Recommitment to Racial Justice

The city of Baltimore recently saw violent clashes between communities of color and local police forces. Unitarian Universalists (UU) joined the community seeking stability and justice following the death of Freddie Gray by taking part in peaceful prot…

Spotlight: Young Adults at 4U

At at Fourth Universalist in Manhattan, young adults animate church life with deep connection, mutual support, community activism and more. This article in the Spotlight series tells their story. 

Cambridge Church Will Host Shelter for Homeless Youth

By Rev. Christian Schmidt

For First Parish in Cambridge, a move to hosting a shelter for homeless youth and young adults wasn’t just a nice thing to do, it was a chance to fulfill its mission.

Miles of Dream: Meditations

In a new collection of meditations, Vanessa Southern ponders life passages, ways of looking at the world, and the many possibilities for building a life of meaning. Part of the InSpirit series, previously known as the Meditation Manual series.

GA 2015 Helps Formerly Incarcerated

The local service project at the UUA’s 2015 General Assembly is with Portland, Oregon’s Reentry Transition Center (RTC), helping formerly incarcerated people transition back into the community. 

Crossing Bridges

Rev. Jan Taddeo: “Unitarian Universalists step out into the unknown all the time.”

Statement: Events in Baltimore

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), issued this statement following recent events and new developments in Baltimore, MD, following the death of Freddie Carlos Gray, Jr.: “Today the Baltimore Police Department handed over to prosecutors the results of its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody.

UUSC-UUA Response to Nepal Earthquake

On April 25, communities in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh suffered a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. So far, reports reveal that more than 4,000 people have died and thousands more are injured or missing. Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) President Bill Schulz and Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President Rev. Peter Morales have issued this joint statement in response to this tragedy: 

We Pray for Nepal

Unitarian Universalists around the world are turning their caring thoughts and prayers to the people impacted by the disaster unfolding in Nepal. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) are considering options for effective response. And, the UUA’s Holdeen India Program Director, Derek Mitchell, is in direct communication with grassroots organizations – including the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute – as our global partners mobilize. In the midst of the crisis, let us begin in prayer and prepare for further response.

Thousands Join UUs for Climate Justice Month

Unitarian Universalists (UUs) and other people of faith and conscience across the country are participating in Climate Justice Month from World Water Day (March 22) to Earth Day (April 22). The month is a time of reflection and spiritual grounding leading to commitment to long-term actions for climate justice. 

GA 2015: Cornel West to Speak

The American philosopher, academic, activist, author, and public intellectual Dr. Cornel West will speak to thousands of Unitarian Universalists this summer at our annual meeting and convention, the UUA General Assembly. 

Blue Revolution

Americans see water as abundant and cheap: we turn on the faucet and out it gushes, for less than a penny a gallon. We use more water than any other country in the world, rarely considering the consequences for our rivers, aquifers, and other freshwaters. Blue Revolution exposes the truth about the water crisis-driven by a tradition that has encouraged everyone, from homeowners to farmers to utilities, to tap more and more.

Healing and Forgiveness

Sometimes it feels like there are a lot of broken things in the world. How can we help to heal our world and each other? Each month, the Church of the Larger Fellowship curates reflections, stories, prayers, and more on a spiritual theme that’s close t…

Letter from a Hoped-For Future

“What Unitarian Universalism Looks Like 20 Years from Now,” by Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt

December 15, 2034 
Thanks for the phone call, sweetie; your dad gave me a heads-up about your Coming of Age assignment. It’s a good question you asked—how being Unitarian Universalist is different now than it was for your dad or your grandfather, or your great-grandfather, for that matter.

Earth: A Meditation

There are no other earths that I know of.
There are no other skies that we have mapped.
This is our earth.

UUA President Condemns Indiana’s Discriminatory Law

On March 27, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a thinly-veiled attack on the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. The bill was promoted as being necessary to preserve religious freedom in Indiana, but make no mistake: this bill was passed in order to legally permit blatant discrimination against the LGBT community. 

