before submitting it to our committee. Note that there is extra white space at the bottom, under the lower blue box. That is where we have the address, phone number, and website url. I just didn't show it on this picture, because this isn't final or approved yet, and I don't want it to accidentally get out into the wild with our details on it :-)

I used colors, fonts, and graphics approved by the UUA.

Is this enough information? Not enough? Too many bullet points (I'm kind of bullet-point happy)? Should I do something on the reverse side, like FAQ's or something?

https://preview.redd.it/gjl7reoyptqd1.jpg?width=1650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eeb6be74a885611048572573fe13c96b0dd24401

submitted by /u/Jennysez
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Are any of you UUs involved with CMEP?

By: /u/CaptainTime5556

For those unaware, the organization is "Churches for Middle East Peace". The UUA is one member of the organization along with a couple dozen other (mainline Christian) denominations.

I've been invited on a CMEP peacemaking trip to Israel/Gaza in November, organized by a friend of mine from another denomination (not one of the member churches but they share CMEP's main philosophy).

I'm inclined to take the trip because the person inviting me is a person I trust in terms of finding safe, educational and theologically appropriate travel partners. If there are any UUs who are familiar with the organization and their mission I'm interested in connecting before I go.

submitted by /u/CaptainTime5556
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What do you hand out to visitors?

By: /u/Jennysez

I've been asked to make something to hand out to first-time visitors to our congregation. I'm having trouble figuring out what to put on it. Should I focus on our particular congregation, since lots of general info can be found by just googling Unitarian Universalist? Is it ok for me to use the new image of the love chalice (the one with love at the center and the other 6 principals around it)? Does anyone have a flyer like this from their congregation that they could share with me to help spark my creativity? I've tried to do a google search for ideas, but am not really finding anything. Thank you!

submitted by /u/Jennysez
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Unbaptism

By: /u/Gretchell

Hi, Im a life long UU and member of CUUPs. Ive been exploring what folks who have experienced religious trama are sharing, at least openly and the idea of an unbaptism has come up. Has any UU congregation offered this kind of a thing as a service? It sounds very healing.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Hello

By: /u/Outrageous_Band_117

I’ve been interested in spiritual things for years (manifestation, crystals etc), I decided to go back to shadow work, do mediation and yoga.

Would going to a UU church sometimes/occasionally ala online services be helpful for my spiritual journey ???

submitted by /u/Outrageous_Band_117
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

No minister but need pastoral support

By: /u/cheerfulmeesha

So earlier this year our congregation fired our minister for a multitude of reasons. Our congregation is basically now all lay-led, in Worship and Pastoral Care. I myself am now the head of the Worship Committee and have been working 20 hour weeks as a volunteer and I have been overwhelmed. Anyway, that's not my current concern, though I've been meaning to make a post about that.

My mom is in the ICU and is probably going to be taken off life support in the next couple of days. I really wish I had a minister to talk to, but since we don't have one at my congregation, I don't know what to do. I see know there are like UU spiritual directors, but I don't know if that's what I need. I like the people in our Pastoral Care Team, but I think I need more spiritual, ethical and moral support.

Should I contact a minister at another UU church in the region? Would it matter as I guess I'm not a member and don't pledge $ to them? I guess I just feel so lost and I don't know who to talk to. The chaplain at the hospital was nice, but very overtly Christian and overly optimistic. I wish I could talk to my former minister who I think is still in the area, but apparently we aren't allowed to contact them after everything that went down, even though it was a board decision to fire them not the congregation.

submitted by /u/cheerfulmeesha
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Halloween?

By: /u/Lars_AK

I assume the answer is yes, but just to make sure, is it okay for UUs to celebrate Halloween?

submitted by /u/Lars_AK
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Any Muslim Unitarians, or Unitarians from Muslim traditions, on here? What is your experience like?

By: /u/mlynnnnn

I am a practicing Muslim seeking a home faith community that aligns with my faith practice, my politics, and my perspective on the world... unfortunately as a woman who is vocal about those politics & perspectives I am not entirely welcome at any otherwise-accessible mosques, so I'm forced to get a little more creative in my search. Via many years of interfaith community organizing beside Unitarians I know that our politics & perspectives often align, and based on the tenets and UU lit I've examined so far it seems like at the very least I can hang out on Sundays without committing shirk... then when I was chatting with a colleague who is a Unitarian minister, she mentioned that there are indeed Unitarian Muslims out there. Is that true?

Any Unitarian Muslims out there who would be willing to chat about it?

submitted by /u/mlynnnnn
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

New to Greater Boston and considering a UU church

By: /u/TheLakeWitch

Hello everyone. I moved to the Greater Boston area (North Shore) last year and am considering a UU church. I am a former Catholic turned evangelical turned agnostic/atheist (many, many moons ago). Since leaving church altogether I have missed having both a spiritual connection of some sort and the community connection which was found in my old church congregations. I’ve been considering UU since before moving to New England but there are far more choices here than back in my Midwestern hometown.

If you’re from the area, hello! There are probably 5 congregations that would be close enough to me to consider. I am 40s/F, single, childfree, and queer. My main objective is to find connection and while I know every congregation has something to offer, I know they can have varying demographics. I don’t really know what activities or groups are common but, as a former music major who has sadly not been in music for decades, I know I’m interested in possibly joining a choir or participating in music somehow.

I did a cursory glance at websites around me but events aren’t always posted. I also did a search of the sub and didn’t really see anything pertaining to this specific area and am wondering if anyone here is local and has insights? Thank you 😊

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

The future of UU, in a world that also continues to move into the future

By: /u/cryptonymcolin

I'm curious what the data is on whether the UU has been growing, shrinking, or holding steady over the last few decades. I'm also curious what the people of this sub predict the future will be for Universal Unitarianism. Do you suspect it'll grow a little? A lot? Shrink? Collapse? Why?

In particular, I think it's useful to consider that it's not just that our present environment is different than the social/political/technological environment of say the 1990's, but that the environment we'll be in 5, 10, or 20 years down the road will also be different- it might even be easy to predict that it'll be radically different from today. How well do you think UU will hold up to that pressure?

Obviously there have been some dramatic (by UU standards) reforms in the last few years. Do you think these reforms will help the UU survive or even thrive? What do you think the passing of these reforms (and the difficulties associated with doing so) says about the UU institutionally, in terms of it's capacity to keep up with changing times?

If you think the future of UU is fairly different from where it is presently, where do you see yourself in that mix? Do you see yourself getting more involved in a stronger UU, or do you imagine that realistically your local congregation will have to shut its doors one day and that you'll need to find a new home? What do you think the consequences on the larger world will be of whatever you imagine the UU's future to be?

I'm curious to hear what people involved with Universal Unitarianism have to say on these topics! Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and respond thoughtfully!

submitted by /u/cryptonymcolin
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Is UU ok with polyamory?

By: /u/No-Comment4135

I am considering joining and would like to know if there is any official stance on ethical nonmonogamy. Obviously I wouldn’t be trying to promote it while I’m at church, more curious about whether to keep conversations about my relationships limited to about my primary partner or if I can speak freely.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

resources for worship coordinator

By: /u/Jennysez

We have a lay-led congregation, and I am going to be the worship coordinator for the first time in about a month. I have been the worship associate (just reading the script provided to me) once before. It will be a blessing of the animals service, held outside. I have a basic script that we follow every week, but as WC, I'll be in charge of coordinating with our guest speaker and customizing the script for this particular type of service. I'm excited but nervous. Any resources you could point me to would be much appreciated!

submitted by /u/Jennysez
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Progressive Christian looking for new home

By: /u/North-Employee-9596

Why should I be UU? What can you say to convince me, UU fascinates me.

submitted by /u/North-Employee-9596
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Very new and very nervous

By: /u/MechanicEcstatic5942

Hello everybody, I am both a newcomer to this site and the Unitarian Universalist community. The fact that I am a transgender man has always been the deciding factor in my decision to not practice religion. I've dabbled in a lot of different faiths and spiritual practices, but nothing has ever truly resonated with me until last night, when I did what I always do, fall down a rabbit hole and discovered this religion. It appears foolish that I haven't found this sooner after reading and understanding more about it. For some reason, I can't help but worry about what other people will think of me and say about me behind my back whenever I attempt anything new or even just try to progress in my personal life. (for the background narrative, check CPTSD traumatic life events 😂).

Since I completely lost touch with who I am and what I stand for five years ago, I have been on a quest of self-discovery. I've been so focused on staying alive that I haven't been able to relax enough to meditate for fear of losing control of my body. I needed a defining feature before I could possibly go headfirst into that religion.

Could someone perhaps shed some light on this for a beginner, explain Unitarian a little more, and tell me what I should and should not do?

