Basic Introductions
 Finding
a Spiritual Home
Unitarian Universalism for Young Adults
Michael Tino
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Transitions
New schools, new jobs, new relationships and new communities—the
lives of many young adults are filled with transitions, each of
which adds both new possibilities and new needs to our lives. In
this time of great change in our lives, we often need a setting
that nurtures and grounds us. Unitarian Universalism provides young
adults with just such a place.
In our congregations and in the wider Unitarian Universalist community,
we are simultaneously challenged to rigorously examine our faith
and given the freedom to express it. Unitarian Universalism offers
us somewhere to ask questions, to engage in dialogue, to meet others
on their spiritual journeys, and to find our spiritual home.
Unitarian Universalism is important to me because it’s
revolutionary, magical, practical, welcoming, uplifting, mine.
UU churches are where I find spiritual communities. My leadership
is encouraged and nourished, not just by my elders but by my peers
as well. I have made precious friendships with fellow young adults
in church. I love UU young adults. As a whole, we’re a vibrant,
dynamic, caring group of people.
—Amy Strano, New York, NY
Living Spiritually
Are you searching for a community in which to explore spiritual
questions without being given a set of “right” answers?
Many young adults are. We seek a relevant and living spiritual environment
in which we are free to question the answers that others have given
us. For some of us, this means developing a faith that passes the
tests of reason and logic. For others it means the freedom to explore
new spiritual practices and approaches.
Unitarian Universalist spiritual communities are based on freedom
in our searches for truth and meaning. In our congregations, diverse
viewpoints are welcomed. We strive to create safe places for exploration
as well as lively debate and discussion. Often, this means that
Unitarian Universalist worship becomes a vibrant collage of different
worldviews, spiritual paths, and practices.
At our best, Unitarian Universalists challenge each other to live
out our spirituality and values in the world. Deep reflection leads
to clarification of our values and, in turn, to living out those
values in the ways we connect with others, treat our environment,
and choose careers. Many young adults need this connection between
our faith and our lives.
I can’t imagine not having a community in which I can be
open and free with my thoughts and beliefs, surrounded by those
who are also seeking to improve the lives of others in their community.
My service to my community and humanity cannot be restricted to
helping only those who agree with me.
—Christopher Wulff, Kingston, ON
Creating Community
Amid the transitions of young adulthood, we need a safe place to
be ourselves—a place to meet others and create friendships
and connections that will last a lifetime. In Unitarian Universalist
congregations and on college campuses across the continent, young
adults are coming together to get to know one another in support
and friendship. These vibrant young adult groups are grounded in
faith exploration, often gathering for worship in an intimate and
experiential way that suits the spiritual and social needs of young
adults. Many young adults find personalized worship experiences
like circle worships and covenant groups meaningful in building
community.
In addition, Unitarian Universalists strive to provide a social
atmosphere that does not pressure them to conform to a perceived
norm and provides opportunities to relax and have fun. In congregations
and young adult groups, people from different backgrounds and with
divergent philosophies come together to find and explore what we
all have in common.
We are also a part of a larger movement that values the contributions
of people of all ages. Unitarian Universalist young adults are invited
to participate in an intergen-erational movement that is broader
and deeper than any one group or congregation. Members of the wider
Unitarian Universalist community gather in many places and for many
reasons—at meetings to develop a common voice, at conferences
to learn from one another, and at camps to revive and sustain our
spirit.
The members of the UU community here at Wellesley College have
not only become my friends in a social respect but they are also
my sisters in faith. While we love to discuss the latest hot topic
on campus or moan about our exams, we also connect on a spiritual
level. Even though we do not have the same beliefs or religious
backgrounds, we share a way of thinking and looking at the world
that allows us to understand each other through a common language.
—Anna Koteff, Wellesley, MA
Seeking Justice
Our Unitarian Universalist faith also calls us to understand the
injustices in our society and to work to create a world community
based on freedom and equality for all. We seek to be a faith open
to participation from people with a broad spectrum of backgrounds,
experiences, and perspectives.
This work is a journey toward wholeness in our society and is
ongoing at many levels. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations
seek to engage in intentional work around anti-racism and anti-oppression,
to understand the different levels on which power works, and to
create structures to make our work accountable to people regardless
of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and class background.
This work is not easy, but we are committed to it as an integral
part of our faith. Unitarian Universalist young adults continue
to be at the forefront of this journey. Together, we are challenging
our congregations and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
to understand linked oppressions, to make our ministry available
to all who seek it, and to consistently use open decision-making
processes in our work.
Unitarian Universalism is important to me because . . . it is
a religion that values freedom and justice. While some may say
institutions are inherently corrupt, it is our duty as free thinkers
to utilize the power of an institution for justice, liberty, and
freedom of religion. I remain committed to Unitarian Universalism
because it is an institution that can accommodate change.
—Natalie Brewster Nguyen, Chicago, IL
Cultivating Visionary Leadership
In our congregations, young adults are invited to be a part of
the membership and the leadership that make Unitarian Universalism
happen. Our movement is one of independent congregations, and our
highest authority is the decision of a congregation. Our voices
and votes, as well as our energy and commitment, are the building
blocks of a free faith.
Congregations come together in various ways to learn from one
another, provide efficient services, and raise their collective
voice on important issues. Membership in an individual congregation
may allow you to get involved in leadership at district, regional,
or national levels. In addition, young adult Unitarian Universalists
have come together to form the Continental Unitarian Universalist
Young Adult Network, which works to provide programs and opportunities
for young adults.
Unitarian Universalist young adults embrace new energies and new
voices. Within this faith, your participation and your gifts of
time, talents, and love will be accepted with open hearts and minds.
We welcome new people into our communities and congregations because
we understand that our own spiritual growth depends on the connections
we make with others. We hope that this is a place where you feel
comfortable exploring and that it one day becomes your spiritual
home.
At church I feel connected to the wisdom and history of liberal
religious people and membership in an intergenerational community
that struggles with real life issues. My mind, heart, and soul
are stretched to welcome new ideas, dreams, and passions for creating
our beloved community.
—Joseph Lyons, Portland, OR
For More Information
Contact the UUA’s Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry
at (617) 948-4273 or ya-cm@uua.org.
Visit the joint website of the Continental Unitarian Universalist
Young Adult Network and the UUA Office of Young Adult and Campus
Ministry at www.uuyan.org to
learn more about young adult and campus groups and to get connected
with the larger community of UU young adults.
For more information about Unitarian Universalism
Buehrens, John A., and Forrest Church. A Chosen Faith: An Introduction
to Unitarian Universalism. Boston: Beacon Press, 1998. A basic introductory
guide to Unitarian Universalist philosophies and ideas. Includes
a chronology of UU history.
Buehrens, John A., ed. The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide.
Boston: Skinner House Books, 1999. Essays by contemporary Unitarian
Universalists give an overview of our programs, practices, and history.
For more information about ministry to young adults
Lavanhar, Marlin, and Justin Schroeder. Soulful Sundown. Boston:
Young Adult/Campus Ministry Office, UUA, 1999. A guide to presenting
a young adult–friendly contemporary worship service in your
congregation.
Beaudoin, Tom. Virtual Faith: The Irreverant Spiritual Quest of
Generation X. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998.
Robbins, Alexandra, and Abby Wilner. Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique
Challenges of Life in Your Twenties. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam,
2001.
Michael Tino is the director of young adult and
campus ministry for the UUA. A young adult, he lives with his partner
in Durham, NC, and is a member of the Eno River Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship. He is studying for the ministry at Meadville Lombard
Theological School.
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