General Assembly 2015: Greener!

Did you know that the UUA’s annual meeting, General Assembly (GA), is one of the greenest events around? Did you know that GA 2015 in Portland, Oregon will engage UUs in working for climate justice?

Blessings for Justice Builders

The Rev. Lindi Ramsden, a Unitarian Universalist minister long at the forefront of work for human rights and environmental justice, wrote these blessings—”beatitudes”—for people who work for positive change. They are part of of our collection of readings, reflections, and prayers on WorshipWeb.

Blessed are you who can question your own assumptions and listen with an open mind; you will receive new insights beyond your imagining.

Blessed are you who suffer the attacks of others to stand up for what is right; you will not be alone, for your courage will inspire others to rise.

Blessed are you who build friendships as well as justice; even when you lose an issue, you will have strengthened the foundation of your community.

Blessed are you who take delight in people; you will not be bored in meetings.

Blood of the Tiger

Set against the backdrop of China’s ascendance to world dominance, Blood of the Tiger tells of a global fight to rein in the forces of greed on behalf of one of the world’s most treasured and endangered animals.

Return to Selma

On Sunday, March 8, 2015, hundreds of Unitarian Universalists, dressed in Standing on the Side of Love gear, marched with tens of thousands of people across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, to honor the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. 

Grief and Weariness

I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for twenty-four years. In 1981 I remember reading the New York Times thoroughly one summer day as I rode the subway. Somewhere way in the back pages I saw an article reporting that a number of young men were suffering from Kaposi’s sarcoma, a rare cancer usu­ally found only in older men with Mediterranean heri­tage.

"The Gift" by Jeffrey Lockwood

Our Subaru Forester was sliding sideways down Interstate 80 at fifty miles per hour. My wife, Nan, had gingerly switched to the left-hand lane to avoid a truck that was overturned on the right shoulder, but no amount of experience, skill, or caution could overcome our car’s mass and momentum on a nearly frictionless surface. In an instant, we’d lost traction on the icy highway and were headed toward the wide median between the east- and westbound traffic.

Meditation on February

“About February” by Kathleen Montgomery

February is not for the faint hearted, I think.
It is so exceedingly ordinary,
having neither the romance of spring
nor the bravado of winter.
And the ordinary is tough, it seems to me, demanding as it does not …

OWL Sexuality Education Updated

Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Grades 7-9 is fully revised and available from the UUA Bookstore. This progressive, inclusive, comprehensive program is the keystone in the lifespan series of sexuality education programs the UUA and United Church of Christ published together beginning 1999. 

Welcome to our new site!

We’re proud to introduce the new UUA.org, home of the Unitarian Universalist Association and representing our 1,000 local congregations. Here’s your quick guide to what’s new, what’s the same and what’s next for this website, with a video introduction from UUA President Peter Morales.

Reclaim Your Prophetic Witness

In Reclaiming Prophetic Witness, author Paul Rasor dispels the myth that conservative Christianity is the only religious voice in the national debates on key social issues. This book will inspire you to lift your voice and reclaim a place in the public conversation.

Selma, A Life Lesson from Hollywood

Have you seen Selma yet? Check out this excellent review and reflection of the movie and its UU connections from UU World, with links to download a handy discussion guide. And be sure to go see it!

Unitarian Universalist Sues to Breastfeed at Work

UU World reports on Kate Frederick’s battle with her former employer, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, for refusing to allow her to breastfeed her son in a private space at work or drive to his nearby daycare center during work breaks to feed him there.

Climate Justice Month

From World Water Day to Earth Day (March 22 to April 22, 2015), Unitarian Universalists and other people of faith and conscience will begin a spiritual journey for climate justice.

Climate Justice Month is being organized by Commit2Respond, the new environmental justice initiative led by UU groups across our faith movement. Join Commit2Respond to participate, and if you’re a congregational leader, save the dates for Climate Justice Sunday and Earth Day observances.

