HUUmanists president John Hooper and Mike Werner, author of "Regaining Balance: The Evolution of the UUA", were guests on "The VUU", the weekly video talk show by the Church of the Larger Fellowship about all things Unitarian Universalist. They talked brilliantly about Humanism in the UUA and about Mike's book. Enjoy!
Editor's note: this is an entry in a series of essays on this topic. Please, share your story.
FREEDOM DEPENDS ON FREETHINKERS! Read more about "Why I Am a UU Humanist", by Mehl Renner »
Editor's note: this is the first in a series of essays on this topic. Please, share your story.
In my case, it took thirty-nine years to arrive as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) Humanist. I’m writing this essay just nine years beyond that memorable crossroad. I was raised in Christian culture. Like my Methodist parents and grandparents, I was conditioned from childhood to suspend critical thinking where religion was concerned, and just believe. This message was reinforced in the Lutheran school I attended from fourth, through eighth grade.
The popular God, the “Everything-God”, was the 'face' that personified not only the known, but the vast unknown. Religious systems may help followers meet some of their emotional, psychological, and social needs. However, readily accepting mythical-sounding stories as fact came at a cost. Read more about "Why I Am a UU Humanist", by Brian Lofgren »
At the 2013 UUA General Assembly in Louisville, KY last June, the HUUmanists held our annual business meeting. At that meeting we had the pleasure of awarding the first ever Religious Humanist of the Year Award to our distinguished board member, the Rev. Roger A. Brewin. In his introduction to the award presentation, president John Hooper listed these accomplishments that made Roger the obvious choice for this honor: Read more about Roger Brewin ~ Religious Humanist of the Year, 2013 »
The HUUmanists booth at the 2013 UUA General Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky was a big and busy place to be. Besides showcasing the Ribbons Not Walls art project and the Banned Book collection project, the booth was a place to buy Humanist books, bumper stickers, pins and magnets. Many people stopped by to chat about Humanism in the UUA and to join or renew their membership.
The booth was organized and run by the energetic Roger Brewin and assisted at various times by board members John Hooper, Pat Mohr, Maria Greene and Lowell Steinbrenner. We couldn't have kept up with the constant traffic if it wasn't for three dedicated HUUmanist members who were there to help: Read more about Thank You To Our Fabulous GA Booth Volunteers! »
Jason Heap is eminently qualified to be a military chaplain and he has the endorsement of a religious organization, the Humanist Society. In a recent Washington Post "On Faith" article titled Humanists want a military chaplain to call their own, Kimberly Winston quotes Heap,
“This is my chance to give back to my country,” said Heap, 38. “I want to use my skills on behalf of our people in the service. Hopefully, the Navy will see where I can be useful.”
Several recent studies have revealed that a rapidly increasing percentage of young people are affiliating with no religious tradition. Greg Epstein, founder and leader of a vibrant secular community organization, will describe a unique response to “the rise of the nones” that is succeeding beyond expectations.
Read more about Beyond Congregations: The Humanist Community Project at Harvard »Do you belong to a Humanist local group or do you wish there was one in your area?
We are attempting to create a list of all local groups that are either affiliated in some way with a UU congregation or that wish to reach out to UUs and get them involved. You can read more about the Local Groups project and see the current list by visiting the Local Groups page of this website.
If you are a group organizer, please add your group to the list by following the instructions on the website. Being listed doesn't make you part of HUUmanists in any way, but it does show you acknowledge and support our mission to strengthen Humanism in the UUA and help us be a bridge between the secular community and the UU community.
If there is no Humanist group at your UU congregation or in your area, why not start one? At the link above you will also find resources for local groups, including an email list for organizers to seek and share advice. (See the Seeding Humanist Groups article.) Read more about In Search of UU Humanist Local Groups »
From Pat Everett, admin of the "Seeding" Humanist Groups email list:
The "Seeding" Humanist Groups email list was launched at the 2011 UUA GA, and now has 70 members. The aim is to share ideas and enthusiasm for seeding new Humanist groups across the country, generally out of existing UU congregations, perhaps also in other ways. Join at http://groups.google.com/group/seeding-humanist-groups.
The Concord Area Humanists (CAH), formed four years ago in Concord, Mass, is now successful enough to propose as a possible model, but not as a limitation. Those in CAH will also be looking for new ideas to improve its performance and help it grow further. Read more about Seeding Humanist Groups »
Stories help bind people together. We want to know why you, as a Humanist, have found a home in a Unitarian Universalist congregation. For instance, how long have you been a Humanist and how did that happen? How long have you been a UU and why? We want to hear your thoughts on what Humanism has to offer UU congregations and what being a UU can offer Humanists.
Don't limit yourself to these questions, though. Inspire us! Share with us and each other what you get from being a Humanist UU or challenge us with what you think is missing. Does the UU community satisfy your need for friendship, intellectual stimulation, social service, inspiration? How can it be a more welcoming environment for Humanists? Tell us your story. Read more about An essay contest: Why I Am a UU Humanist »