I am grateful. 🙏

submitted by /u/MechanicEcstatic5942
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Name tag software or program ideas?

By: /u/MooseAdditional576
Name tag software or program ideas?

Hello! Our congregation is looking for a better way to print names on name tags.

We are currently using a google doc that has an Avery template thrown on top of it! It is so difficult to get the names and spacing right! There has got to be a better option!

Pic of our current name tag situation included! The paper inside measures 3”x2”

submitted by /u/MooseAdditional576
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What do you get out of being UU?

By: /u/langleylynx

I've been thinking of becoming a UU for a while now, and I understand it well enough (well enough to know that a question like this will garner many answers, because every congregation is different).

I'd like to hear more about what the purpose/point of being UU is, according to some of you kind folk.

Is the point of the UU tradition mostly an embodiment of humanism, liberal values and diversity? Is it more so about trying to make the world a better place, and fighting against oppression or cruelty? Does the tradition noticeably help you be a better person, and is that it? Is it just about wanting community? What keeps you going as an active Unitarian Universalist?

What does the UU tradition offer that keeps you involved (and hopefully passionate)?

Yes this is a broad question and I have effectively listed what are probably the main motives, but I thought I'd hear what people have to say.

submitted by /u/langleylynx
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Daily spiritual practices

By: /u/FitEmployee6487

Hi everyone. What are your daily practices for spiritual development? Do you have any specific resources that you use? For parents, do you follow any practices/rituals with your children? Thanks in advance.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Struggling with Commandments from God according to the Holy Bible

By: /u/--StinkyPinky--

What are some examples where God has given specific rules of how to/how not to get into the Kingdom of Heaven?

From what I understand, removing Jesus and the apostles from the equation, God sent down the Commandments and it was the only "real" example of when God said "do not do this...." and laid it out.

That means, at the very least, following God's commandments is a great way of getting through the Pearly Gates. And they're pretty easy to follow.

Am I interpreting something wrong? Thanks!

Edit: I’d like to write this one all over! Lol. I was meaning to say “from the Unitarian perspective.” Like empathizing with an individual who believes this, what is the discussion to have?

submitted by /u/--StinkyPinky--
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Questions about "Our Whole Lives" curriculum.

By: /u/Royal_Business_3842

I have been poking around learning about UUs, and I'm very interested in RE and OWL classes for my children. The problem is the local UU dosen't have any children's programs, the second closest is over an hour away. I can't afford the gas or time commitment to attend the children's program, 2 hour round trip plus service(s) and the 2pm owl program. I would have to leave before 9 am and come home after 4pm. Those of you who have experience with OWL, do you feel it is a curriculum I can just purchase and teach my children, or do I really need a trained instructor for it to be properly taught? With the grade levels( K-1, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12) do you use the K-1 for 2nd grade and the 4-6 for 3rd grade? I'm sorry I have so many questions, but any insight would be helpful. Thank you!

submitted by /u/Royal_Business_3842
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Kids picture books

By: /u/Surfermom23

I'm new to UU. Any kids picture books with UU philosophy?

submitted by /u/Surfermom23
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Support with educator classroom wishlist or well wishes :)

By: /u/Mundane_Raccoon3062
Support with educator classroom wishlist or well wishes :)

I’ve been attending a UU church for about a year now and love the amount of love and support that I’ve received.

If this is not allowed, please delete.

I work with high school students in special education. My students are very behind in their classes and lack basic background knowledge. I support my students with all of their subjects (English, social studies, science), therefore I go through a lot of materials. The majority of my students are Black and/or low SES.

My favorite thing about the UU church is how everyone is welcome, including people with disabilities. My students have disabilities such as autism, ADHD, developmental language disorder, dyslexia, etc. My teaching style utilizes a lot of visual support and neurodivergent positive activities (such as interactive games).

I would also appreciate all of the positive energy and/or prayers for my students this year! They deserve the absolutely best education possible!

submitted by /u/Mundane_Raccoon3062
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

organ hymns?

By: /u/bryophyteish

I know many UU churches sing hymns, but I've never seen or heard of one using a pipe organ. I'm biased, as an (aspiring) organist myself, but I really think organs are the best at backing up congregational singing, as opposed to pianos or guitars. Digital organs these days sound extremely realistic and can be bought for less than a grand piano as well, so I don't imagine cost being an issue, at least if a church has the money for a piano. So why don't UUs use organs? Anyone have any clue?

submitted by /u/bryophyteish
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Realistically, how would I be received at a UU church as a trans person?

By: /u/muetint

Hello!

I've been interested in attending services at a local UU church for a little while now. I have a lot of hang-ups with churches in general. I grew up in a Southern Baptist family that went to church frequently. As I got older, I started to form my own identity and beliefs that did not align with the church. While not as explicitly political as some, the church did champion conservative causes especially in terms of anti-choice rhetoric and opposition to LGBTQ persons. I felt I had to hide my true beliefs for much of my teenage years and was largely agnostic by the time I moved out on my own at 18. I'm 34 now and have not gone attended a church on my own accord since then, and it is still somewhat frightening thinking of going back to one based on my past experiences.

I still struggle with a belief in a higher power but have opened up myself more to the idea of spirituality in general. Based on what I've read about the UU church, this in itself would not be an issue. However, in the past couple years, I've come out as a MTF transperson. I'm scared of how I will be received at a church because of this. In the past few months I've been in recovery for a drinking problem and I've attended a few LGBTQ centered AA meetings that have been held at the UU church. I noticed that they prominently display the LGTBQ pride flag and have signage indicating that they are welcoming to all. This has made me more comfortable with the idea of attending a service there, but I want to be sure this is something that is actually true in practice and not just in theory.

I know I'm probably way overthinking this, but as I said, I have a lot of trauma associated with churches in general and want to make absolute sure that I'll be entering into a welcoming environment, as I've been really struggling to find a community of people to connect with beyond AA. Any experience, advice, or reassurances would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I'm so interested in knowing about this religion being a non American

By: /u/saintlybeast02

I grew up in India in a traditional Hindu family. I'm so glad to learn about Unitarian Universalist religion as it is accepting of all people no matter their sexual orientations or belief structures. The fact that you guys have managed to establish a progressive community of rational, sane and open minded people who support progressive social policies is so incredible to me.

I wanna learn more about this. Can anyone enlighten me on your religion. Please note I'm a person who has a very basic knowledge of Christianity growing up in this part of the world so I need to learn more and more things about this incredible religion, its beliefs and the practices it preaches. Can anyone enlighten me on this? Also do you guys have presence here in India or anywhere outside the US as of now?

submitted by /u/saintlybeast02
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Clergy question

By: /u/Peach-cobbler-pal

Are there any UUA clergy here who could give insight into transferring denominational standing/ordination? I’ve read through various resources on becoming a UU minister; transfer seems like a different process with similar and different emphases.

Thanks!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I want to join, any tips or advice or anecdotes or anything?

By: /u/Calm-Treat-2577

I just moved to a new area and I don’t know anyone, but I really want to be a part of a community and it seems like the UU’s beliefs more or less match up with my own. I’m not really religious or anything but from what I can tell that’s not an issue at all. I’m thinking of just going on Sunday and showing up early so I can talk to people and get to know the space or maybe I will just sit in my car and hype myself up to go in (social anxiety lol, I’m working on it). I’m really not sure how it works, I’ve never signed up for church before. Anyway, as the title said, please say literally anything you feel the need/want to say to someone who has never gone to church before that’s going to start soon.

submitted by /u/Calm-Treat-2577
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Request for an explanation of how Article 2 changes things.

By: /u/Siavel84

I've been a UU for about 20 years, but haven't been actively attending service for the last five or so because I work night shift and work weekends and am usually asleep during service hours. So I'm pretty out of the loop here. I've tried reading Article 2, but found the wording too formal to understand much of it. I've seen that some people are considering disassociating from the UUA over the changes, but I don't understand why.

Could someone explain in simple terms how Article 2 changes things? I'd also be interested to hear your opinions on the changes.

submitted by /u/Siavel84
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Our board want to dissolve our relationship with UUA over Article 2 changes.

By: /u/ReachScared6233

Is anyone else in a congregation that is thinking about severing their relationship with UUA over the changes to article 2? Our board hasn’t said so publicly yet, but I think they went to align with the North American Unitarian Association.

submitted by /u/ReachScared6233
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What do you all pay your RE directors?

By: /u/danielfuenffinger

We're currently looking for a new RE director and I was wondering what the ranges were. Our fellowship is in a low cost of living area, and I am just wondering if $450, which boils down to ~10-22 / hour is reasonable. I know a lot of congregations have members that do it for free as their contribution.

submitted by /u/danielfuenffinger
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Can anyone sum up the beliefs of Unitarian Universalism and practices?

