We hold many beliefs, but we share in one faith. Unitarian Universalism is a religious movement that draws wisdom from multiple sources, including the world religions. Here is the full list of what is often referred to as our six UU sources. In addition, at a recent General Assembly, we passed a set of shared values, which includes pluralism as a core value of our faith.
This openness to diverse beliefs and guiding philosophies sets us apart from more dogmatic traditions. While you can’t believe anything you want here as some have suggested, we support a very broad tent. Our eight principles and our six core values create the loving boundaries for what beliefs fall within our tent and what falls outside of it.
This openness to religious diversity is what first brought my parents to our UU doorstep after being turned away by many other houses of worship, which refused to host the wedding of an interfaith couple. This lovingly bounded openness has been a constant source of inspiration on my religious journey. I know this is the case for many of you too, whether your journey with us so far has been a short or a long time.
March is a month where our members may be honoring Ramadan (Muslim), Lent (Christian), Purim (Jewish), Holi (Hindu), Saint Patrick’s Day (Catholic), Nowruz (Persian New Year), Ostara/Spring Equinox (Pagan), and more. This diversity enriches and enlivens our collective religious life together. We have the opportunity to learn from one another, and, in turn, to grow and deepen our understanding on our intertwining faith journeys.
This Sunday, March 16th, our service will be inspired by the Jewish Holiday of Purim, which has an atmosphere like Carnival before Lent. Our worship will include a bit of readers theater with a retelling of the Book of Esther in rhyme as written by Tilda Balsley. The bible includes many different styles of writing, and the Book of Esther is a farce – inviting laughter at the expense of empire.
Next Sunday, we’re hoping to have a table during social hour to share the tradition of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this celebration of nature and new beginnings.
Honoring the wisdom of multiple traditions has taught me a lot about the many and varied ways we celebrate the crossing over the threshold from one year to the next.
What are the feasts and fasts, the celebrations and sacred days, that mark your years and your days?
Oh, I forgot to mention a more secular day that our scientists and mathematicians appreciate – Pi Day – is tomorrow on 3/14 – a day to honor the usefulness of math in our lives and to enjoy a delicious piece of pie.
Our holidays, both serious and silly, are one way we count the meaning of the days in our lives. They also help us connect with people we care about and want to celebrate with or commiserate with if it is an anniversary of a sorrow, including the people in our congregation.
Wishing you spiritual joys in this season of political challenge,
Rev. Alison