Calling All Congregations: Certify Today

All UUA member congregations are required to log in and complete the annual Certification of Membership report by the deadline of Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at 5 p.m. PT. This is a requirement to have voting delegates at General Assembly 2015. 

Clergy Takes Congress to Lunch

Unitarian Universalist ministers joined interfaith partners to stage a protest during lunch in front of members of Congress and their staff. Find out what happened next.

The Selma Awakening Available at Your UUA Bookstore

As the 50th anniversary of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, AL, approaches, people are talking about how the events of the civil rights movement changed our nation. Unitarian Universalists emerged from those events profoundly changed as wel…

Something More Spiritual

UU World reports how the lay-led Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence, KS, doubled its membership and was named a UUA Breakthrough Congregation. The article reads, ‘ The ministry part of the church’s success involved a little serendipity. Just when Lawrence was trying on a worship service, some of the nearby UU congregations in Kansas and Missouri began offering ministerial support to small and emerging congregations. ‘

Nominees for 2015 Elections Available Now

The slate of nominees for the 2015 elections to be held at General Assembly in Portland, OR, is now available. Please take this opportunity to learn more about the positions and the process for running by petition. People interested in running by petit…

Statement: Grand Jury Decision on Death of Eric Garner

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), issued this statement following the decision by a grand jury to not indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner that took place this summer on Staten Isla…

UU World Winter Issue Available

The Winter 2014 issue of UU World is now available online. Highlights include ‘Selma’s challenge’ by Mark Morrison-Reed, a fellowship’s membership breakthrough, competing over ‘Jingle Bells,’ and a special report on safe congregations.

Holiday Greetings from the UUA!

The Unitarian Universalist Association’s offices will be closed from 2 p.m. Dec. 24 through Jan. 2. During this time, the UUA Stewardship and Development Office will be staffed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) to assist with your year-en…

Statement: Indictment Decision Reflection

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, issued a statement reflecting on the indictment decision in Ferguson, MO. It begins, “Our fear that justice will not be served is now a reality. Regardless of the reasons why a grand jury decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, people are angry, frustrated, and outraged. We still have questions unanswered. We still seek justice.’

Statement Applauding Executive Action on Immigration

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, issued a statement applauding President Obama’s immigration announcement. It begins, “Today we celebrate President Obama’s immigration plan that will improve the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States.”

UUA's New Headquarters Awarded LEED Platinum

The Unitarian Universalist Assocation (UUA) is pleased to announce that it has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification for its new headquarters located at 24 Farnsworth Street in Boston’s Innovation District. Platinum is the highest of the four possible LEED certifications.

Share Your Thoughts with the UUA Board of Trustees

The UUA Board of Trustees invites you to explore possibilities for re-imagining governance—from small-scale fixes to broad changes—and comment on them by completing the survey, “Re-Imagining UUA Governance.” For the future of our faith, please share your thoughts in this important dialogue.

Restored to Sanity Available Now

Restored to Sanity: Essays on the Twelve Steps by Unitarian Universalists , is the newest release from Skinner House Books, and the first to explore the intersection of UUism and Twelve-Step recovery programs. In this book, each Step is explored with t…

Will You Commit2Respond?

We are facing a climate crisis. Recognizing the interdependence of all life, we are called as people of faith and conscience to heal and sustain the planet we call home. Climate change is a moral issue, and Commit2Respond is our moral response. UUs and…

Breakthrough Congregation: UU Church of Boulder, CO

UU World shares the transformational story of the UU Church of Boulder, CO. It reads, ‘Just five years ago, things were so bleak at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, Colorado, that there was a question as to how much longer it would survive…

Susan Frederick-Gray v. Joe Arpaio

UU World reports that the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray joins a federal class-action lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff Jospeh Arpaio. “I joined this case because these Arizona laws are another tool used to tear apart families, to separate children from their parents and grandparents,” says Frederick-Gray, head of the Arizona Immigration Ministry.

