International Engagement Resources and Opportunities
The Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA) International Resources Office provides information, resources, connections, and opportunities to support Unitarian Universalists in the United States as they explore our global faith and create new chapters in the Global U/U Story. Here are some resources and opportunities to engage...
Congregational Engagement
Our online map tracks the congregations that are engaged with global Unitarian/Universalism in action. Take a look at the Internationally Engaged Congregations map - you'll be inspired by the connections being built and the initiatives moving forward. After reading what other groups have done, start planning how your congregation can get involved. We'd love to work with you! Reach out to our office at international [at] uua [dot] org if you would like to coordinate a special program or visit.
Torda450
January 13, 2018 is the 450th anniversary of the world's first proclamation of religious tolerance. The Edict of Torda was issued in 1563 in the city of Torda in present-day Romania - it was the first statement in history to affirm the right for individuals to believe and worship freely. This Edict also officially recognized Unitarianism as a faith and began our spiritual tradition that recognizes many paths toward truth and that values diversity and tolerance.
The Unitarian Universalist Association, along with the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists and the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council, invite and encourage Unitarian Universalists to join in commemorating this historic anniversary. As a global faith community, we remind ourselves of those who came before us, often laying down their lives ensuring our right to worship and believe as we determine true and right. And let us be in solidarity with those who continue to labor for their right to openly and safely practice their faith as they choose.
Find Torda450 resources here to mark this anniversary through worship, theological reflection, and pilgrimage opportunities.
International Worship Services
Host an International Worship Service at your congregation: Hear the history of global Unitarian/Universalism, explore the present diversity of international opportunities available, find your place in this story of our global faith and learn how you can shape its future through active engagement with our global community.
Your congregation may wish to hold a United Nations Sunday service, a service focused on the inspiring achievements of the UU Holdeen India Program, or a service that explores the depths and complexities of our global U/U faith. Please international [at] uua [dot] org (subject: International%20Worship%20Service) (contact our office) if you would like a representative from our staff to lead the service or work with you to put a worship service together.
United Nations Sunday celebrates the work of the United Nations and the Unitarian Universalist UN Office (UU-UNO). Each year, the UU-UNO encourages congregations to dedicate one service around United Nations Day on October 24th to celebrate our interdependent world community. A UN Sunday resource packet is created each year highlighting the suggested theme and providing readings, a religious education curriculum, a sample order of service, and more.
Global Chalice Lighting
Each month, the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists shares words to be read during the lighting of the flaming chalice, the symbol of our Unitarian Universalist faith. Each month's words are offered by a different Unitarian or Unitarian Universalist group from around the world, and are translated into several languages, including English. Congregations around the world are encouraged to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the Global Chalice Lighting for that month and naming the group which submitted it. Reading these words during worship is a simple and profound way of expressing your congregation's commitment to international engagement.
International Blog
UUs around the world are connected through a story of bold, compassionate faith that we've been creating together for centuries. Read on our blog about international encounters, opportunities, and explorations, and how individuals, groups, and communities are creating new chapters every day in the story of our global faith.
Act Globally
Act Globally is a seasonal newsletter from the UUA's International Office that includes announcements and news for engaging with global Unitarian/Universalism in action.
International Justice & Action
Engage with our global U/U faith through justice work. Unitarian Universalists around the world are active in campaigning for human rights, working for peace, and protecting our planet - consider how you can get involved. Find resources to connect with Unitarian Universalist global justice programs and organizations that have opportunities for you to take action and make a difference.
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For more information contact international@uua.org.