My family has started attending services at the local Unitarian Universalist Society. I'm not sure what my extended family will think about this. Fire and brimstone may come into play. Why, you wonder? Isn't it just a church like any other?
Well, no. For instance, the "hymn" in closing at Sunday's service was Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell. When was the last time you were in church and sang Joni Mitchell.
Jesus was not mentioned. Not uttered? Amen. And whoa, hold the phone, there's no belief in a triune God. No father son holy spirit. Pretty much stops with God. The sermon, however, was on social responsibility for global warming. Take a poll...I'm guessing there isn't a registered republican within 1/2 a mile.
And that, in itself, would be reason enough to go. But I love the attitude.
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The living tradition we share draws from many sources:
• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions, which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teachings, which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
• Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions, which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.
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