This piece lays bare a stark truth: Unitarian Universalism has moved so far into ideological conformity and inward-looking activism that it’s become nearly indistinguishable from the very echo chambers it once sought to challenge. The church’s leadership and many congregations now seem more eager to enforce orthodoxy and language policing than to nurture real community or dialogue. Rather than offering a credible alternative to dogmatism, UU has turned itself into a small, increasingly irrelevant enclave—out of touch not just with broader American society, but with the very people, including racial and ethnic minorities, it supposedly wants to engage. Unless there’s radical self-reflection and a willingness to break the stifling hold of groupthink, what’s left of UU will keep shrinking into oblivion.
I know this is a topic near and dear. But I often come away from this issue wondering about the extent of the use of power of authority in the UUA or Congregations to enforce the kinds of dogmatic trends to which you address and the extent of unquestioning follower ship among members.
I have no doubt that there are professional staff who are zealous in their approach to protect people from hateful or harming speech and behavior. However, the congregation I attend does not appear to me to be under the sway of mindless group-think. Individual members may vary, but the vibe seems to be one of curiosity and thoughtfulness about contemporary issues rather than a narrow dogmatism. I'm not saying that the congregation would tolerate much in the way of expressed disrespect or contempt toward a racial, ethnic or cultural minority, but I believe that questions such as, "What is the appropriate protocol for gender affirming treatment for minors?" or "What is the appropriate policy for immigration and border control?" would generally be treated as questions open for discussion rather than questions foreclosed by simple and dogmatic reactions.
So, how many congregations (not ministers and not voting delegates at GA) are there in the UUA which are moderate, dogmatic, etc. I don't think the UUA is inclined to answer that question, and I don't see anybody else having done the analysis.
At my congregation, the key is what is platformed and what is not. Viewpoints may vary amongst the congregants, but the organization platforms (sermons, literature, enews, etc) only what comes from the UUA and supports the UUA's positions, and does not platform other viewpoints, especially criticism of the UUA. This is knowing because other viewpoints have been submitted for platforming, and they have not been.
It's like with the UU church in general. There are diverse viewpoints amongst UUs, but UU World publishes only those that promote the UUA orthodoxy and censor those that dissent.
I would prefer a loose collection of religious liberals, rather than strictly Unitarians or Universalists. There are also religious liberals and free thinkers outside of UU.
This piece lays bare a stark truth: Unitarian Universalism has moved so far into ideological conformity and inward-looking activism that it’s become nearly indistinguishable from the very echo chambers it once sought to challenge. The church’s leadership and many congregations now seem more eager to enforce orthodoxy and language policing than to nurture real community or dialogue. Rather than offering a credible alternative to dogmatism, UU has turned itself into a small, increasingly irrelevant enclave—out of touch not just with broader American society, but with the very people, including racial and ethnic minorities, it supposedly wants to engage. Unless there’s radical self-reflection and a willingness to break the stifling hold of groupthink, what’s left of UU will keep shrinking into oblivion.
Thank you for your courage.
I know this is a topic near and dear. But I often come away from this issue wondering about the extent of the use of power of authority in the UUA or Congregations to enforce the kinds of dogmatic trends to which you address and the extent of unquestioning follower ship among members.
I have no doubt that there are professional staff who are zealous in their approach to protect people from hateful or harming speech and behavior. However, the congregation I attend does not appear to me to be under the sway of mindless group-think. Individual members may vary, but the vibe seems to be one of curiosity and thoughtfulness about contemporary issues rather than a narrow dogmatism. I'm not saying that the congregation would tolerate much in the way of expressed disrespect or contempt toward a racial, ethnic or cultural minority, but I believe that questions such as, "What is the appropriate protocol for gender affirming treatment for minors?" or "What is the appropriate policy for immigration and border control?" would generally be treated as questions open for discussion rather than questions foreclosed by simple and dogmatic reactions.
So, how many congregations (not ministers and not voting delegates at GA) are there in the UUA which are moderate, dogmatic, etc. I don't think the UUA is inclined to answer that question, and I don't see anybody else having done the analysis.
At my congregation, the key is what is platformed and what is not. Viewpoints may vary amongst the congregants, but the organization platforms (sermons, literature, enews, etc) only what comes from the UUA and supports the UUA's positions, and does not platform other viewpoints, especially criticism of the UUA. This is knowing because other viewpoints have been submitted for platforming, and they have not been.
It's like with the UU church in general. There are diverse viewpoints amongst UUs, but UU World publishes only those that promote the UUA orthodoxy and censor those that dissent.
But is it too late? I'm wondering if a loosely connected collection of Unitarians is the future. The only viable future...
I would prefer a loose collection of religious liberals, rather than strictly Unitarians or Universalists. There are also religious liberals and free thinkers outside of UU.