I’m new to Unitarian universalism I found it on my search for a religion and was curious about it. I thought there is no better way to learn about a religion than to ask its members ( if you guys considered yourself as such). I know that it’s not necessarily focused on prayer and god, but focused on the search for self improvement on a spiritual level. Is there anything by I’m missing, something you’d like to add? Also what practices do you guys perform? I researched and found you guys do Yom Kippur dinners and Buddhist meditation groups but what else? And what is the purpose for doing things like Yom Kippur dinners?


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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What to do about a bad Minister

By: /u/Positive_South_491

It seems like there is no recourse for when a UU church has a "bad" minister. Our church minister recently became contracted. Just to add, this church seems to have a history of not so great ministers. The previous minister before this recently contracted one was asked to leave due to someone warning to take legal action against them.

This current minister is disorganized but worst of all, extremely rude. There was even been a whole committee created to manage complaints against the minister. This minister even went as far as firing one of the Church's staff after they asked about a raise. They have even spoken of breaking away from the UUA for being too "woke."

They are barely in office during the week. They've pushed to get lots of amenities for their office, even going as far as saying they want a bathroom and bed in their office... after being contracted they purchased a nice house and honestly... it just seems like they are in the ministry for all the ways the church takes care of them. Sermons aren't even organized until sometimes Friday, which is frustrating for everyone else involved with Sunday services... I just don't know. It's very discouraging to see how this minister can get away with so much... I suppose this congregation really is just desperate to keep a minister, even if they are border-line narcissistic.

Any insight regarding this situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

submitted by /u/Positive_South_491
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UU thoughts on witchcraft and magic?

By: /u/vulture-witch

I practice witchcraft and would love to hear about UU perspectives on witchcraft and magic. I know that there's the CUUP, but I wanna know-- are there any witches at your UU congregation? I know there's lots of diversity among the beliefs of UUs, but can you speak to any general attitudes about witchcraft and magic?

I'm a witch and sorta a Pagan, but I often feel like the odd one out in neopagan spaces because my spiritual practice is more rooted in Judeochristian mysticism and animism than in Wicca. I've been interested in going to my local UU services for a while now, but I feel intimidated that I won't fit in there either-- even though UU congregations claim to be a place where anyone can belong. I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially if there's any Pagan or witchcraft-practicing UUs in this subreddit!

Edit 8/11: Thank you so much to everyone for your responses!! You really helped ease some of my fears. I'm gonna be attending my first service at my local UU congregation today and while I'm pretty nervous, I feel very encouraged by your responses. Thanks again <3

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Michigan and Minnesota UUs?

By: /u/Yorradorable

So I'll be heading up North for college and Michigan and Minnesota seem to be where most of my schools are. I'm very active in my local congregation but I don't know anything about the churches up there.

So what are they like? Do they have queer groups? Anything I should know ahead of time?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Devotional?

By: /u/goppy2004

Does a devotional that fits with UU exist? I want to grow my spirituality but know that I can likely only handle small doses at a time making something like a devotional great but I cannot find anything that feels like it is within UU. I would prefer something tangible like a book vs visiting a website daily.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Hello, fellow humans!

By: /u/SendThisVoidAway18

I left Christianity a year ago and never looked back. I've gone through so many different beliefs/disbeliefs since I've left my religion that its crazy. I basically just consider myself an agnostic now with a humanistic attitude regarding a lot of things. I sometimes have a slight leaning towards what I would kind of consider "lite Deism," in of the fact that I'm not a believer in any kind of personal god. My view is somewhat complicated, as some might call me an atheist, but I refute this claim on the basis that I don't necessarily believe that any god or higher power doesn't exist, I just simply don't believe it is possible to know for sure, but I highly believe most religions are made up, even if a god does exist in some form or capacity. That said, that is my own personal thought process and "belief." I guess you could kinda call me an agnostic, a humanist and sort of a deist all at the same time. I'm also highly interested in different forms of Pantheism, and Panentheism. I find them fascinating.

That said, I've found embracing different beliefs of Humanism has given me more purpose after leaving my religion. My family and I live our lives secular, but... That doesn't mean I think people of organized religion are stupid or delusional. I really only have a problem other people's beliefs when someone starts proselytizing. This includes other non-believers as well. Some people can be just as unpleasant with their unbelief as some people can be with their religious beliefs, and this I have certainly seen from some people I've seen claiming to be a "Humanist."

I agree that respecting others and showing others acceptance, compassion, kindness, love and respect, regardless of their race, sex, gender, sexuality or religion is something that I fundamentally believe. I am wondering if my attitude might be closer more towards a form of Unitarian Universalism though? Learning to respect and care about others, regardless of who they are or where they come from, and discovering your own truths for me is why I am thinking I may potentially align more with UU. For example, one truth I have discovered for myself is I don't worry about what happens after I die, since I really don't believe it can be known what happens after death, if anything even happens at all. So for me, why worry about it? This is my truth however. My truth may not be the same as your truth or someone else.

Any thoughts? Also, do you have to attend church services to be considered a UU?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I am an atheist and I think I may need the help of your religious organization concerning my son.

By: /u/rosekayleigh

I posted looking for advice on the atheism subreddit yesterday. I now want another perspective. You can see my post in my profile. The gist of it is that my conservative Catholic mother has been visiting for several days and she has been taking my 7 year old to church with her in the mornings. He has been very eager to go because she talked it up to him so much. I feel she manipulated him to want to go. I have allowed it because I worry about resisting too much and it creating an issue where he wants to go even more and begins to resent me. He really likes her and I think he wants her approval. She leaves tomorrow, thankfully. She only sees him a couple times a year usually. She has also been trying to coax my older son into going with her to church when I’m not around. He told me that she says it’s no different than trying a new food. She won’t let up. She knows I’m an atheist and that I’ve chosen to raise my children without religious beliefs. I feel she is undermining my place as their parent. Their father is also very upset by what she is doing. We are avoiding a confrontation until she leaves because she’s a highly reactive person and will paint herself as the victim in front of my children. After she leaves tomorrow, I am going to let her know that I do not want him going to the Catholic church anymore.

Now, to where I need the help of Unitarians…I live in very liberal Massachusetts and we have a lot of Unitarian Universalist churches around here. They all seem very welcoming and accepting. They are far more in line with what I teach my children than Catholicism. If my son wants to explore religion, I would feel more comfortable with him doing it around kind and tolerant people who believe in the rights and dignity of all persons. What do you guys think about my predicament? If I brought my son to a Unitarian church would he be pushed into believing in God? What do your church services look like? Is it something that could be compatible with my atheist parenting? I really need help with this because it took me years to get over the trauma of being brought up Catholic. I don’t want my child exposed to that. I also want to give him the freedom to explore other beliefs though. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Any good resources for a newcomer?

By: /u/MGRosal12

Hi! So, I am an atheist (have been for 4 years now), and stumbled upon UU when researching Scouts BSA’s position on atheism. After a bit of research, I decided that a lot of the things in UU are things I support and that I might be interested in joining someday. Are there any good websites, documents, or books I can check out to learn more about UU? Especially history, wikipedia is very barebones on everything that happened after the merger between the AUA and UCA and it just seems like an interesting historical tale.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How much should new members donate to UU?

By: /u/insignificant33

My partner and I joined a local UU recently. How much should we donate/month?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I feel numb

By: /u/RockNJustice

I have anxiety and depression issues like many. I feel so numb from all the negativity in the World. I really need a place of positivity and outreach. I know the best way for me to feel better would to be around like minded individuals. No judgement, just empathy and understanding. Do you believe U.U. would be that place for me?

submitted by /u/RockNJustice
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

What is being a UU minister like? What makes someone a good minister?

By: /u/ToraToraTaiga

I'm newly spiritual after being an atheist for most of my life, and I am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I want to do something that helps people. I want to be involved in community and I want to study and gain my own understanding of the divine. I'm at the time in my life where I have a well paying lay career, but it's not fulfilling for me. The only thing that worries me is if I could get burnt out in Ministerial just like I am in my current role. I suffer from mental illness but I am now well medicated and don't see why this couldn't be a fulfilling life for me, but I thought I should ask others what they think

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Are there any online communities for Unity Church?

