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December 2006 QUESTION: I'm not really Christian any more, but around this time
of year I really miss it. Liz ANSWER: Almost all Unitarian Universalist congregations have Christmas Eve candle-light services. I know that at least two different congregations in your area are holding them this year. You would most certainly be welcome at any of our congregations. Unitarian Universalism welcomes people with many different religious beliefs. For instance, Unitarian Universalist congregations also often hold Hanukah and Winter Solstice celebrations around this time of year. To find information on the holiday services at your local congregation, you can contact your local congregations directly via www.uua.org/cong. Sincerely, August 2006 (unmarried cohabiting couples) QUESTION: How does UU look upon couples (of any sexual orientation) who live together but are not married? While my boyfriend and I know that we will marry, we currently do live together. I feel comfortable with this decision and feel it is the right situation for us right now. I feel it is preparing us for a future together by building up our relationship, and that one reason for the prevalance of divorce is that many people marry too early without knowing what life with the other person will be like. I now live in an urban area, where the population seems to be more open-minded on such matters, but in the small town where I'm originally from, many people are more conservative and believe it is wrong. If I went into a more traditional, conservative Christian church, I would probably feel uncomfortable talking to people there about my living situation. Does the UU have an opinion on the issue? I know that the UU is supportive of homosexual persons, who are unable to marry in most areas. Darla ANSWER: The Unitarian Universalist community is quite welcoming to people who live with one another without marrying or before marrying. Our faith doesn't think there's anything wrong with living unmarried with the person you love, straight or gay. You and your boyfriend would be more than welcome in any of our congregations. To find your closest UU congregation, please visit www.uua.org/cong. Sincerely, (principle of acceptance, religious education) QUESTION:
Hello, I am a teen basically Searching for other people
who belive the foundation of their Religion / Spirituality is that God
accepts us all despite any Sin. I am just wondering what is the source
of UU's princible of acceptance? Also, what is taught in RE classes and
sermons. Basically, what do they reinforce as the reason it is necessary
to accept no matter what? Ashley ANSWER: The idea that God will accept us despite any sin is Universalist.
Before they merged with the Unitarians in 1961 to form the new religion
of Unitarian Universalism, the Universalists believed that God was so
loving that he would forgive all sins. This was called Universal
Salvation, hence Universalism. Sincerely, QUESTION: I have a philosophical question about Unitarian beliefs: do the Unitarians believe in objective moral truths? Are there some things that are just wrong no matter what the circumstances are? I like the open mindedness of the UU faith, but I am somewhat troubled by the extreme relativism that I sense. I know that the truth is an elusive, slippery thing...but surely there are some things that the Unitarian Church agrees are always wrong, no matter what. Right? Michael ANSWER: Despite the common ground of shared principles and sources of
inspiration (www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html), Unitarian
Universalist moral values are ultimately shaped and determined by each
individual's experience. The Unitarian Universalist Association does
not determine for its members what is right and wrong: we don't have an
imposed moral code, nor do we advocate for moral absolutism, moral
universalism, or moral relativism. Sincerely, (Unitarian Universalism in the UK) QUESTION: I'm a 22 yr old, British, strong lifelong atheist but in recent years I've become increasingly interested in philosophy and forming my own (vaguely pantheistic) ideas about the world. I heard about UUism from American friends. I'm uncomfortable with the terms"god", "religion" and "church" but find I agree with the basic UUism principles. I've also found UU-related articles, e.g. UU World, very relevant to my beliefs. BUT... UUism is pretty non-existant in the UK! It's difficult to decide whether I'm a UU or not (and how on earth to practice it if so) with no direct discussion. Any ideas? Ruth ANSWER: Welcome! It sounds as if Unitarian Universalism might be a very good
spiritual home for you. Sincerely, July 2006 QUESTION: Our "UU" church in town is a "Federated" church which also has "Church of Christ" affiliation. I would love to join a UU church, will I get the same benefits at a "Federated" church? I feel like my feelings and beliefs follow the UU beliefs, but not necessarily the Church of Christ beliefs. Should I look for a UU only church? Just a little confused... any advise would be helpful... thanks Michele ANSWER: There are a few dozen UUA congregations that are also affiliated with
the United Church of Christ (UCC). These congregations generally have
liberal Christian worship services and are welcoming of people of all
faiths (Christian or not). Each congregation affiliated with the UUA is
Unitarian Universalist through-and-through, regardless of what the
spiritual focus of the congregation's worship is and what additional
affiliations the congregations might have. Sincerely, June 2006 QUESTION: My husband and I have been searching for a faith that fits our life journey. UU seems like a great fit for us. We have read a great deal and visited our local UU church. I feel really good about everything I am experiencing and reading, with one exception. I feel like if I use the word "God," I ruffle feathers. I am not sure what I believe about God, but I know that I believe in God. I want to be able to discuss this freely and to hear other beliefs about God, but I don't wish to offend anyone. I also feel like the absence of the word "God" in the sermons is noticeable. I realize that there are atheists in UU, but I think I need to explore God. What does UU say about the use of the word "God?" Kelly ANSWER: Unitarian Universalist views of God vary possibly more than any other
aspect of our spirituality. Some do not believe in any god, some
believe in a great creative spirit, some believe in a Goddess, others
believe in a traditional Christian God, while others in different
conceptions altogether. "Many people have questioned whether any
concept of God can be meaningful in a modern, scientific world. Others,
however, find the idea of God to be profoundly meaningful."
