March 22 '09, pg1

March 22 “World Café: Shaping Our UU Interdependent Web Identity”

CUC National Identity Initiative: “WHO ARE WE?”

The following comments were the result of a World Café format during a Sunday Service at KUF March 22, 2009. Members and visitors alike were welcome to share their thoughts and ideas, and represent diverse viewpoints found at Kingston Unitarian Fellowship. These ideas will be added to the comments from many of the 50 Congregations and Fellowships across Canada as a part of the work of the CUC Identity Task Force

Table 1--WHAT ARE OUR DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS?

What defines a U.U? Is it our beliefs? Our values? Our actions?

We hold different beliefs but all beliefs are welcome and respected.

There is no dogma.

We are tolerant of all beliefs but we do not tolerate everything, (for instance we do not tolerate violence.)

We encourage critical thinking and discussion of the sermon.

We believe in reason.

We allow for change and encourage spiritual growth. Our liberal mindset is expressed in our values.

We tend to challenge the views of others.

Actions are important but as individuals, we fail to act on social issues at times.

It is possible to keep old faith and become UU.

People are non-judgmental. They don't pre-judge. Good support group.

Respect integrity of individual.

UU's tend to form community.

Feel at home in most UU Congregations

Great R.E. programs. Learn about all religions.

UUs have difficulty with spirituality.

UUs have great curiosity

Table 2 –WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT UUISM AS COMPARED TO OTHER LIBERAL FAITHS OR PHILOSOPHIES?

The role we play at the UN is valuable.

We can lead. What UUs do now, others do later.

We have played a role in many issues, such as those concerning inter-racial marriage, feminism, gay/lesbian/transsexual attitudes.

We are uniquely positioned to set an example, live intentionally, form a caring

community, accept diversity, promote an environment that is healthy and

sustainable.

Not sure we are "uniquely" positioned.

We should have a strong connection with youth such as at Queen's University, with

racial issues, child poverty, control of violence, financial downturn, environment.

We should ask the question: Are we uniquely positioned to make a significant

difference in specific areas? This could help us decide on where to be active.

The question was "what is unique about Universal Unitarianism compared to other beliefs and philosophies? The mission statement in the KUF organization guide reads "to enable all in the Kingston area who support Universal Unitarian principles to join together in a caring community for the encouragement of spiritual and personal growth, and to provide the opportunity for social action, in an environment where all are respected, and diverse beliefs are accepted and celebrated” “...the Constitution also refers to “maintenance of the free exercise of private judgment”.

Another example of a liberal faith is the United Church of Canada. However the structure of the United Church is tighter - U.U. has a wider range of freedom of thought- other religions have something that must be subscribed to. U.U. congregations often contain a number of people of different faiths - diversity within is unique here. People who come to

the Unitarian church want someplace where there is no "must believe" at the centre. Some Unitarian ministers claim it is not necessary to believe in Christianity.

In our diversity there is learning about other beliefs and there is spiritual experience in that. One example is Humanism.

There have been shifts in Unitarianism over time. At one time the Unitarian church in Montreal used to have communion after the service. Something new is pagan members - how is pagan defined?

Our great diversity is our big weakness and also our great strength.

BELIEFS

Our strong beliefs are freedom of religion, think for yourself, the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We encounter many challenges to these beliefs. Some present day ones are 1. someone like Robert Mugabe - a challenge to our principles. 2. The greater good principle - the detaining of prisoners using security as an excuse.

VALUES

Politicians like to talk about values a lot

UU values

1. dignity of people - worth and dignity of humankind (and yourself)

2. to be of value to society

3. freedom of belief

4. UU - each fellowship or church is an independent entity - not having to consult a Presbytery about things like new property. Democracy is based at the congregational level

Table 3- WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR UU COMMUNITY THAT ADDS VITALITY AND MEANING TO YOUR LIFE ?

1. The ability to discuss the sermon with the minister and the congregation instead of just listening to the sermon.

Newcomers especially appreciated this aspect of our fellowship.

2. If one did not wish to participate there was no pressure to do so.

3. Fellowship was a big one for all the people at Table 3 - the dinners and social groups of people who liked to discuss spiritual and political issues.

4. Fellowship activities were open to all for both criticism and acceptance with no secret meetings, cliques or ceremonies.

5. Being with strong thinkers and people with diverse views on the same subject.

6. Having thoughts and information to bring home after the Sunday service

7. Freedom to go to church or stay home without the fear of eternal punishment. Other groups are available for members to attend if Sunday service isn't their cup of tea.

8. Sharing of joys and sorrows - lets you know what is going on in the lives of

other members

9. Provides a community outside of the church,when you meet members on the street or

in other groups

10. R.E. – re-enforces parents' views of the value of diverse religious beliefs

11. Informality of dress, fashion expressions don't take away from the value of

the Sunday service

12. Chaplain services - gives UU's a chance to incorporate a variety of ceremonies

into wedding vows

13. Friends across the world - Opportunity to meet other people with same values -

we are not alone and provides a creative atmosphere when we meet other UU's

March 22 ‘09