Girl Scouts and UUism

The new 2014 edition of Religion in Life for Girl Scouts in grades 4-12 is now available online for UU Girl Scouts, their leaders, and their parents to use at no charge. Activities and projects invite participants to learn more about UU faith and herit…

Propose a Program for General Assembly

Faith entrepreneurs, both those working within and beyond congregational walls, may now submit program proposals for the 2015 General Assembly (GA) in Portland, OR, that addresses the theme of ‘Building a New Way.’ What are your stories of engag ed religious community? What are your efforts to build an inclusive community that supports justice and lives compassionately? How are you building a new way? All proposals must be submitted by Mon., Nov. 3.

Missouri UUs Hold Vigils, Collect Food for Ferguson

UU World reports on what local UUs in Missouri and UUs across the country are doing to support those in the Ferguson community including holding vigils and collecting food and supplies.

Interfaith Leaders Urge President to Act on Immigration

In the wake of Congress’ inability to act, UUA President Rev. Peter Morales and other national faith leaders have delivered a letter to President Obama today, urging him to take administrative action on immigration reform and to end the inhumane immigration enforcement policies that destroy families .

UUA President's Statement on Ferguson

UUA President Rev. Peter Morales has issued a statement following the continued violence in Ferguson, MO. It begins, ‘The images from Ferguson, Missouri, are profoundly unsettling: tanks, tear gas, military weaponry for urban warfare, angry crowds. We …

Up to Our Necks

‘This is a problem for our whole nation, not just for people of color. We are in this together. And riot gear, intimidation, and more brutality from police are not the way forward towards healing. They are, in fact, yet another giant step backwards,’ r…

Religious Leaders Embrace Cause of Immigrant Children

The New York Times reports that leaders from a broad range of religious traditions—from the Southern Baptist Convention to the Roman Catholic Church to the Unitarian Universalist Association—are leading a ‘backlash to the backlash’ against undocumented children who came to the U.S. this year on their own.

Social Justice Push Marks Minister's Retirement

UU World shares how the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN used social justice work as a way to mark the retirement of its co-minister, the Rev. Bill Breeden. It reads, ‘People were encouraged to volunteer at a food pantry and a shelter …

Announcing the 2014-2015 UUA Common Read

Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square by Paul Rasor is the 2014-2015 UUA Common Read. In this inspiring call to action, Rasor dispels the myth that conservative Christianity is the only va lid religious voice in national …

Area Churches Pursue a Social Media Ministry

Offering curious ‘nones’ the chance to look inside a UU service, congregations are now turning to digital media to attract new visitors. In this story, the Rev. Ann Marie Alderman of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro talks about how her c…

T-shirt Evangelism

Meg Riley, senior minister of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, shares how a t-shirt can be a tool for evangelism. She wrote, ‘I put it on when I have something to say or do, to bring more love where love has been violated. Wearing it grounds me when I’m afraid, helps me remember that I’m not alone, and tells the world, including me, what I stand for.’

UUA President Deeply Concerned Over SCOTUS Decision

UUA President Peter Morales issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the contraceptive mandate. He said, “This is yet another blow against reproductive rights. Removing the no-cost contraceptive coverage requirement in the Affordable Care Act dangerously diminishes the religious, moral, and legal rights of every American, but especially women.’

UUA President Troubled Over SCOTUS Decision

UUA President Peter Morales issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on buffer zones. It begins, “Today, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the use of protest buffer zones around Massachusetts abortion clinics in McCullen v. Coakley. This is a major defeat in the fight for reproductive rights and may put clinic workers and individuals seeking pregnancy-related care at great risk.’

The Surprising Grace of Alzheimer's

Michael Leach reviews ‘Where Two Worlds Touch: A Spiritual Journey Through Alzheimer’s Disease’ from UUA publisher Skinner House Books. While this was the best book Leach has ever read on the subject, he knows that any reader would benefit from its ins…

Love Has Everything To Do With It!

During General Assembly (GA) this month in Providence, RI, Standing on the Side of Love, the UUA’s public advocacy campaign to counter oppression with love, will celebrate five successful years of standing up for justice by showing up with compassion. Connect with the campaign at GA or online to help commemorate this important anniversary.

