Guiding principles unite members of Unitarian Universalist Church

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/11/2024 (331 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Winnipeg has changed dramatically since the First Unitarian Universalist Church opened its doors on Wellington Crescent for the first time in 1891, but the guiding principles on which the church relies have not changed at all.

The primary guiding principle of the First Unitarian Universalist Church (UU) remains the promotion and affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The other seven principles that follow are similar in intent, emphasizing, in general terms, a commitment to and the pursuit of justice, equality, compassion, peace, truth, meaning, liberty, respect and the democratic process.

Twice a year, the UU invites interested members of the public to participate in an introductory course and learn more about those principles and what, precisely, the church stands for and does. The fall session of that course, Let’s Explore Unitarian Universalism, just finished, but the course will be offered again in the spring.

“The main goal of this course is to help people understand the basic concepts of Unitarian Universalism,” explains Ann Leduc, the church’s community co-ordinator.

“The class also helps people get involved in all the activities of the church, know a little about the church’s rich history, become familiar with how this organization functions and meet a small group of people. It’s a good class for people just wanting to know more, and those considering becoming members.”

Unlike other faiths and faith-based institutions, the Unitarian Universalist church does not attempt to define God, how prayer should be conducted or how spirituality should be expressed. UU congregants do not follow a proscribed dogma or necessarily share a common belief system, and congregants and church leaders do not attempt to influence or interfere with those who espouse different ideas.

“Unitarian Universalists believe that each person has the ability to decide for themselves what is true in regards to beliefs and theology,” explains Leduc. “Therefore, they have no set creed.”

That lack of dogma means that the UU attracts people from other Christian denominations and other faiths as well, she says.

“Unitarian Universalism is not solely Christian. Christianity is only one religious tradition that our members believe in. In our congregations you will find members who are Christian, Jewish, agnostic, atheist, Buddhist and much more.”

What UU congregants do share is a commitment to the church’s guiding principles.

“A good summary would be that we are a congregation that cares for each other and the world around us,” Leduc elaborates. “We learn together about a diverse array of topics and use our knowledge to make the world a better place. Often this is put into action through social action efforts such as feeding the hungry, assisting refugees and climate action work.”

Currently, the church’s social justice initiatives include sponsoring and helping to resettle refugees to Canada, hosting a weekly food bank in conjunction with Harvest Manitoba and preparing bag lunches to distribute to individuals living in the city’s outdoor encampments.

As a signatory to the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord, the church is continuously working towards Truth and Reconciliation, and as a vocal supporter of LGBTTQ+ rights, it is still proud to boast that in 1974, long before gay marriage was legalized, it became the first church in Canada to perform a gay marriage ceremony.

The Unitarian Universalist Church holds Sunday morning services both on Zoom and in-person. Following the in-person services — at which everyone is welcome — the church donates half of its offering to small local non-profits that, like the church itself, are committed to making Winnipeg a more equitable and benevolent city for everyone who calls it home.

swchisvin@gmail.com

The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER