Unitarian Universalists for Polyamory Awareness (UUPA)

[Ceoli]

Originally Posted by Ravenesque

Now I'm curious. But how many years have you been with the UU church?

~Raven~

I first got involved in the mid nineties on the advice of Kurt Vonnegut. (see the religious roll call thread for my story) I first got involved with the young adult network, then did a lot of youth advising and music directing at various churches. I served on some continental steering committees and also helped to form an online church for young adults. I used to direct and do the music for the bridging ceremonies at General Assembly (bridging ceremonies for youth who are aging into the young adult age range)

I do a lot of youth work and music work for the Unitarians in the UK now, including training in teaching a sexuality education course designed by liberal religious people that is far more inclusive and open minded about gender, sexuality, orientation and relationship structures.

Anyway, yeah....I'm all over the UU stuff

[Ravenesque]

You're so welcome GroundedSpirit and I'm glad it was helpful to you and others.

I tend to connect the terms church and religion to negative meanings as well. I didn't understand how a pagan group could be connected to a church years ago when I first started researching. And there were lots of messages that you couldn't include Christian practices in your life as well as pagan ones. But the UUs seem unique. They include and reach out across so many religious and spiritual backgrounds and experiences.

It provides a place that I believe my love and I can share spiritually rather than being split because of a church that preaches intolerance and exclusion.

I know it makes me feel warm and bubbly lol. We just need to follow through. I know the UU pastor where we used to live welcomed newcomers at the beginning of every month. We still have to explore if the UU congregation also does the same where we are now.

Cool Ceoli, hope you don't mind me tapping you if I have questions *grins*

I am now looking up the Young Adult Network and the Church of the Younger Fellowship. I'll see if there are avenue to become involved in January.

~Raven~

[Ceoli]

Ask away! I'm sure greenearthal will have something to say too. (he is made of awesome in every way)

[Ravenesque]

I definitely will.

~Raven~

[jasminegld]

Originally Posted by Ravenesque

I didn't and still don't feel the UUs would clash with my spirituality, politics or any of my identities. Nevermind my slight aversion to the word "church." I feel it would be a good supplement in my spiritual path.

I would like to find a spiritual center that my love also enjoys. He is Christian and accepting of my spirituality.

An independent group called UU Christian Fellowship (UUCF, www.uuchristian.org), is connected with Unitarian Universalism. UUCF leadership knows about polyamory. I'm a member of UUCF and a trustee of UUs for Polyamory Awareness.

It's possible to be either poly or Christian or both in a UU church, and be fully welcomed and included. You might need to provide a little education, but it's well worth it. I'd be happy to talk with you or your husband more, here, on the UUPoly email list, or in private email.

Jasmine

[Ceoli]

Originally Posted by jasminegld

An independent group called UU Christian Fellowship (UUCF, www.uuchristian.org), is connected with Unitarian Universalism. UUCF leadership knows about polyamory. I'm a member of UUCF and a trustee of UUs for Polyamory Awareness.

Rock on!!

[bryophyte]

Originally Posted by Ceoli

I do a lot of youth work and music work for the Unitarians in the UK now, including training in teaching a sexuality education course designed by liberal religious people that is far more inclusive and open minded about gender, sexuality, orientation and relationship structures.

Anyway, yeah....I'm all over the UU stuff

<3 OWLS! I mean, what other church will they teach about dental dams to 7th graders I ask?

Anyway, I'm a UU too1 My gf and I recently joined the church in Asheville and I had been a member of a UU church in Cleveland years ago (til I moved away to Chicago with my now-ex so he could join UU seminary!)

Anyway, I'm a member of the UU poly chat list but its pretty quiet. Guess I've not said much either though.

[greenearthal]

Rather than retype: http://www.polyamory.com/forum/showp...9&postcount=31

[Ceoli]

Originally Posted by bryophyte

<3 OWLS! I mean, what other church will they teach about dental dams to 7th graders I ask?

Anyway, I'm a UU too1 My gf and I recently joined the church in Asheville and I had been a member of a UU church in Cleveland years ago (til I moved away to Chicago with my now-ex so he could join UU seminary!)

Anyway, I'm a member of the UU poly chat list but its pretty quiet. Guess I've not said much either though.

Ha! I'm willing to be that there's a good chance I know lots of the same people you do. Now I'm really wondering who your ex is!!!

[Ravenesque]

Originally Posted by jasminegld

An independent group called UU Christian Fellowship (UUCF, www.uuchristian.org), is connected with Unitarian Universalism. UUCF leadership knows about polyamory. I'm a member of UUCF and a trustee of UUs for Polyamory Awareness.

It's possible to be either poly or Christian or both in a UU church, and be fully welcomed and included. You might need to provide a little education, but it's well worth it. I'd be happy to talk with you or your husband more, here, on the UUPoly email list, or in private email.

Jasmine

Thanks for reaching out to me Jasmine. I will definitely explore the link in depth. I've already clicked on it. And I will PM you if I have any questions. I am glad you can be both in the UU church. I doubt the UUs will ever disappoint when it comes to how embracing they are to different people of myriad backgrounds and perspectives. I am excited to start attending this coming weekend. And I would like to be involved in more than a superficial way. There is more than one congregation here and I have no idea how to make the decision which one to start going to regularly.

Seeking a spiritual center which both my love and I can share is mainly to do with the fact that I am Pagan and he is Christian. There are some churches, many within the Black community, which would encourage we both be of the same faith etc etc. I would rather be apart of a spiritual community which affirms diversity and life.

Edit: Forgot to add. I'm not married . But a handfasting is something we would like to do.

~Raven~