Sanctuary or Call to Action?

Balancing the Spiritual and the Political in UU Congregations

Activism as Spiritual Practice

For many Unitarian Universalists, activism serves as a core expression of their religious identity. The UU movement has a long-standing history of involvement in causes such as abolition, women’s suffrage, civil rights, gay marriage, environmental protection, and immigrant rights. Many UU ministers view their role as one of moral witness—using the pulpit to speak out against injustice and encourage collective engagement.

The Need for Spiritual Refuge

Not all members, however, attend UU congregations primarily for political engagement. Many are drawn to these communities seeking peace, reflection, and spiritual grounding—a retreat from the urgency and tension of daily life. Particularly during times of social or personal upheaval, members look to worship services for healing, contemplation, and beauty.

These members may deeply value social justice work but find themselves spiritually depleted when services consistently emphasize political themes. As one congregant remarked, “I work in nonprofit advocacy all week. I’m proud of what I do—but I come to church hoping to find spiritual connection, and I end up feeling more burned out.”

When Activism Becomes Narrow

Even among those UUs energized by justice efforts, tensions arise when the activism within a congregation adopts a narrow ideological tone. Particular political frameworks or assumptions may become dominant, creating expectations for participation and belief. Those who support social justice but bring different cultural, philosophical, or temperamental perspectives often feel unwelcome.

One of the consequences of the increasing political and ideological rigidity among some UU activists and leaders is that it has driven away members who not only supported social justice but were activists themselves.

Further, this narrowing contradicts the UU’s foundational identity as a classically liberal church. Unitarian Universalism is not a creedal church. It was designed as a religious home for people from a variety of cultural, political, and spiritual backgrounds. When the Unitarian Universalist Association, congregations, or ministers adopt a fixed political orthodoxy, they undermine the pluralism and openness that have defined the tradition.

The Ineffectiveness of Political Activism in Congregations

Unitarian Universalist congregations aren’t set up to achieve political goals the way grassroots organizations or advocacy groups are. When activism becomes the main focus of a congregation, it can become inefficient and struggle to deliver real results. Congregations often find it hard to turn their good intentions into actual change because they don’t have the resources or sustained effort needed for political action.

Many UU members who want to make a direct impact find it more effective to work with outside political groups dedicated to that cause. A religious community’s main purpose is to support spiritual growth and build community, not to act as a political organization.

Diverging Expectations Within Congregations

These tensions reflect differing expectations of what a UU congregation should be. UU ministers are frequently asked to walk the line between prophet and pastor—to speak with moral urgency while tending to the diverse spiritual needs of the congregation. Some visitors or newcomers, drawn by the promise of spiritual exploration, may find instead a culture more aligned with political organizing than religious life.

As one recent attendee put it, “I love that my church supports justice—but after coming back from a peaceful trip abroad, I’ve been craving something more spiritual, something that feeds my soul too.”

Generational, Cultural, and Class Dynamics

Differences in orientation are often shaped by generational, cultural, and class-based experiences. Longtime members may hold different assumptions about the purpose of a congregation than younger members who arrive with a strongly activist orientation. Political messaging that assumes a shared vocabulary or ideology can alienate those from different backgrounds and economic classes. Though often unspoken, these dynamics influence how welcoming and cohesive a congregation feels.

A Widespread Religious Challenge

This spiritual-political tension is not unique to Unitarian Universalism. Religious communities across a wide range of traditions—including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist—are grappling with how to integrate ethical and political engagement with spiritual nourishment.

Progressive Christian denominations, such as the United Church of Christ or the Episcopal Churc,h have increasingly embraced social and political advocacy, especially around issues like racial justice and climate change. While some members see this as the embodiment of faith in action, others worry that practices like prayer, scripture study, and reflection are being sidelined.

Conversely, many evangelical churches have become entwined with conservative political ideologies, leaving some younger or more socially progressive Christians disillusioned. Catholic parishes also face ongoing tension between social justice-minded members and those more aligned with traditional doctrine.

Even in Buddhist sanghas, Reform synagogues, and community-minded mosques, leaders and members alike are asking: How can a community remain ethically engaged without sacrificing its spiritual depth?