By: /u/Quick-Line7196

I know they're not UU, but their spiritual pluralism makes them feel like a third U to me, historically Christian tradition but having a different understanding of the divine is met with "bruh that's sick I'll pray with you" not "bruh your soul's sick I'll pray for you". But Unity isn't very Googleable so I've had no luck finding any online communities for them and I haven't lived near a Unity Church in years.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How growing up UU shaped me

By: /u/AnyCatch4796
How growing up UU shaped me

I am 28 years old and my parents joined the UU church when I was 3 months old. We never moved for my entire youth, so I attended the same church for 18 years. I attended preschool at the UU church where I met my best friends at 2 years of age who are still my best friends to this day. I attended youth group, OWL, Religious Ed where we traveled to different churches/religious communities weekly, Coming Of Age and LYLAS. I attended every retreat at the Mountain (iykyk) and went to camp there as well from 2009-2011.

To be honest it has sometimes been hard living in a world where most people were raised very differently from me. I am not pinning it all on being raised UU- part of it is just simply how I am and how I think. I was taught to always speak my mind when I feel something is wrong… and it has taken me years to learn to not do this in my career as it’s only led to me being viewed as contrarian or problematic (for example, when a past company I worked for started firing people for being one single minute late twice in a month I wrote a petition against the policy and got almost all of my coworkers to sign it- then I got fired a month later lol).

As we all know, most organized religions do not encourage its members, children in particular, to be open-minded free thinkers, so I was definitely seen as a bit eccentric as a kid- aren’t all UU kids just a bit eccentric lol?

Growing up it was just plain hard to understand how close-minded many kids around me were. I thought it was inherently human to be open to others perceptions and views, but I learned the hard way at 9 when my neighbors tried to convert me, without talking with my parents obviously, by having my sister (12 at the time) and I for dinner. My sister grabbed my hand and told them we were leaving and explained to me what was happening. For years after this I avoided telling other people about being Unitarian for fear of judgement.

In 8th we had a mandatory sexual education class in gym. Of course by this point I’d already taken OWL twice, so was incredibly confused and angered by my teacher encouraging abstinence and only focusing on the dangers of sex. I’d raise my hand to say things like, “but you can be tested for STDs and use protection, it doesn’t have to be scary or dangerous”. That didn’t go over well.

But the issues I’ve encountered from my mindset are rooted from a place of love, passion, and righteousness and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Being raised UU has helped me understand that there is always something good to be found, even in the worst of times. That everyone is valuable, deserving, and capable of change, and that people deserve to have their voices heard. That proper sexual education can be life saving for children and teens. That most organized religions are very similar and inherently well meaning, yet the loudest voices within these organizations will deny it with their life and rephrase everything to suit their “objective”. That the only way for things to progress is through science, unity, and open-mindedness.

I feel sorry for people who spend their lives filled with anger and fear. They were children whose voices were surely quieted at one point. Do I feel angry at the actions of fear-mongering, angry people? Yes- big time. But I can still see that it’s not always their fault that they are how they are.

I haven’t been back in years but have missed it deeply and hope to restart soon. My fiancé was raised catholic but hasn’t practiced since he was a teen and is agnostic/atheist. I can’t wait for him to experience the UU church and he is very open to it! I will definitely be raising any future kids of mine in the warm, accepting and loving community that is Unitarian Universalism.

Pic of me and my family in ‘02, just 2-3 years before I was exposed to the religious judgement of others, at the UU Christmas Eve event (do they still do these)?

submitted by /u/AnyCatch4796
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

UU in the Philippines?

By: /u/boy_ulap

Hello, I was wondering if there are any Filipinos, esp LGBTQIA+, here who can tell me about how the UU church is like in the Philippines. I'm gay and looking for some sort of spiritual community to seek a meaningful life with, and currently looking into UU. Is it a place where gays can truly be themselves while seeking spirtuality? I have this fear that since the Philippines is such a largely Catholic country that the environment even within Philippine UU churches might feel Catholic.

submitted by /u/boy_ulap
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I guess you can call this a testament...

By: /u/Gretchell

I was watching the last episode of Star Trek discovery season 4 and I got a bit emotional as beloved charachters were stepping up to sacrifice themselves to evacuate earth. And I realized that the UUA is my federation and my congregation which I joined in the late 90s is my ship and I am so greatful to be apart of their crew and I love them so much. Blessed Be everyone!

submitted by /u/Gretchell
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Thinking of leaving my UU church

By: /u/Saphenous

I’m thinking of leaving my UU church. I’ve been a member since 2012 and it’s been a huge part of my life. I’ve been a pastoral care volunteer, an RE teacher, I ran our preschool playgroup for some time, I’ve traveled to Haiti with my church. I expected to raise my kids in the church. I’m in my late 30’s and I first started going to UU churches since I was a sophomore in high school.

In 2022, after 11 years of marriage, my husband suddenly came out as a transgender woman. As a straight woman this really turned my world upside down. To be clear, I support her transition and do all the right things when it comes to affirming her gender. At the end of the day, though, I was not able to muster up attraction to another woman and my ex did not want a platonic marriage. We divorced and it wasn’t pretty. Our marriage was already struggling and my ex hates me. I think she really expected me to be excited about breasts and a vagina.

When my ex was a straight white man, they were a staunch Republican. I remember after the Dobbs decision crying and my ex defending the constitutional correctness of the decision. This was always a divide in our marriage as I was more liberal. She’s a great debater and could back me into a corner on any issue. She looked at my church with contempt and I always went alone. After coming out as a trans woman my ex has done a 180 politically and joined the UU church after it was “my thing” for our entire marriage. I’m still so salty about her hypocrisy.

Now when I go to my old church, I’m on pins and needles wondering if I’m going to run into my ex. The hate she has for me just radiates. I go to church to feel loved and accepted, not hated. I’m also fairly certain that there are a decent number of congregants who would see me as transphobic. Like “If you really loved her then her gender wouldn’t matter to you.” Additionally, when I was going through the divorce the minister personally reached out to check on me, but then ended by reminding me I hadn’t pledged for the year yet. Who hits up single moms for money?? I’m sitting here worried about making rent and my church is asking me for money!

How do I leave my church? Do I just ghost them? Do they scratch my name off the book? Should I sit down and talk to the minister about all this? Should I try to make it work?

submitted by /u/Saphenous
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Intrigued by thought of one day pondering Googling UU, and one day entering a UU church

By: /u/Jonpaddy

Good evening, I was raised in a very strict evangelical catholic home. I have since discovered YouTube skepticism and finally freed myself from the Prison of Belief. During my thrice-weekly drives to the laundromat, my eyes happened upon a sign in front of a building which resembled a church! The sign had a quote from JFK. Although I do not agree with JFK’s Bay of Pigs Invasion, I was intrigued. Tell me, what is it UU’s believe? I occasionally miss the sense of community my former church provided. I am going to need sales pitches from several strangers on the internet before I go to the trouble of typing “www.uua.org” into my search bar. Bear in mind that when you describe what your church is like, I will be nitpicking what you say for trigger words and reasons not to go. So you’ll have to be ready with work-arounds for that. For example, if you mention the G word, no matter the context, I will tell you that’s a dealbreaker. Conversely, if you talk about how there is a large non-theist contingent at your fellowship, I will make a stink about how I want a greater connection to the unknown. There are a million reasons not to do something, and I will employ them all. And if I get so much as a suggestion that there might be singing or handholding or social contact of any kind, I will reject everything else you type. I don’t know any songs and never will, and I haven’t spoken to another real human in months, even to order food. The only human voice I’ve heard this week was Sam Harris on his podcast. Bottom line, I want to benefit from community without ever having to really be in community with anybody. So, give it your best shot, r/UnitarianUniversalist. Will you best me, and gain the reward of potentially spending time with me IRL, or will my quibbles and demands preserve my status as an angry shut-in?

submitted by /u/Jonpaddy
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Spirituality in UU?

By: /u/langleylynx

To be brief, I hunger for communion with the divine. The mysterious Infinite, the Universe, God, etc. I also long to be someone who lives out a spirit of compassion and peace. I want a more holistic awakening, where I reduce the clinging to my ego that causes anguish.

I have been on a long path. I invested a lot of time and energy into Christianity, including its mystical side. Now I'm ex-Christian, and I have become more and more shaped by Buddhism.

I am thinking of checking out the Unitarian Universalists, but I have been reluctant. Why have reluctance? I get a sense that the UU community may not be particularly spiritual. I get a sense that it's just about social justice and intentional community centered on vague religiosity. That's fine, but I don't need that. If it's not about spirituality, it doesn't interest me.

What do people here think of all this? How much spirituality is there in Unitarian Universalism, and what does it look like?

Also, are there UU spaces that do spiritual retreats? I am thinking of having a week of silence, for example. Also, are there UU spaces that do spiritual direction/companionship?

Yes, I know congregations can vary widely but there are still general trends and patterns in the wider UU culture.