Into The Beyond

Terasa Cooley, UUA program and strategy officer, talks about the urgent need to respond to changes in American demographics regarding religious behavior and what that might mean for changing the way we do church as Unitarian Universalists. Cooley considers the questions we need to ask  to get started and points to some exciting new sources to find answers.  

Oregon Ends Same-sex Marriage Ban

As soon as Oregan’s ban on same-sex marriage was lifted, Unitarian Universalist ministers throughout the state stood ready to perform marriage ceremonies. The Rev. Kate Lore of First Unitarian Church of Portland said of the day, ‘The level of euphoria …

Kairos, Engagement, and Marriage in Little Rock

When Arkansas’s highest court struck down its ban on same sex marriage, one Unitarian Universalist minister wasted no time in performing wedding services at the county courthouse. The Rev. Jennie Ann Barrington is proud and grateful to have married twe…

Selling God

Boston magazine looks at how the Unitarian Universalist Association came to launch its current rebranding campaign. They interview Unitarian Universalist leaders the Rev. Peter Morales, the Rev. Terasa Cooley, Dan McKanan, and David Ruffin on how they hope to reach the growing number of people with similar values but little interest in going to church.

Just In Time for Summer: A Long Time Blooming

Skinner House Books offers a fresh collection of poetry and prayers that reflect on the spiritual dimensions of Marta I. Valentin’s intersecting identities as a Latina, lesbian, feminist, and God-worshipping Unitarian Universalist minister. With candor and insight, she probes what is universal in her own very particular history and what it means to strive for beloved community.

New UUA Headquarters to Open Thursday, May 22

The new Boston offices of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), including Beacon Press, will open on Thursday morning, May 22. The Rev. Harlan Limpert, chief operating officer of the UUA, confirmed that the Boston Fire Department has issued a c…

Now Available: UUA Board Report for April 2014

During their April meeting in Boston, the trustees and senior Unitarian Universalist Association staff expressed their gratitude for the solid partnership that has allowed them to engage constructively with each other and with serious issues. Learn more about the important subjects the Board discussed and voted on in this April 2014 report. 

Skinner House Books Publishes The Garden of Time

In this story based on ancient Jewish legend, Adam and Eve walk through the Garden of Eden, noticing what is happening around them and deciding what holidays they will celebrate based on what they see, smell, hear, and taste. Gorgeous text and art illu…

Board Wants New Process for Handling Complaints about Clergy Misconduct

UU World reports that the UUA Board of Trustees discussed many important business items during its April meeting in Boston, including how to better handle clergy misconduct complaints, fossil fuel divestment, and supporting emerging Unitarian Universalist groups. 

Emerging, Alternative Groups at UUA's Growing Edge

UU World reports on a number of experimental UU communities that your UUA is working with to explore alternative models for joining in religious community together. Learn more about these innovate groups and their big plans for the future of our faith. 

Religious Atheists? Maria Greene on Unitarian Universalist Humanists

Beacon Press author and Assistant Humanist Chaplain at Harvard University, Chris Stedman, interviews the new Director of Development & Communication for the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association and gets her thoughts on, among other things, the future of Humanism in Unitarian Universalism and feeling comfortable in UU churches.

A Village Brings Down Its Hills as Lure of Mining Grows

The New York Times profiles the rise of limestone mining in the Khasi Hills of India and the efforts of one Unitarian minister, the Rev. Helpme Mohrmen, to organize opposition to the mining which pollutes local rivers and drinking water.

UUA Sells Three Buildings for $23.6 million

The UUA has completed the sale of 25 Beacon Street and the Pickett and Eliot Houses for $23.6 million. Proceeds of the sale will finance the purchase of 24 Farnsworth Street, the UUA’s new headquarters building. 

Kids' Service Team Makes Service Fun, Spiritual

An active member of the Unitarian Society of New Haven, Conn. gathers youth aged 8 through 14 to help them engage in justice work in a way that is meaningful for them. The children love living out the group’s motto of ‘having fun while doing good.’

UU World: New UUA Logo Part of Outreach Effort

UU World reports on the UUA’s new logo. The article begins, ‘A new logo for the Unitarian Universalist Association is only part of an initiative to help congregations reach out to the millennial generation and others who are unchurched. The Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, the UUA’s Program and Strategy Officer, said the new initiative developed out of a growing realization that the UUA and its congregations have been sending ‘inconsistent’ messages about Unitarian Universalism into the larger world.’

Announcement: The UUA Brand Story

UUA President Rev. Peter Morales announces the most recent development in our effort to help Unitarian Universalist voices to break through the competing noise of our high-tech society. ‘Today,’ says Rev. Morales, ‘I am excited to share with you one of the tools in an ongoing process of improved communication strategies, the UUA’s new logo.’

$100 Rebate for Congregational Presidents for GA 2014

On behalf of the UUA Board of Trustees, UUA Moderator Jim Key has written a letter to congregational leaders regarding a $100 registration rebate for congregational presidents who attend General Assembly 2014 in Providence, RI. He writes, “…The major impetus for this special invitation is the Board’s desire to have a conversation at this GA about how we can transform the work of the delegates at future GAs such that it will have real impact on the future of our faith and our Association…’

UU World: Volunteers Sought for Ongoing Sandy Recovery

UU World reports that more than a year after Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey and New York, volunteers are still needed. ‘We’re not getting media coverage of the continuing needs for survivors of Sandy and so many people think that the recovery is comp…

UU World: What End of DOMA Means for Military Chaplains

UU World reports that between the end of DOMA and ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ Unitarian Universalist military chaplains are responding by openly affirming Unitarian Universalism’s acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Many other chaplains, how…

Statement: New Mexico Affirms Marriage Equality

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, issued a statement applauding the legalization of same-sex marriage in New Mexico. It begins, ‘The New Mexico Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of granting same-sex couples the same rights of marriage as heterosexual couples. I am thrilled to celebrate New Mexico’s decision to affirm the freedom to marry.’

Get Inspired for Earth Day with Sustainable Soul

Each chapter in this poignant and inspirational guide contains an essay and spiritual practices designed for both group and individualized reflection. Exercises include a wide range of suggestions such as guided meditations, journaling prompts, creative art projects, and ideas for concrete action. You can choose the exercises that best suit your personality, lifestyle, and unique journey. 

Get Inspired for Earth Day with The Sustainable Soul

Each chapter in this poignant and inspirational guide contains an essay and spiritual practices designed for both group and individualized reflection. Exercises include a wide range of suggestions such as guided meditations, journaling prompts, creative art projects, and ideas for concrete action. You can choose the exercises that best suit your personality, lifestyle, and unique journey. 

The Generosity Path is Available at Your UUA Bookstore

Financial giving can be a spiritual path. We have a deep potential for meaning-making and life satisfaction when we transform ourselves from occasional, haphazard donors to deliberate, ambitious philanthropists. With easy-to-read guidance, The Generosity Path sheds new light on our finances—connecting money to our values, beliefs, and loves and promoting skills and strategies in charitable giving.

UUA and Stewardship Holiday Hours

The UUA’s offices will be closed for the holiday season from Tues., Dec. 24, 2013 through Weds., Jan. 1, 2014. However, the UUA Stewardship and Development Office will be staffed, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays from Dec. 24 through Dec. 31 (except Dec. 25) to assist you with year-end giving. We will be checking telephone and email messages during the weekend of Dec. 28-29. To reach the Stewardship and Development staff group, please call (toll-free) 888-792-5885 or contact us at giftinfo @ uua.org .

Statement: The Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, issued a statement on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. It begins, ‘As we begin to grieve the death of Nelson Mandela, I am reminded of his words, ‘I learned that courage…

Harmony Named UUA Breakthrough Congregation

Congratulations to Harmony on being named the UUA’s newest breakthrough congregation! Read UU World’s profile to learn how lay leadership, duplicated Sunday services, weekly in-depth discussions, and putting children at the forefront helped Harmony grow from seven founding families to 150 members in just four short years.

