By Bryant B. Brown, ministerial candidate
If I had to pick a single word for what attracts me to Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship it would be “growth.” Some churches are enthused about growth; some are more, shall we say, ambiguous. TPUUF clearly lists growth – its own and the UU movement’s – among its primary goals. I find that exciting and important.
Unitarian Universalism is important to individuals. In every congregation I have been associated with, in New UU classes I have led, at most gatherings of Unitarian Universalists, I hear people telling of how they have come to be UUs. Theirs are stories of joy; of finding, after searching, what had been missing in their spiritual path; of finding the people share their values and value their thoughts and experience; of being able to be honest about what they believe.
In my work as a chaplain, with other ministers, and as a student at a Christian seminary I have learned that our faith has a unique, life-affirming message that can enrich people’s lives. That message needs to be more present and clearly heard in the religious conversation.
Our accepting, inclusive faith is important to the human race. In our world, in its history and the day’s news, we see the effects of exclusive practice in the name of religion. The success of pluralism in the United States, thanks in large part to the (Thomas-Paine-influenced) Unitarian and Universalist founders, points to the importance of UU Principles beyond our congregations and their members.
When my wife, Maggie, and I were looking for a faith community, friends invited us to their “really neat” church. It was a small Unitarian Universalist congregation. That began our joyous story of finding ourselves religiously among Unitarian Universalists and of realizing the importance to individual faith of a community. We are so very thankful to those friends, and that that church existed.
I am among the founders of the UU Fellowship of Frankfurt, Germany – I count that and active membership in other Unitarian Universalist congregations among my efforts at inviting others to share in the joy of this really neat faith.
Being a part of the growth of TPUUF is another way I want to be part of expanding the presence of Unitarian Universalism in our lives and in our world. That all the elements of fulltime, professionally led ministry are seen as key parts of TPUUF’s growth points to where my experience, education, and enthusiasms can continue to be valuable.
