Neo-Traditional Liberal Religion? A Sidewise Glance at a Unitarian Universalist Congregation

[cbayer]

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/monkeymind/2013/01/neo-traditional-liberal-religion-a-sidewise-glance-at-a-unitarian-universalist-congregation.html

January 22, 2013 By jamesford



Arthur Tooth, a priest of the Church of England, was part of that movement within the mid-nineteenth century to revive Catholic rituals within the CofE. As the Anglican church in England is a state religion, it is governed in many ways by law, and in reaction to the rise of ritualism, in 1874 a Public Worship Regulation Act was passed by Parliament. Mr Tooth was in regular violation of the act for use of vestments, incense, etc. He was charged but refused to attend the trial. Finally, on this day in 1877 he was arrested and thrown into the Horsemonger Lane Gaol. This event making him a martyr to what would come to be called the Anglo-Catholic movement…

So, what does this matter to me, A Zen priest and Unitarian Universalist minister serving for more than two decades in UU congregations?

Well, one of the things I’ve observed over these years is first a leveling off of attendance in UU congregations, even a tiny dip in our very small numbers reported nationally. And, then, what looks to be a turning.

I’m now some four and a half years into serving at the First Unitarian Church of Providence.

more at link

[Mtndreamer]

1. I am a Unitarian Universalist to..

I am a 65 year old former roman catholic, who has been attending a Unitarian Universalist congregation for 13 months in Southern RI. I have attended more church services in those 13 months, than I did in previous 45 years.

Every week when our minister proclaims that we are the voice of liberal religion in Southern RI, I smile. Last week we kicked off "30 days of love" with our focus on getting our legislators to pass gay marriage legislation. Last week a woman gave a service on buddhist meditation, which was very “cool”. Two weeks ago our Reverend(a woman) gave a sermon on peace and tied in Newtown nicely. Our eve of christmas eve is way cool and relevant.

There is structure to our church and to our services, however it is not cumbersome.. it is very democratic and inclusive. We are known as a “Welcoming” congregation, meaning all are welcome no matter what you are, who you are and what you believe in.

One of the things that I cherish is that our congregation is “women centric” and how it is translated really works for me. Being away from dogma, and being told what not to do, rather than what to do is refreshing. I am proud to be UU.

[cbayer]

2. I think the U/U's have really got an opportunity here to provide what the "nones"

will be looking for over the next few years. And it is just what you describe - inclusiveness, affirmation, good social causes, less dogma.

Congratulations to you for finding something that makes sense and is meaningful for you.