Anyway, it's been over a year that I first thought of attending a UU congregation...maybe I actually should.

submitted by /u/langleylynx
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Looking for a Discord or other online community

By: /u/BottledDelusion

First if the details don't matter to you I will just state I am hoping to find a working link to a discord community for Unitarian Universalism. If there is no active discord I am open to suggestions of other online groups, discord would just work the easiest for me

Hello I am new to all this. I have been having an extremely hard time with depression and anxiety, for now I will spare the details of how extreme its been in recent months because I don't know if anything might be too much. I've been agnostic for years after being raised Christian and finding many problems with relatives and later strangers who take their faith far more seriously. After one hospitalization I went to a Baptist church with my neighbors and while very thankful they agreed to bring me the conversion elements of the service kind of largely soiled the whole thing. After which my best friend told me of this to check it out.

I knew the healing and encouraging power of faith once and after a decade or at least close without it I'm desperate to have that coping tool to utilize again. I'm very scared of change and have severe social anxiety so this is something that is hard for me to reach out to possibly no one about, I hope my doubts about doing this prove to be unfounded.

submitted by /u/BottledDelusion
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Question

By: /u/deathmaster567823

Hi I Am An Eastern Orthodox Christian And I Am Wondering What Is Exactly Unitarian Universalism And What Do You Guys Believe

submitted by /u/deathmaster567823
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

A story (made with Plotagon) about a UU rock band.

By: /u/Cult_Buster2005

When people think of rock bands that are composed of family members, they think of the Partridge Family of the 1970s, but they were not even a real band, though they were inspired by a real family band called the Cowsills, considering of a mother and her children.

Using an animation app called Plotagon, I made a story about a band of UUs who were also members of a family: The Hudson Phamily. This is their story:

https://youtu.be/f2MjAhZxo5w

submitted by /u/Cult_Buster2005
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Notification of Longtime Member Passing

By: /u/appleoatjelly

Hi all,

My father passed a few days ago and I’ve been having the hardest time connecting with his congregation (only voicemails).

Is there a rag-tag team of super chaplains that are available for these types of things? (Members passing during summer hours or holidays)

I’m also looking to arrange for a care visit for his sister in another congregation and a visit for my mother but I’m just not sure how to get in touch.

Do I reach out to UUA? Any help would be appreciated!

Update: We found someone! Family network to the rescue! Connected with a UU minister from another congregation who happened to be in a family members meetup.

submitted by /u/appleoatjelly
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

User Flair Now Enabled in this Subreddit

By: /u/Chernablogger
User Flair Now Enabled in this Subreddit

Other user flair options can be added as necessary and appropriate

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Friendship with Minister's Family?

By: /u/ForestJay76

So, I totally get (and agree with) why a congregant can't be friends with a minister. What about the minister's spouse and children? I recently moved and the spouse and their child are at most church events. When they move to another church (or I move) will they cut all ties the way a minister does? I'm doing a good job keeping an emotional distance from the minister, but I'm unsure how to interact with the spouse and child. Literally today the spouse said she'll be sad when I move to Japan ... and I said that at some point she'll move on from the church with her spouse.

submitted by /u/ForestJay76
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Two Unitarian Universalists serve as punk chaplains at this year's Camp Punksylvania music festival 😎

By: /u/Chernablogger
Two Unitarian Universalists serve as punk chaplains at this year's Camp Punksylvania music festival 😎

We operated a free "listening station" where attendees could talk to us about whatever was on their mind without having to be concerned about being subjected to shaming, dogma, platitudes, nonconsensual advice, etc. We also provided a misting fan to help people beat the heat.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Former Christian turned agnostic theist - Is UU a good alternative for me?

By: /u/Arkham500

I have been religious for a good part of my life.

I was brought up in a Presbyterian Christian school for 7 years and went to multiple Protestant and Catholic churches.

But as I grew older, I started to question many of the things I believed, and the cracks only grew wider. I think it's the sheer hypocrisy of the Christian Right and the near-fanatical worship of the Bible that ruined it for me.

I'm 30 years old now. I don't consider myself religious anymore, but I don’t necessarily believe I'm atheist either. I think being an agnostic theist is a good middle ground for me.

Part of me still believes in God. Not in a monotheistic sense, but rather in a sense that there is some higher force watching and guiding the universe. I want to believe that this "God" is not a judgemental dictator like in the Old Testament, but one that is loving and accepting towards all his children, no matter who they are or what they believe.

I've considered joining a Universalist church for a long time. Would this be a good place for someone like me?

submitted by /u/Arkham500
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Please pray for healing for my mental health. Please cry out in prayer I need healing!

By: /u/Tiny_Sky_1237

I have always had really bad anxiety and mental health since I was a child. I was terrified to go out into crowds and would have weird little quirks like getting words stuck in my head that I would have to pronounce over and over. I was diagnosed with ocd at an early age and have struggled with it my whole life.

My life wasn't bad I had a great raising by my grandparents and I did struggle with the ocd a lot I pretty much kept it under control. I mean I had my quirks, but I was able to have friends all throughout school and function. My OCD kept getting worse though along with my anxiety the older I got. I am now in my 30's.

I was doing okay with my anxiety and OCD until about a year ago when my grandpa who raised me died. It sent me into a tailspin and I still haven't recovered and it honestly gets worse every day. I miss him so bad I can't stand it plus my awful mental health has made my life awful. I mean I have never been this low. Some days I don't even want to be here. but I know I have to keep pushing because that's what God would want me to do.

My mental health started declining and got so bad I almost went inpatient but I didn't because at my local hospital they honestly don't help much. I know God can heal me though, He is the great i am, the great healer, and has power above all. I love God and I need a touch from him in the worst way.

My mental health is daily crippling anxiety and nonstop and I mean nonstop intrusive thoughts. I do take medication but it honestly has not helped much at all in the last year. The thoughts just won't stop and it cripples me, it keeps my body in constant fight or flight mode and most days i cannot even get out of the bed. I applied for disability but that takes forever and I still have not heard anything.

Until about a year ago I had a great job at a call center but when I had my mental health break I got fired for missing so much. I cannot work because I stay in a constant state of terror and I did have some money saved up but I have blew through it in a year with bills. I am flat broke now and pretty much bedbound. I live in a rural area and I also lost my car so I am just in a bad situation.

The other night I took my bible out and read the book of Job and got down on my knees and prayed and I mean I screamed to Jesus and God asking them for healing from this awful condition. I have prayed and prayed, I just want God to heal me. I know he will in his time but I really hope it is soon because this is awful and a lot of days I just feel like giving up.

Can anyone give me some scripture from the bible that can help me through this horrible time. I am broke, no food, going to be evicted soon because I simply cannot pay rent and utilities anymore. I have no family I can turn to because I am gay and most of them will not have anything to do with me because of that. I know God still loves me though. Plus the family I do have is broke also and couldnt help.

I am down to no food no money and no hope and this is my last resort, if anyone could help me at all with anything to buy a meal or anything because like I said I am completely broke. I have went to food banks but I live in an impoverished area and most of them are empty. I have even went to churches with no avail. I applied for food stamps but that could take a while. I really do not know what I am going to do. My family has a curse of bad mental health and I have inherited it and it has crippled me physically, spiritually, and financially.

I hate to ask but if anyone could help me with anything at all I would pay it back when I get on my feet. But even if you cant please just pray for me. I really need that a lot.

I used to be such a proud person and I am so embarrased and scared to do this but I am down to no other options at all and I mean it. Like I said, I don't even have food anymore and feel like I am trapped in my own mind. I also miss my grandpa so bad. Last night I woke up crying because I had a bad dream about him. When I was 6 years old I remember him picking me up from school and not telling me where we were going and we pulled up to kmart and he told me to go look at the toys he had to pick some stuff up. Well I went and looked at the toys and when he came to the department to tell me we were ready to go, we went out to his truck and there sat a brand new Super Nintendo. He knew I had been wanting one and he surprised me with one. I am tearing up writing this.

The nightmare I had though, was that I was reliving that day and went to look at the toys and looked all over the store for him and couldn't find him. He was gone. Just like he is gone from me now. I woek up sobbing,

I am not trying to make anyone depressed and I know a lot of people have it worse off than me, but I need help in the worst way. If anyone could help me with anything at all I would be forever grateful.

My cashapp name is $tinysky1237 if anyone would like to help me, if you cant its fine just pray for me. I also have paypal my username is the same tinysky1237 just please I beg you dont dox me or anything because I am terrified of that but I am desperate and have no where or no one to turn to. I am so embarrased, I never thought I would have to do this as a grown man. Just please remember me in prayer.