(www.uua.org/pamphlet/3039.html) A 1989 survey of Unitarian
Universalists showed 81% believing in some sort of god: even if those
numbers have dropped over the years, you are certainly not in the
minority for your beliefs. Many UUs who believe in God outside of
traditional contexts describe themselves as Theists or Deists: you may
be interested in the pamphlet on www.uua.org/pamphlet/3015.html. Sincerely, QUESTION: I have heard that there is a great deal of tension and hostility in some UU congregations between Christians and non-Christians. My wife and I want very much to bring our daughter up in a welcoming church that values questioning, soul searching, and introspection, but we are concerned that, as Christians, we won't feel welcomed. Don't get me wrong: as far as Christians go, my theology is as liberal as it gets. I guess my question is, is it okay to be Christian in the UU church? Michael ANSWER: It is definitely ok to be Christian in the UU church. Almost 10% of
American UUs are Christian, and modern Unitarian Universalists
(Christian and non-Christian) are generally quite accustomed both to
understanding our Judeo-Christian heritage and to learning new ways of
interpreting and working with today's UU Christianity. There may be the
very rare UU who is still embittered from previous bad experiences with
Christianity, but they are very few and far between, and are certainly
the exception rather than the rule. Unitarian Universalism requires
tolerance and understanding of all respectful religious paths, including
Christianity. I'm sure you would be welcomed at any of the many UU
congregations in your area. Sincerely, May 2006 (just UU? developing your own beliefs?) QUESTION: I've heard references to UU Christian, UU Buddhist, UU Agnostic, UU Athiest, and UU Pagan. Do most UU's catagorize themselves in this, or are some just UU? Also...if you aren't sure exactly what you believe...are there UU tools, books, or small groups that help you figure that out? Naomi ANSWER: Yes, there are many people who identify purely as Unitarian
Universalists. Some of them are born-and-raised UUs (like the woman who
wrote the article on a related topic on www.uuworld.org/life/articles/learningtoraiselifelonguus2702.shtml), and others come to Unitarian Universalism finding spiritual
fulfillment with their UU identity. Sincerely, April 2006 QUESTION: Do the religious beliefs of Unitarian ministers vary as much as those of their congregations? Paul ANSWER: Yes, Unitarian Universalist ministers' personal beliefs are just as varied as the beliefs of other Unitarian Universalists. In addition to their personal beliefs, UU ministers undergo thorough training to be able to cater to the spiritual needs of people of almost any faith background. The religious style of a congregation is generally influenced more by the religious beliefs of the congregants than by the beliefs of the minister. Sincerely, QUESTION: The "Clock Maker Theory" this outlook of who God is... Create something, let it run and fix it every millenium or so... how does this fit into the UU ideals? Trina ANSWER: Unitarian Universalist views of God vary possibly more than any other
aspect of our spirituality. Some UUs do not believe in any god, some
believe in a great creative spirit, some believe in a Goddess, others
believe in a traditional Christian God, others in different conceptions
altogether. "Many people have questioned whether any concept of God can
be meaningful in a modern, scientific world. Others, however, find the
idea of God to be profoundly meaningful."
