Unitarian Universalism: Beliefs and Organization Term Paper

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With respect to these principles, Unitarians have historically supported social justice movements within the United States, such as the Civil Rights movement, and anti-war causes. They also support interfaith dialogue, and believe there is value in all religious faiths, not just Christianity. The merged organization does not hold solely to Universalist or Unitarian beliefs, but honors both in the shaping of the tradition. Many women have served prominently in the movement since its inception, as have African-Americans. Unitarian Universalists also support full social equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people (GLBT).

Unitarian Universalists have occasionally been accused of being irreligious, because of their tolerance of so many conceptions of faith, and the fact that they do not insist that adherents subscribe to a particular conception of God, or even to believe in a traditional, anthropomorphic form of the divine at all. Unitarian Universalists view the religion as part of the individual's unique spiritual quest and state that even as a symbol 'God' "can serve several important functions," including offering a vision of higher values "of truth, justice, love, and goodness," as a reminder of human limitations, and as unifier under the ideal of a single symbol (Rasor 2011). While the Church conducts weddings, funerals, and other important services in a believer's life history, it does not consider these sacraments, and while some Unitarians believe in the saving power of Jesus, it is not a requirement to believe in the saving nature of Jesus or Jesus' divinity to be a member of the Church.

Unitarian Universalist worship ceremonies can take a variety of forms, including "prayer, meditation, silent contemplation, worship, and other types of spiritual practice" ("Spiritual topics," 2011, UUA). Services are held on Sunday, and begin with the lighting of the flaming chalice, a symbol of the faith.

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The symbolic chalice is surrounded by two interlinking spheres, which represent the unity of the Universalist and Unitarian traditions. Services begin with a sermon, during which the minster will reflect upon issues of faith he or she believes are important to the community. The holidays observed by the community are consistent with those of most other Christian denominations.

In terms of its governance, "the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a voluntary association of autonomous, self-governing local churches and fellowships, which have freely chosen to pursue common goals together" ("Governance," 2010, UUA). The UAA central authority does not exercise direct controlling oversight over doctrine or how worship ceremonies are performed by affiliates. The organization also offers specialized resources for the unique needs of certain congregations with high populations of certain individuals, such as GLBT persons, young people, the elderly, and other ethnic or racial groups. This is also part of the mission of inclusiveness of the UAA.

Despite its relatively loose structure, the UAA does provide financial and social support for member churches, as well as holds conventions and promotes the faith. The UAA has been particularly effective in recent years in promoting interfaith dialogue, stressing that faith does not have to be narrow-minded and exclusionary to provide individuals today with a sense of spirituality.

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