Thanks for reading this and God Bless you. I will pray for you all also.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Wife and I thinking about joining a congregation

By: /u/sjsieidbdjeisjx

TW: Child Loss

The wife and I are going through a difficult time with losing our baby girl. My wife was 19 weeks pregnant and gave birth to our beautiful daughter, unfortunately she was too little for this world. This happened about a week ago and my wife talked about joining a church which she has never done in the past. We are going to grief counseling.

Onto the church we are from rural Indiana and both of us are very liberal in our views, we felt a traditional Christian church with how clique it is in our small town and how hateful it can be that it wouldn’t be for us. Instead I was googling and found out about UU, never heard of it and we are both interested. She needs some help spiritually and having a sense of community other than family during these difficult times. I have no idea what I’m looking for but I’m trying everything to make sure my wife will fine.

I guess my question is how is the community side of it. Since we moved to our small town my wife has struggled with finding a sense of community and like minded people, people who are liberal and caring, I just hope she can find some nice people who she can call friends. How are the sermons? The community of people is really my question. We will be attending our first one in two weeks. It’ll be in Muncie, IN if anyone has insight that would be great ❤️❤️

submitted by /u/sjsieidbdjeisjx
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How to build relationships and how long did it take for you?

By: /u/LGBTQIA_Over50

I'm in a State that is challenged with a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, like California, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, Texas. I'm in Illinois and there is no incentive to get people back to work because there's hardly any jobs.

I was in CVS and the door sign said, NOW hiring and I asked the manager, are you? He said, "well, we're taking applications."

We can feel a sense of belonging in our jobs (I'm unemployed) and in spiritual houses of worship and fellowship.

I visited a UU church and I left a message for the Reverend and for anyone in the office. Do they have weekday office hours? Do they return calls or is it just a weekend only place?

I was raised Catholic. And I have evolved in my personal life that just doesn't fit the rigid, no smiles nor laughter family-centric (only) culture.

My value as a nonmarried, childfree, educated from Catholic schools and universities woman had no value in the churches I visited.

My entire identity was wiped out from the pandemic as well as my savings over a 4 year period. 4 years and no substantial gainful work. Gig work doesn't count.

I'm isolated.

Without the ability to tithe, I have no value. And due to the humanitarian crisis in Illinois, faith based centers are extremely cautious and view any new comer with suspicion (will they ask for a handout, are they a handout risk to us).

Temp agencies have no work assignments for me. They collect resumes and mostly have forklift drivers, warehouse and hard physical work which I can no longer do.

How can I rebuild and reactivate when places won't hire me, I feel like a perennial mendicant that has no monetary contributions to offer yet I want to work (and need housing) and a sense of community.

submitted by /u/LGBTQIA_Over50
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Tuscon Congregations Help

By: /u/The_Red_Rock_Fox

Does anybody have any information about the two congregations in Tucson for UU, and what the differences are?

For context, I'll be attending UofA in the Fall as a freshmen (18F) and I've become interested in exploring the spiritual side of me as well as finding a community. From what I've looked into, UU seems like a possible good fit for me. But I've never really attended church, or anything like it. I don't know how I would go about finding the one for me.

submitted by /u/The_Red_Rock_Fox
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Is the US a "Christian Nation?"

By: /u/movieTed

Who Gets to Tell the American Story? - Rev. Gerald Davis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGiWsf6huic

submitted by /u/movieTed
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

World turned upside down - advice?

By: /u/realgamergir

Hey. I'm new here, but I've been interested in a while. Here's my story, it's long but I hope you'll listen if you might have some advice for me.

I've been a universalist of sorts for years, believing that everything is true to an extent, with exceptions like cults created by people who just wanted to use others for power. I'm very into spirituality, and find great comfort in divination. But since my spouse left me, probably because of severe mental health issues, it's been really hard. I miss them, and I want love, and I feel afraid that when I do what the Universe/Divine/God wants me to do, which I think I have a good idea of but maybe not, I won't, in the words I gave my mom, get my teddy bear back (the teddy bear being a best friend, partner and lover I can be safe with, whether or not it's the same person, though I desperately miss and love her, I also don't feel very loved by her so... it's also been a couple of weeks so there's that).

My parents are conservative Christians and keep telling me that I have to get closer to God (their version, of course) and the Bible (also their version) before my life can become good again and I can find love. Despite everything I believe, I'm super paranoid and cannot consolidate the Bible with divination and all the things that have brought be such comfort. I don't want to give it up, I don't want to believe it was all a lie, and I don't even believe in their religion, but I'm so afraid that that's the only way I'll be safe and find love again. I have no one in my life I can really talk to about this anymore. Any advice?

submitted by /u/realgamergir
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Is UUU suitable for an atheist who experienced childhood trauma from Methodist church and hates the concept of God?

By: /u/insignificant33

Asking for a queer friend who is going through severe depression and hopelessness. He believes this depression stems from his upbringing in a conservative Christian background. He can't find joy in anything. He doesn't want to seek therapy.

submitted by /u/insignificant33
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Would I Be Welcome Back?

By: /u/Even-Consequence4212

Over ten years ago I was a member of a congregation. It was at a time in my life when things were pretty tough. I was in school and working 3 part time jobs. I had a toddler at home and was going to school on the weekends to get a masters degree. My then spouse worked too, but didn’t make much money. We were getting by but life wasn’t easy, and things often felt bleak and overwhelming. I started going to a local UU church because a friend invited me. It became this incredible bright spot in my week. On Sunday morning I could go to this place and just sit and listen and sing and feel so deeply nourished. My son was so happy in the nursery there, and it was the only time every week that I got that was kind of just for me. I loved talking with the other congregants and felt so at home. I joined enthusiastically and felt like, after being raised evangelical and hating every second of that, I’d finally found a safe and nurturing spiritual home.

Shortly after joining, I had a conversation with another congregant who was working on pledges. I was asked what I could give and I explained our financial situation. We were so broke. I said that we couldn’t pledge anything until I was out of school, but that I wanted to become more financially supportive then, when I had a good job. (We had maybe five bucks a week that wasn’t going to essentials like food, rent, gas, etc.) I was told that a zero pledge would exclude me from membership, even though I’d already become a member. They suggested I could remain a member if I volunteered my time, of which I also had none. I mentioned time was also at a premium, but that I did want to give back when the season of my life changed. They reminded me I often bring my son to the nursery, and that doing so was using resources, and that being in a community means not just taking. If I wanted to be part of the community, I couldn’t just give nothing. I felt ashamed, feeling like I was a burden on the community I had been so enjoying and loving, and heartbroken that I couldn’t afford to be a member. I assumed that because I couldn’t pledge or volunteer I was no longer considered a member and I stopped going.

All these years later, I’m divorced and end up dating a UU minister. I mentioned to him that I used to be a UU but had to leave when I couldn’t afford it anymore. He was very sorry to hear about my experience and said that it isn’t or at least shouldn’t (according to his values, I guess) be the case that someone loses membership due to hardship.

I’m struggling, now, with what to do with this. I’ve been to gatherings with him and his colleagues and they all seem very pleasant, but I feel this lingering sense of hurt and sadness. They often talk about UU values of being welcoming, and my experience was anything but. I feel like I got rejected from the group that ends up being the home to so many people who don’t always fit in elsewhere. I’ve asked him if I would be welcome back. He told me that the only person who knows if I’m a UU is me, in my heart. But I guess, for me, the question now is not about whether I believe the 7 principles. I just want to know if I’d be welcome in community, if that makes sense, even if, at one time, I was a drain on a congregation.

submitted by /u/Even-Consequence4212
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

A Question of Exclusion

By: /u/Cult_Buster2005

In 1991, this happened:

https://theterfs.com/2013/10/13/1991-michigan-womyns-music-festival/

In August, 1991 I attended my second Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival (MWMF) with Laura Ervin. Laura and I drove 1,050 miles nonstop in her vehicle… and arrived at the festival, car #33, at about 9:00 am Monday morning. We walked and talked with women waiting with us on the road, bought raffle tickets from a festival promoter, and joined women in joyous enthusiasm, camaraderie and expectation while we awaited the start of the festival at 2:00 pm. When we got onto the land Laura volunteered the use of her vehicle to help with shuttle service. Laura and I split the work shift. I worked the first two hours while Laura moved our gear to the campsite and set up her tent. She worked the next two hours while I set up my tent.

After going through an orientation run with a shuttle coordinator I began the process of loading women’s gear and driving them to their desired destinations. I felt a sense of pride in my work; welcoming the women, helping them with their gear, and answering their questions. At the completion of my shuttle shift I set up my [campsite], took a much welcomed shower and went for a long walk in the woods. I met Laura at our campsite and she invited me to walk with her to the main gate to meet a friend who was arriving on a chartered bus from Grand Rapids at 10:00 pm.

