UU Humanist Association

Editor's note: this is the first in a series of essays on this topic. Please, share your story.

Why I Am a UU Humanist

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 »

Thank You, Mary, Jack and Dick!!!

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.

Committed as we are to the goal of compassionate action in all human interactions, the HUUmanist Association commends the United States Supreme Court for the ruling in United States v. Windsor that the federal government may not discriminate against same sex unions.  To treat some marriages as less worthy of federal recognition than others is to deny the inherent worth and dignity of the persons joined in such unions.  Our hearts have cried out against such discrimination and now we rejoice that it has been found unconstitutional.  We also celebrate that same sex marriages will again be permitted in California.  It's beautiful to see the "arc of justice" bending into a rainbow.

Although grateful for these developments, the HUUmanist Association will not be satisfied until same sex marriages can be contracted in every state in the land, until same sex marriages entered into in any state are recognized in all states, and until all of the other ways in which sexual minorities are marginalized throughout the country are repealed or struck down.  Equality and justice for all. Read more about Standing on the Side of Love »

As we celebrate the progress made toward recognizing the rights of our LGBT members and allies, let us not forget that a grave injustice has been done this week to our members and allies who have lost the protection of Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act.  Shame on the Supreme Court for opening the door for the suppression of the right of people of color to vote.  We support a Constitutional Amendment to guarantee a fair, free and accessible right to vote for every citizen of voting age in this country. Read more about The Supreme Court and the VRA »

The HUUmanists Association is proud to announce the availability of the latest book from the Religious Humanism Press, Regaining Balance: The Evolution of the UUA, by Michael Werner. Mike is an ardent Humanist and Unitarian Universalist having been past President of the American Humanist Association, Vice President of the Fellowship of Religious Humanists, President of the Humanist Foundation, President of the Unitarian Church of Charlotte, a founder of SMART recovery, and an adjunct faculty member of the Humanist Institute. He supports a balanced Humanism of heart and mind, reason and compassion and a Unitarian Universalism that helps us discover how to be more fully human.

Here is what some people are saying about the book:

“In this book Mike Werner analyzes what is wrong with the UUA and suggests how we can correct our problems and become once again a vital and growing religious movement.  It should be read by every UU who cares about the future of our Association.”  
-- William R. Murry, Former President and Dean, Meadville Lombard Theological School

The HUUmanists Association has experienced another year of accomplishment in our quest to be a stronger voice for reason and compassion in Unitarian Universalism and in our society at large.  In addition, we have broadened the scope of our vision by seeking to become a bridge to Unitarian Universalism for secular individuals and others who presently have no formal religious affiliation.  To these ends, our extraordinary officers and Board of Directors, made up of Humanist scholars, ministers, and lay leaders, have clarified and focused our Mission: 

The Humanist Unitarian Universalist (HUUmanists) Association is committed to Humanist principles of reason, compassion, and human fulfillment enumerated in the Humanist Manifestos and in the seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association.  We seek (1) to promote a broad acceptance of Humanism in our society, particularly throughout the Unitarian Universalist Association and its congregations, and (2) to provide an active interface between Unitarian Universalists and the secular community. Read more about President’s Corner »

Achieving Social Justice through art and literature will be a focus of the HUU booth, June 19-23 at the Louisville General Assembly.

Documentary film-maker Janet Fitch will present her program "Changing the Conversation on Gun Violence" and will be present at our booth throughout the week.  Stop by to learn how your congregation can get involved, and the times and locations of Janet’s presentations.

The fabric arts panels crafted by two dozen UU and humanist artists from around the country, will make up the "Ribbon" for Immigrant Rights, on display at our booth, and shown outside several major GA events.  Panels depict themes from the Arizona Banned Books, and Immigration related projects carried out by UU congregations and Humanist groups. Read more about HUUmanists GA Booth to Feature Art ‘n Justice (Location 523) »