Is this common for UUs, OR?
Posted on 03/10/2012 9:12:20 AM PST by Cronos
Visitors to the Unitarian Universalist Association website will see a rainbow chalice in the listing for the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva (UUSG), recognizing the church’s recent certification as a welcoming congregation to those in the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) community.
According to Bruce Fackler, a gay man who joined UUSG in 2007, the certification simply makes official what he experienced when he was introduced to the church five years ago. Fackler said he had moved here from Minnesota and was searching for a congregation that could be a supportive family.
“I found more than I was looking for,” he said.
Fackler said he was raised in a church where, if anyone had known he was a gay man, he would not be welcome, but he feels UUSG is a place where he can be who he is without shame or fear.
“I found acceptance, respect and love,” he said. “It’s like coming home.”
UUSG began the certification process in 1995. Although the congregation voted to affirm it, the final documentation was not completed and turned in to the association until last year.
Lynn and Llona Steele moved to Geneva from Texas in 2010. They had assisted their church in Lubbock through the welcoming certification process in 1999, and took UUSG though the final steps. The Steeles have a daughter who is in a same-sex relationship, so they know how difficult it can be for LGBTQ persons to find a church that embraces them.
“UUSG is a spiritual safe place,” Lynn Steele said. “People who come here find a place to pursue their own spirituality without their sexual orientation or identity being an issue in the way.”
The church has made an ongoing commitment to provide programs to keep people informed about issues that affect LGBTQ individuals. Lynn Steele said there is more emphasis now on bisexuality and transgender issues, and UUSG recently held two seminars covering both topics.
The church service on Sunday, March 18, will concentrate on LGBTQ issues, and UUSG will show two documentaries on Friday, March 16, as part of its Friday Flicks monthly film series.
UUSG members involved in the certification process also are pursuing the formation of an Interweave group, a social network of gay people and others sympathetic to their issues.
“It’s human nature for us to fear what we don’t know,” Fackler said. “We want to help people understand LGBTQ issues, and encourage love and respect.”
Is this common for UUs, OR?
My church accepts them too. But, we expect a changed life. If you aren’t looking for that then you aren’t welcome.
> Is this common for UUs
Yes, it is.
I passed a UU “church” (coven is more like it) just the other day with the queer rainbow flag hanging over its entry.
I saw the female “pastor” of a UU Church cringe when I said the name of Jesus with reverence.
I’m certain she would have been okay with it if the “F” word were used for His middle name, as so many people do, or if His name were used for cheap emphasis.
I don’t get the headline. All Bible believing churches should accept everyone with love who walks through the door.
The sexual deviants, perverts and pedophiles have taken total control of a lot of “religion”.
Yes, they should. But in return those walking through the door should be seeking redemption, not trying to change the church. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
I wonder if participation will be voluntary or if it will be required.
What about a cowboy and his sheep? So long as they are in a committed, loving relationship, who is the church to judge?
Would have sworn the Q was for Queer. Maybe I'm confusing LGBTQ with LBGTCooCoo.
I passed a prominent UU hangout in a major city recently. This place that accepts everyone was locked tighter than a drum, with a homeless guy sleeping on the steps.
Some welcome. Maybe he wasn’t LGBTQIA enough.
According to what I understand of UU 'thought', it would not be a baaad thing. Are ewe sure that ewe meant 'cowboy and his sheep'? Not looking to ram it home, but this is leaving me on the horns of a dilemma as to a possible mixed metaphor. Ewe aren't trying to pull the wool over my eyes, are you?
So long as they are in a committed, loving relationship, who is the church to judge?
True enough, we are supposed to hoof it to graze in higher UU 'thought' pastures where we are instructed to butt out of other people's business. If they do not wish to join the herd, they are still not allowed to be shorn of their connection to the unitarian and universal community of emotional spring lambs.
Q: What do you get when you cross a Jehovah's Witness with a Unitarian Universalist?
A: Someone who knocks on your door and asks you what YOU believe.
"Dear God, if there is a God, if you can, save my soul, if I have a soul. And so, to whom it may concern, these thoughts, prayers, good vibes, karma, cosmic forces, or whatever, we offer to you, if there is a you. Or not.
well, unitarians as OR’s tagline indicates say they are ‘biblical’ though that is open for debate. however, “acceptance” of sinners is different from promoting sins as the Unitarians now do...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.