Joint UUA-UUSC Response to Typhoon Haiyan

The Unitarian Universalist Association and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee have issued a statement and launched a special joint appeal to aid in the Philippine relief efforts in response to the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. The statement begins, “As images of the devastation that Typhoon Haiyan has wrought in the Philippines fill the media, we are coming to see the enormity of the humanitarian disaster. The photographs and videos are heartbreaking. As compassionate people, our thoughts turn immediately to how we might help.”

Bless the Imperfect is Available at Your UUA Bookstore

Bless the Imperfect , edited by Kathleen Montgomery, shares some of the most prominent voices in Unitarian Universalism in these 50 poems, prayers, and prose reflections to support and celebrate congregational leaders. These meditations—alternately serious and funny, tender and frank—portray an understanding of congregational leadership as an avenue for spiritual growth rather than an administrative chore.

Statement from UUA Board of Trustees

Jim Key, UUA Moderator, writes that the work of the new UUA Board of Trustees is off to a fine start in his report from last week’s meeting. “Building on many years of challenging and effective work by previous boards, the newly constituted UUA board gathered in Boston for its first formal meeting. The anticipated agility and other benefits of a smaller board were evident from the start,” observes Key.

Congregations Build Bridges, Relationships with Native Americans

UU World reports on Unitarian Universalist congregations in South Dakota, New York, Hawaii, and many more that are honoring the cultural contributions of indigenous peoples in their region and making connections to their community’s history. In respon…

A Good Telling is Available at Your UUA Bookstore

The art of storytelling can enrich any worship service. Whether you are reading stories from a picture book or preaching them from memory in the pulpit, A Good Telling can help you choose meaningful stories and learn how to tell them in powerful ways….

Smaller Board Shows New Spirit of Collaboration

UU World reports on the October 17-20 gathering of the UUA Board of Trustees. The article begins, ‘The new, smaller Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association met in Boston for its October meeting, with seven new members, including a …

UUA President Arrested on Steps of Capitol for Immigration Reform

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, was arrested at the U.S. Capitol along with hundreds of religious and community leaders in a peaceful demonstration calling on Congress to pass compassionate immigration reform. Tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall before marching to the Capitol to send a message to the House of Representatives—get immigration reform done and get it done now.

Resistance Available at Your UUA Bookstore

In June 2010, Annette Marquis, the UUA’s LGBTQ and multicultural ministries program director, joined the National Day of Non-Compliance in Phoenix, AZ. In Resistance , Marquis shares what compelled her to action, what she learned about the struggles of…

Florida Church Welcomes Boy Scouts Spurned by Baptists

UU World reporters the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, FL welcomed three Boy Scout units after the Baptist church that had sponsored them dropped them to protest the Boy Scouts of America’s new policy welcoming gay Scouts. ‘This is going …

UUA Board's Message about the 2013 Board Retreat

The UUA Board of Trustees and senior UUA staff met in retreat Sept. 12-14, with the goal of establishing a sense of board culture within an explicitly anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework. UUA President Peter Morales reflected on the meeting, “I am delighted with the spirit of collaboration expressed by the board.’

Faith Leaders' Letter on Government Shutdown

UUA President Rev. Peter Morales joined Unitarian Universalist Service Committee President and CEO William F. Schulz and more than 30 other interfaith leaders in denouncing the recent shutdown of the federal government. In their letter to Congress, the…

UUA President Issues Statement on Proposed Military Strikes in Syria

In response to President Obama’s recent request for Congressional approval for U.S. military intervention against the Assad regime in Syria, UUA President Rev. Peter Morales joins with all people of conscience in condemning the use of these chemical we…

UUA Board of Trustees Appoints Financial Advisor

The UUA Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the appointment of Larry Ladd to the position of Financial Advisor. This appointment fills the current vacancy in that position until a special election can be held at the next General Assembly.The Fin…