(www.uua.org/pamphlet/3039.html) Sincerely, QUESTION: Why is it one of the UUA's guiding principles that "The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;"? What democratic process are you refering to and how is it practiced in a congregation, let alone a society at large? Forest ANSWER: Good question! I know that the Unitarian Universalist principles are sometimes hard to understand. The fifth principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) reads: "We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large." The basic idea behind the principle is that all people should be able to make free choices based on what they feel inside to be true and right, and that every person should have a voice, if not a literal vote, on issues that affect them. This idea can apply to every human interaction and to the organization of every group, community, business, congregation, society, etc. Unitarian Universalist congregations have many different forms of governance, but all involve democratic decision-making. For instance, a UU congregation may have so many members attending Sunday services that they can't all fit in the sanctuary: rather than the minister and/or Board of Directors making a unilateral decision to build a new building or add another service, they would make sure to involve the entire congregation in the process of deciding how to solve the overcrowding problem. The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations also operates democratically. Delegates from each member congregation meet at our annual General Assembly to determine the UUA's position on various issues, working priorities, budget, etc. Examples of how the 5 th principle is applies in "society at large" could include when a group of friends vacationing together makes decisions together to ensure that their plans don't make a member of their group uncomfortable; when teachers allow for the possibility that a student might have a radically different personal interpretation of an idea presented in class; when a town allows and acts upon suggestions from town members about land use; when a parent asks (though of course not necessarily orders) what pizza toppings a child would prefer, and lets him or her be a vegetarian if he or she chooses; etc. These are all every-day applications of the 5th principle. Unitarian Universalists have long been committed to the belief that our society will be enhanced and improved by greater individual participation. Historically, Unitarians and Universalists have been involved in American civic and voting issues with the founding of our nation, the writing of our Constitution, the fight for women's suffrage, the voting rights movements of the 1950s and 60s, and the struggle to maintain decency and a sense of faith in democracy today. The UUA continues to be committed to furthering the democratic process. In 2004, the UUA made Voter Education, Registration and Mobilization a key priority (www.uua.org/news/2004/voting). Today, the UUA is speaking out to protect civil liberties threatened by the Patriot Act (www.uua.org/uuawo/new/article.php?list=type&type=22 Sincerely, (accepting of military families?) QUESTION: We are a military family (spouse in for 18 years). I found UU by searching on the internet for churches that accept all peoples regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. I was happy to find UU. I was also happy to find a place where spirituality is taught and we are not told what to believe. I attended my first service today. I was introduced to the group and it was mentioned that we were a military family. The sermon was on the war in Iraq. The reverend is a pacifist and was speaking out against the war. Afterwards, a few members came to me and asked what I felt about the fact that the first service I came to was addressing this subject. I told them it was fine, that just because we are a military family doesn't mean we support what the government is doing. It is important that we support our troops as they are doing their job. I wasn't scared away although I am wondering if this will be a problem for my family in the future. What do UUs think about military service? Should I have concerns about non-acceptance or that people will treat me differently because my spouse is in the military? I know that not all UU congregations are the same and this one just happens to have a reverend who is very anti-war. Joyce ANSWER: Welcome! You are certainly not the only military family attending a Unitarian Universalist congregation. UUs often have very mixed views on the military itself, but are always very respectful of the individuals who serve. I expect that your family's military connections may be a bit of a novelty at the moment, but I fully expect that as your new congregation gets to know you and your family, they will quickly look beyond that label to the people that you are. If you have any questions or concerns about this, I encourage you to meet with the minister of your congregation. He or she would be happy to welcome you to the congregation, and learning what the rest of the congregation can do to best welcome your family. For your reference, there are a number of resources for UU military