We arrived at the main gate at about 9:30 pm and sat down around the fire pit with several other women. We chatted with the women and enjoyed the warmth of the fire. At about 10:00 pm we received word that the bus was delayed and would arrive around 11:00. Laura and I decided to remain at the main gate until the bus arrived. We continued to socialize with the women who come and went from the area of the fire pit. The bus arrived at about 11:00 pm and Laura went over to the bus. A woman requested that I stay away from the bus to avoid congestion. I stopped at the edge of the road about 20 feet from the fire pit.

While I waited for Laura to return I was approached by two women, Chris Coyote and Del Kelleher. Chris said that she needed to speak with me regarding a serious and difficult matter. Sensing her urgency I suggested we move away from the women near the fire pit in order to talk privately. Chris said that the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival was a woman-only event and she wanted to know if I was a man. I replied that I was a woman and I showed her my NH picture ID driver’s license. Then she asked me if I was a transsexual. I asked her what was the point of her questioning and she replied that transsexuals were not permitted to attend the festival. She said that MWMF policy was that the festival was open to “natural, women-born-women” only. I replied that nowhere, in any festival literature or the program guide was that policy stated. I asked Chris to please verify that policy and she went to the office to contact the festival producers, Lisa Vogel and Boo Price. Sometime during this conversation I waved Laura to come over and she witnessed much of what transpired.

I continued speaking with Del. Del stated that the reason the policy was not in any literature was because the issue of transsexuals had never come up as a problem before. Del added that the policy was for the benefit of the transsexuals’ safety and the safety of the women attending the festival. When I pointed out that there were other transsexuals on the land she acknowledged that this was true. Then she added, ‘We haven’t caught them yet, but we did catch you.”

Then in 2024:

https://caroldansereau.substack.com/p/bowing-to-gender-identity-bullies

The Unitarians have kicked us out. My partner Bruce and I aren’t allowed to go to family camp at Seabeck, Washington, the first week of August anymore.

They say we made people “unsafe.” We supposedly “harmed” trans and nonbinary people, and then we refused to sign a document admitting guilt and agreeing to restrictions on our speech. So, we’re not allowed to attend any more. The Be Kind Brigade has meted out its abject cruelty yet again, and we’ve lost something precious as a result.

We have adored that week in August, eagerly anticipating each year the moment our car would rumble across the bridge over the lagoon and enter our annual Brigadoon. A week of singing, dancing, talking, swimming, playing games, and performing for the world’s most appreciative audience did our hearts good.

Bruce has been going to the August camp for 25 years, and I’ve been going with him since 2007. We’re referred to as “valued members of the community” and Bruce was even awarded the Golden Hand and Heart Award for his contributions.

But that’s all history now. We have been kicked to the curb.

Chris Coyote and Del Kelleher were transphobic, as were Bruce and Carol Danseraeu. The first incident is what happens when transphobes are in power and the second is when they are not.

submitted by /u/Cult_Buster2005
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Twin City-area UUs?

By: /u/stricken_thistle

Hi folks, I am wondering if anyone has any experiences with any of the UUs in the Twin Cities. I’ve been missing attending services.

submitted by /u/stricken_thistle
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Very Disappointed in my local Congregation

By: /u/Raebee_

I haven't encountered these problems anywhere else. I moved to a new city a few years ago and joined the local UU church. I also joined the subgroup of that church for secular humanists, headed up by an individual I shall call jerkface.

Three years ago Jerkface stated during a committee meeting that he didn't understand the new push for reaching out to the black community because "they are all Southern Baptist anyway and don't want any part of us."

The local UU congregation now has a non-binary minister who uses they pronouns. Jerkface does not use these pronouns, and I've called him out on it multiple times in person. Jerkface recently sent an email explaining why singular they is neither historically nor grammatically correct. I responded with my Linguistics BA that he was mistaken and got blowback from him. I forwarded that email chain to the admin office with commentary regarding my concerns re Jerkface being in leadership.

I'm officially out of UU for now and am extremely frustrated that it was just one bad congregation that pushed me here. I've been a member of four UU congregations over the years and can't imagine this happening anywhere else.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How to Pray

By: /u/badgicorn

Tldr: I don't know how to pray because I grew up hearing it was delusional and pointless. Now, I want to, and I'm stuck.

I grew up in a family that was atheist. As far as my mom went, it could've been better described as antitheist. I grew up hearing that religious people were delusional and that religion and the concept of God were stupid, especially Christian, because my mom grew up in a Southern Baptist family. I apologize if this offends anyone reading it. It is genuinely offensive. I need to share it for background info though.

I went along with this for a long time and shared my mom's beliefs, but once I moved out, I had more of an open mind and was able to form my own ideas around religion and spirituality. I honestly was a bit jealous of Christians. Being able to believe that there is an all powerful being out there that loves you and has your back seems really awesome. I tried for a while, but I can't get on board with the Judeo-Christian God.

Over many years, I've reached a place where I do believe in God, but not a God that's defined by any religion. It's definitely not a "he", but a formless energy that encompasses everything. Somewhat sentient, I guess, since I attribute things like karma and other "coincidences" to it, or thank it when I get things that I need, seemingly by chance. I referred to it as "the power of the universe" for a long time, which I still believe. To be clear, everything in this paragraph is just what I believe. Of course I respect that other people have different beliefs.

Now, finally getting to my question. Recently I've been wanting to pray to God. To ask it for help with my struggles, express gratitude, and ask it to help me remember UU values as well as my own as I go about my daily life. The problem is, I have literally no idea how to pray.

I don't know where to look, and I feel uncomfortable closing my eyes any time other than to sleep. (It's a weird phobia type thing of mine.) I also feel stupid saying anything out loud because all I can hear is what I grew up hearing, that I'm delusional and talking to the air. That it won't do anything and I'm wasting my time. And that's likely true in that it's not magic. I can't pray for a bowl of ice cream and have it appear in front of me. But I can be mindful, express the things I want to express, and have some benefit from that.

Can anyone help me with this?

submitted by /u/badgicorn
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Christian Right Wing Antidote?

By: /u/andrucho

My wife and I are atheist agnostic. We have a 12 year old daughter that’s been mostly raised by her southern Baptist grandmother. My wife and I travel a lot for work so most of her upbringing has been tainted by, not only, severe southern Christian religion, but also right wing politics. We don’t want to tell her she’s not allowed to go to church with her grandma but we also want to prevent her from growing up being a close minded bigot.

Would I be correct in assuming you can provide her more of an open minded type of worship?

submitted by /u/andrucho
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Flower communion?

By: /u/odrincrystell

Can someone explain what this is to me? I am attending my first one on Sunday and want to be prepared.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Should UUA take stances?

By: /u/Realestateinvestin

Kindly, I wonder: Do you think the UUA should take stances on all issues? Do you think by doing so it alienates individuals who see otherwise?

For example: Abortion

Personally, I am pro-choice, but I think making this an official UUA stance can limit welcoming those who see otherwise.

Basically, should we allow liberty in non-essentials?

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” St. Augustine

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How much do you "have" to pledge to be a member of a church?

I did not grow up in a church. I have attended the UU church near me for the past 8.5 years. I am very involved, volunteer a lot, and teach RE but I am not an official member. I am too shy to talk to anyone about it because I have very limited funds. I know there is a financial obligation, as that keeps the church going, but is $25/mo going to cut it??


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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Groups/events for young adults.

By: /u/frozengold124

Hey everyone, I’m wondering if there are any groups, events or other activities catered towards young adults. I’m 18F and I’m looking to branch out into UU and more of my local community as a whole, however some of the things I see online for UU have mostly older generations or those with children haha😅. I’m near the Los Angeles area for reference if any of you know some info!🤞

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Love at the Center: New UU Statement of Values Passes after Momentous General Assembly Delegate Vote. The years-long democratic process culminated with debate and the GA vote. A two-thirds majority was required for approval.

By: /u/TheScienceGiant
Love at the Center: New UU Statement of Values Passes after Momentous General Assembly Delegate Vote. The years-long democratic process culminated with debate and the GA vote. A two-thirds majority was required for approval.

After a democratic process involving thousands of Unitarian Universalists discussing the faith’s values and core theology over the past three-plus years, delegates at General Assembly 2024 voted decisively to approve a new statement of values and beliefs for Unitarian Universalism.

https://www.uuworld.org/articles/uua-article-ii-passes-general-assembly-result-unitarian-universalism-bylaws-vote-values-statement

“This is a historic moment for Unitarian Universalism, as we move our living tradition forward to focus on shared values that will help promote liberation, radical inclusion, and communal care both within our church and across society,” said UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt.

