The New Unitarian Universalist VOICE
Summer, 2004 From the editor
If you're a first-time reader of The New UU Voice, welcome! Long-time
readers will find this format a departure from The UU Voice of years past.
Let's take a look at some topics The New UU Voice will explore in coming
months.
First, Unitarian Universalism has a tendency to live in the past. Our
"canon" of values overemphasizes issues such as freedom of the individual
and seeking truth. These are remnants of the 1950s. People seeking a church
today often do so because of crises in their lives, because they want a
life of greater meaning and purpose, or a life that is different in some
fundamental way.
Unfortunately, a systemic weakness in Unitarian Universalism is that
few perceive our faith as having the power to change people's lives in
some significant way.
Rather, we tend to view local churches as places that offer programs
and events that people attend. Many of these programs are secular in content
and have little to do with creating a stronger faith or a more humane world.
As a result, UU churches too often become places of self-enlightenment
and entertainment. They can be much more.
Second, Unitarian Universalism as a movement is excessively self-congratulatory.
We take on issues such as clean air and world hunger that are beyond our
capacity to impact to any real extent. We form committees, confer on these
issues, pass resolutions, perhaps write a report, and that's pretty much
the end of it. We then laud ourselves for "justice making."
This tendency stems from an overstated sense of self-importance, viewing
our small movement (about the size of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)
as infinitely
more influential than it really is. The Association's present call
to "Reclaim our democracy" is an example of this exaggerated hyperbole.
A strong dose of humility
would serve us well.
Third, Unitarian Universalism is so broad-minded that it has become
flat-headed.
In particular, the movement is prone to being held hostage by exceedingly
small factions. For example, a group that advocates for multiple sexual
relationships is currently listed on the UUA's website and in the UUA Directory.
Ads for this group have appeared frequently in the UU World Magazine.
People who want "OSO's," other significant others, can seek them if
they wish. But what does this have to do with religion? As could have been
predicted, this group was the focus of a recent newspaper article in the
San Francisco Chronicle, and was a stunning embarrassment to the vast majority
of UUs who read it.
To make matters worse, the Association has taken "no official position"
on the subject. This is an abdication of leadership, leaving Unitarian
Universalism vulnerable
to ridicule. Jay Leno would have a field day with this one. Do we truly
want to send the message to children, youth (especially!) and adults that
having multiple sexual relationships is condoned and even encouraged by
UU churches? Why should this be our Cause?
"There is much work to be done in the UU vineyard. A starting place
is to subscribe to The New UU Voice. Subscription information is at the
bottom of each page. Subscriptions make excellent gifts any time of year.
The New UU Voice welcomes letters to the editor and quality essays of
up to 1500 words on topics bearing on the future health and vitality of
UU congregations or Unitarian Universalists.
