Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Faith Like a River: A Program on Unitarian Universalist History for Adults

Introduction

What's your idea of true religion? Unitarianism is a way of life, life of vigorous thought, constructive activity, of generous service—not a religion of inherited creeds, revered saints, or holy books... If you have given up "old time" religion, Unitarianism has the answer for you. — from an American Unitarian Association (AUA) pamphlet funded by the Laymen's League, c. 1955

We may not think of ourselves as an evangelical faith, but many over the years have worked to intentionally spread the good news of Unitarian and Universalist thought. This workshop looks at individuals and groups in our faith history that helped our movement to grow. This final workshop gives participants an opportunity to review and reflect on highlights of the program and explore ways we can continue to make our heritage a living history. Before this workshop, you might invite participants to review their journal entries.

If your congregation began as part of the Fellowship Movement, the conversation in Activity 2 may raise issues that touch on present or past conflicts in the congregation. Keep the conversation focused on general benefits and challenges of the heritage of the Fellowship Movement as experienced by those in your congregation.

Before leading this workshop, review the Accessibility Guidelines for Workshop Presenters in the program Introduction. Prepare to accommodate anyone who may be in the group.

Goals

This workshop will:

  • Highlight individuals and movements that have sparked Unitarian Universalism to grow, sometimes in unexpected ways
  • Review the stories, events, reflections, encounters, and discussions that have comprised this program
  • Encourage participants to reflect on their experience of the program and imagine ways to continue exploring the stories of our faith as a living history.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Learn about individuals and groups that carried the good news of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism to new populations
  • Explore and express an understanding of Unitarian Universalist "evangelism"
  • Review and reflect on learnings from the program
  • Plan how they will continue to engage our faith's history to shape their experience of Unitarian Universalism.