On November 16, the Worship Committee asked member of Community to draft some "elevator speeches"--their definitions or explanations of Unitarian Universalism that could be delivered in the time of an elevator ride, less than a minute. These are some of the speeches that members shared.
We Unitarians are a group of individuals who, not surprisingly, believe in individualism. But not individualism in the sense of the isolated, selfish soul. Instead, we believe that individuals have dignity and the ability to think for themselves in regard to religious and spiritual truth. We also believe that we are part of a larger network of beings and that we have responsibilities to ourselves and to that larger universe that surrounds us.
--Margaret Batschelet
As UUs, we operate on a few broad principles, which include reliance on reason in human affairs, as well as compassion for all people and concern for the Earth.
Unitarian Universalism differs from other religions that spring from the Judaeo-Christian tradition mainly in its inclusiveness. While honoring allfaiths, we hold none to be eternally and universally true and unquestionable.- even our own purposes and principles.
Furthermore, as a group, we neither endorse nor repudiate any concept of deity, nor do we affirm or deny the existence of God.
As individuals, we are free to subscribe to any other religions or belief systems which we may, as people of good will, find meaningful in our own lives.
--Steve Botts
Unitarians are a group of individuals who
Pursue truth and justice,
are Rational
Activists,
part of a Caring
Thoughtful
Inclusive
Community
of Anti-authoritarian
Liberal religionists
--Steve Boyd
Unitarians enjoy learning and questioning freely in religious philosophies, current events, science, history, inspiring biographies, art and music.
Unitarians believe that the purpose of life is to grow up into the most mature, open minded, responsible, contributing member of society possible.
Unitarians don't try to make converts but they eagerly accept anyone with similar attitudes.
A metaphor: "There are many religions that offer a rock to cling to in the river of life, Unitarians prefer to help each other learn to swim."
Some of us believe in God, others don't.We don't take any group
position on that personal question.
--John Bradshaw
When people asked about my church, I used to say to people that our tradition grew out of the protestant reformation but when the other protestant churches stopped reforming we didn't stop. No one ever seemed to get that. So I made up an elevator speech. My elevator speech is the affirmation the members of my church say every Sunday during our service, except that I put it in standard American English. Here it is: "My church teaches love. For us, the symbol of our spiritual reality is our search for truth. We pray by and through service. We agree with each other to live in peace, to seek knowledge in freedom, to serve others in fellowship with the hope that all souls will grow in harmony with the divine." It's pretty simple, but it gives the listener some idea of what it is that brings the members of my church together and what I believe in. It is a positive statement. It is short. It is not overbearing. The only thing I add to it from time to time is to invite the listener to join me at church if she or he cares to.
--Mark Westergard, President of SWUUC Board
and member of the First UU Church, Dallas (presente by Clem Chow)
Religion is far too important to let somebody else tell you what to
believe.
-- Bob Ireland (shared by John Bradshaw)
Unitarian-Universalism is a way of thinking, feeling, and relating to others
that helps me make sense out of this world.
--June Kachtik
I can recite for you the Principles of UUism.
I can not tell you how these principles are applied and lived in any one UU Church. The individual character of each congregation is dependent on that group's collective sensitivity to the scar tissue of discrimination against diversities; to include race, sexual orientation, poverty, and minority belief systems.
What I can tell you is that you may walk into any UU Church to demand and receive the acceptance of being an equal member of our human race.
-- Sue Minton
UU is an organized religion that permits me to change my belief system without having to change my friends.
--Rob Wilkes