THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR BELIEFS, DOCTRINES AND RELIGIONS
3. UNIVERSALIST UNITARY ASSOCIATION
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Estimated year of creation: 1793
Prophet or Authors: Charles Taze Russell, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau
Main book: None.
Main deity: None.
Headquarters / Capital in the world: Warwick, New York.
Number of faithful around the world: 8.7 million.
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Main symbol of the god of Jehovah's Witnesses:
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Brief description of the The Unitarian Universalist Church
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The Unitarian Universalist Association has supported full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people since 1970, and today it is marketed to the LGBTQ community as an inclusive religious organization.
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This religion has its roots in the Protestant Reformation, in the early days of Colonial America, and in the transcendentalist work of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Founded in 1793, the Universalist Church of America was based on the belief that salvation is universal, experienced by all. The American Unitary Association, founded in 1825, focuses on the belief in a single and united God, in contrast to the doctrine of the Trinity. Recognizing their shared core values - for social justice in particular - the denominations merged in 1961.
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Although historically Christian, the Unitarian Universalist Church today does not adhere to any religious creed. Instead, its members commit to seven principles, beginning with a belief in "the inherent worth and dignity of each person." The history of the church includes an active participation in the abolitionist and civil rights movements and in the current problems of global warming and marriage equality.
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LGBTQ EQUALITY. ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY - According to the Unitary Universalist Association (UUA) website, “We not only open our doors to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we value the diversity of sexuality and gender. and we see it as a spiritual gift. We create inclusive religious communities and work for LGBTQ justice and equity as a fundamental part of who we are. "
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In 2007, the General Assembly passed a resolution affirming the inclusion of transgender people in their commitment to "the inherent worth and dignity of every human being." He urged "expression of this claim through labor practices, educational endeavors, congregational life, and public witness." Ongoing efforts include an annual Transgender Remembrance Day, with educational support materials and a sexual health curriculum that gives equal weight to the transgender experience.
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ON EQUAL MARRIAGE - The church has conducted "bonding services" for same-sex couples since 1984. In 1996, the General Assembly passed a resolution urging "member congregations to proclaim the value of marriage between two people. committed and make this position known in their home. communities. " The UUA has been at the forefront of recent struggles and victories for marriage equality.
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ON NON-DISCRIMINATION - The General Assembly resolved to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in 2007. It called on congregations and individuals to "oppose attempts to eliminate sexual orientation and / or gender identity" from the legislation, and to "speak out against false statements ... particularly those that foster greater intolerance against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community."
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ABOUT ORDINATION - Ordination is available to everyone. The church ordained its prime minister in 1863, its openly gay prime minister in 1979, and its transgender prime minister in 1988.
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RESOURCES - LGBTQ Welcome & Equality , an LGBTQ outreach program of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
Website: www.uua.org
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References:
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https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe
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