The faith’s new expression of shared values was adopted by a vote of 2,025 (80.2 percent) to 499 (19.8 percent) with 21 abstaining (.8 percent) at General Assembly 2024, held online June 19-23.

The new values are Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and Transformation, centered around Love.

A two-thirds vote was required to approve the changes. Four amendments were also voted on, but only one was ultimately incorporated. Two amendments would have added additional Values: "Reason and the Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning” and “Peace as a UU Value,” but were voted down. The other two were proposed edits to the description of the Shared Value of Equity. One would have added “Equity calls us to listen, understand, respect, and respond to one another” but failed to gain enough votes.

The only incorporated amendment changed the Equity description to read, “We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.”

UUs at congregations across the country engaged with the proposal over the past several years, including through GA workshops, small-group meetings, board workshops, board meetings, and the Amplifying the Charge program, launched in early 2024 to prompt dialogue and intentional study about the proposed bylaws changes. The UUA offered several resources for congregations as they considered what was most vital to the faith.

The statement of values reflects changes to Article II of the UUA Bylaws, which include its “Principles and Purposes” as the foundation of all the work of the UUA, its member congregations, and its covenanted communities.

Reviewing core values is a faithful act that expresses Unitarian Universalism as a “living tradition,” said Carey McDonald, executive vice president of the UUA.

Unitarian Universalist Association bylaws mandate that Article II be reviewed every fifteen years. It has been revised numerous times over the history of the UUA, with the last wholesale revision in 1987.

In 2020, the UUA Board of Trustees appointed an Article II Study Commission, which received input from thousands of UUs around the country before presenting, in early 2023, a proposal for changes to Article II. An overwhelming majority of delegates at GA 2023 voted to advance the proposal for more study and reflection by UUs (a simple majority was required under the bylaws) and to create the opportunity for UU congregations to propose amendments to the proposal, before a final vote at GA 2024.

Individual UUs and their congregations are welcome to continue to hold and value the Seven Principles and Six Sources, which were adopted in 1984, as a meaningful part of the faith, just as some have adopted the Eighth Principle on their own, McDonald said. The Eighth Principle specifically calls out antiracism and anti-oppression as central to congregational life and UU values.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Visual descriptors for the visually impaired

By: /u/CaptainTime5556

There's a movement among UUs (and I guess the liberal community in general) that any public speaker will begin by providing a self-description, for the benefit of any visually impaired people in their audience. My own congregation started doing this recently when a legally blind person started attending. (I'm unsure how involved she was personally in starting that practice with us, but I do know our minister started recommending it be done, and doing it herself, once this person started attending.)

Example, if I were introducing myself: "I am a middle-aged white man with greying brown hair and a bald spot, wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans, and I use glasses."

It's always bugged me for some reason, and I think I've figured out why. A couple of reasons.

I'm not blind, but I do have a visual impairment in the form of reduced color vision (I hate the word "colorblind" because it implies black-and-white vision, which most of us don't have.) It's not something you would necessarily know about me unless I bring it up.

But for the people who do know this about me -- it hasn't happened much but it has happened, that people I meet decide I need a description of what they're wearing. I get they're trying to be inclusive, but when it happens to me as a non-blind person it feels really patronizing.

I also put the question into Google to see what other people are saying about it. I found several corporate DEI boards who are recommending it. I also found a thread over on /r/blind where they talked about this practice. It's a couple of years old, but it was the only place I found from within the Blind community -- the only place where their voices are centered. It was a small sample but it was mostly unanimous, they don't want this. They feel it's a distraction.

With one notable exception - if your physical appearance is relevant to what you're talking about, then go for it. They used the example of a presentation on wheelchair accessibility, it would be useful to know if the speaker themselves is actually a wheelchair user. Other than that, they recommend avoiding the practice.

Anybody else have any experience/thoughts on this question?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Single young adult attending for the first time.

By: /u/Complex_Raspberry97

I am a woman in my late 20s, living in a small city and looking for a community. I’ve been thinking about joining a church for several years and recently came across the local Unitarian Universalist church. This feels like it could be a good fit.

I don’t have a great relationship with my family and don’t have any close friends. I’m really lonely and feel very disconnected from everyone. I have a strong faith that’s a mix of spiritualism and paganism with a foundation in Christianity and some Buddhist ideals. I know what my beliefs are, but the best way I can find to define myself is a truth-seeker.

I have a lot of social anxiety. Going alone to any event, let alone a church I will consider joining, is daunting. A big concern is that I won’t find people to click with because of my age group. The church seems to have a demographic starting at 30-somethings with children through older adults. Will I be out of place? I’m also worried I’ll be pressured to join the congregation or their groups/donate financially. I don’t have a ton of experience with church in general.

I’ve been going through a change in my life over the last few weeks and feel particularly sad. I’m trying to encourage myself to actually go tomorrow. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. TIA

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

I’m in charge of coffee hour this Sunday! Help me make it amazing!

By: /u/ChampionshipNo2792

I’m planning on having: -Coffee (obvs) -tea -bagels -fresh fruit -allergen free mini muffins

What else should I make sure I do/have?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Congregation size/picking a congregation?

By: /u/RinoaRita

I might be having a first world UU problem but there’s a few congregations within reasonable driving distance of me. I visited a couple and one is a much larger congregation with more traditional services and the other is a much smaller one with only like 20 or so people.

How does size impact a congregation? How big is yours? Any pros/cons? That’s the biggest notable difference but are there other factors to consider when deciding to be a member?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Middle Demographic

By: /u/licoricegirl

Hi, My congregation is looking to form a group targeting the demographic of 20-50 or 25-45 ish. Does anybody have groups like this at their congregation? If so what is it called?

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Can someone explain to me what is universalist christinty to me?

By: /u/Existing_Ad4468

The religious values test shows that im closer to universalist Christinity and im wondering

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Wiping the slate clean

By: /u/Cult_Buster2005

In the interest of fairness and tolerance, I have decided to unban all the users that were previously banned from this subreddit. Though in most cases I think the bans were deserved, I also think we need to give most of them one more chance to try to be productive members of this community. Forgiveness is a virtue that we UUs should appreciate.

submitted by /u/Cult_Buster2005
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Jitasama: A New International Auxiliary Language

By: /u/Illustrious_Mix_4903

Jitasama is a designed International Auxiliary Language meant to be a means of intercommunication between speakers of different languages.

Jitasama has:

18 letters ABDEFGIJKLMNOPRSTU

No verb tenses

No double consonants

No gramatical gender

No tones

No articles

No spelling irregularities

Makes clear distinction of nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs

Limited Affixes

SVO Word Order

Adjectives come after the noun while determiners come before the noun

Pronunciation is Syllable-timed

1200 Root Words

4,700 total words

By maximizing shared vocabulary between Jitasama's 15 primary source languages, Jitasama's 1200 Root Words are lexically similar to; Mandarin Chinese 15%, English 44%, Hindi 27%, Spanish 45%, Arabic 20%, Indonesian 22%, Russian 26%, Bengali 23%, Portuguese 44%, French 43%, German 32%, Japanese 15%, Persian 28%, Swahili 18%, and Filipino 20%. Creating a nearly even mix of European and Non-European derived vocabulary.

To prove the language can convey complex concepts I have translated the Tao Te Ching into Jitasama.

If you want access to more materials please go to the discord https://discord.gg/DyBJbYwn

submitted by /u/Illustrious_Mix_4903
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

How do you create a warm, respectful, and comfortable place for people of all income levels?

By: /u/mokkin

Several separate people in our congregation have revealed to me that they don't go to church because they feel guilty for not donating money. They can't afford to pledge and they can't afford to drop money in the collection basket. They're very active, honest, and passionate people who make a huge difference with their presence, but they explain that they feel inadequate for pledging $0 or passing on the collection basket.

The reality is that the church depends on every dollar to keep the lights on: how do we encourage those who do have disposable income to donate while making it perfectly OK and respectable to not give money?

Maybe to request pledges of time and/or money, equating community service with monetary donations? Or requesting any kind of gifts in the collection basket: money, flowers, blessings, candies. So everyone can put something in the basket.

I feel like I'm overthinking it.

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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

Leaving my congregation for medical training?

By: /u/Glum_Equipment_8288

So I’m going to residency soon, and chances are I won’t be able to attend church. I’ve been very involved in the ministry, and I’m sad to leave. I intend on returning in 5 years, but spending half a decade away from my congregation hurts. What do I do?

submitted by /u/Glum_Equipment_8288
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☐ ☆ ✇ Unitarian Universalist

This church is Wrong

By: /u/Dinonugget69420

Jesus is the truth. He is the alpha and the omega the first and the last, tell me why your church is right, comment, sorry for the negative tone but i would like to debate some of you

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❌