families and UUs in the military available: Sincerely, QUESTION: I have always wished to become a minister/man of God. Among UU, is there a clergy? If so, how does one become a member of its clergy? Eric ANSWER: There are indeed Unitarian Universalist ministers. March 2006 QUESTION: I once heard that the Unitarian Church members have the highest level of education when compared to other religions. Is this true? Where could I find this information? Tom ANSWER: What you heard was correct. A survey by Newsweek (November 29, 1993) shows Unitarian Universalists as having the highest percentage of college graduates compared to all other US religious denominations. This corresponds with our own findings. In a denomination-wide survey from 2004, most respondents (85%) had graduated from a 4-year college, 65% had attended graduate school, and 52% held a masters or PhD. In Peace, (difference between UUA and UCC?) QUESTION: I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic school 1-12th grades. I am seeking a place that is pluralistic I think, in that it is accepting of people who believe in many things. I am seeking a place that is accepting of all people regardless of race, religion or anything. I am wondering what the main difference is between UU and UCC. They both seem liberal and to be like what I am looking for, I think but one believes in Jesus? Is that right? Please tell me what makes them different. Thanks! Joi ANSWER: It sounds as if you might find a good spiritual home in Unitarian Universalism! While we can't speak to the specific beliefs of other denominations (you'd have to ask them to describe themselves), an essential difference between Unitarian Universalism and the United Church of Christ is that UCC is Christian (believes in Jesus) while the UUA includes many religions and beliefs in addition to Christianity. As we share many of the same values, the UUA and UCC do end up working
together on many issues, and a few of our congregations are affiliated
with both denominations. For more information on the UCC, please see
their website, www.ucc.org In Peace, QUESTION: Am I a "true" UU? The UUA principles and values resonate with me; however, I also believe there is a supernatural power that created all living things and guides our thoughts and actions, and gives us courage, strength, and power to walk through and overcome life's challenges. ANSWER: Welcome! It sounds as if you might find a good spiritual home in
Unitarian Universalism. If you would like to see first-hand how Unitarian Universalists worship,
I encourage you to use our website to locate your local Unitarian
Universalist church (www.uua.org/cong). QUESTION: I was told by my Aunt that Unitarian Universalists welcome
homosexual members. Is that true? and Just what do you believe of the
subject? ANSWER: Welcome! It is true that Unitarian Universalism is very supportive of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender rights. We have been at the forefront of fighting for the right of gays and lesbians to marry in Massachusetts, and are advocating for queer rights nationwide. All of our congregations are very supportive of the queer community. Congregations that have gone out of their way to be especially welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and transgender people are know as "welcoming congregations," and are indicated on the congregation list with a rainbow chalice icon. For more information on Unitarian Universalism and the queer community, see www.uua.org/pamphlet/3065.html. For more
information about the UUA's involvement in the current gay rights
struggle, see www.uua.org/news/2004/freedomtomarry and www.uua.org/obgltc for information regarding our resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, intersex, and allied members. January 2006 QUESTION: Does the Unitarian church offer advising similar to pre-cana counseling in the Catholic church? I am interested in joining the Unitarian church near me in Newton and hoping they have something like this. Jennifer ANSWER: Almost all Unitarian Universalist ministers require any couple they are to marry to meet with them in pre-marital counseling sessions. For information on pre-marital counseling in your local Unitarian Universalist congregation, please contact the minister of your local congregation directly: www.uua.org/cong. Sincerely, QUESTION: I would like to know what the church's stance is on the Right to Die movement. Is the UUA in support of giving citizens who are terminally ill the right to have a physician-assisted death, as in the state law in Oregon? Linda ANSWER: Unitarian Universalists are free to make their own end-of-life decisions: the Unitarian Universalist Association puts no religious constraints on individual's own views and actions relating to euthanasia and other aspects of death and dying. The UUA is one of (and may be the only) religious denomination to have passed a statement supporting the right to die with dignity. The 1988 resolution provides for the possibility that individuals may make very different choices, and they should be honored equally: "Unitarian Universalists advocate right to self-determination in dying, and the release from civil or criminal penalties of those who, under proper safeguards, act to honor the right of terminally ill patients to select the time of their own deaths." The complete statement can be found at www.uua.org/actions/health/88die-dignity.html. The UUA has also consistently advocated for safeguards against abuses by those who would hasten death contrary to an individual's desires. For more information on this topic, I recommend that you read the pamphlet "Choices in Dying" by Ralph Mero, as well as the text of related resolutions available on:
and other places on our website. For more UUA resolutions, please see www.uua.org/actions. If you are interested in further information on the religious issues involves with this movement, you can either buy or request from your library a copy of "Faithful Voices: An Adult Program in Clinical Ethics and Religious Values" by Wayne B. Arnason of the UUA. You could also contact your local Unitarian Universalist minister for further discussion on this topic. You can find the information for your local church at www.uua.org/cong. Sincerely, QUESTION: What does the Unitarian church stand for? William ANSWER: Good question!
Rev. William Sinkford, President of the UUA, has also written about what he believes are Unitarian Universalist moral values. These are:
I hope that this begins to answer your question. Sincerely, | |
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