Unitarian Universalism Faces a Severe Minister Shortage Crisis

This follows record breaking membership losses

Numerous discussions (such as here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) have addressed the illiberal ideological takeover of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the national body of Unitarian Universalism (UU), and UU seminaries. Fanatacal, dogmatic and “tragically misguided” activists have assumed control of the UUA hierarchy, aiming to reshape UU into a top-down, dogmatic, politically-centric entity. They have dismantled traditional democratic processes and censured and even expelled dissenting ministers and congregants. UUA leaders have undermined traditional UU values of individualism, reason, and freedom of belief and speech. The UU seminaries and ministerial fellowshiping process have churned out ideologically-driven ministers many ill-equipped as managers and who are primarily focused on imposing divisive ideologies on congregations. 

This transformation has resulted in widespread turmoil within congregations across the country, with many ideological ministers either being terminated or voluntarily leaving after short stays. Consequently, there have been unprecedented declines in UUA membership, children's religious education participation, and the number of congregations.

A recent communication from the UUA has announced a dire shortage of ministers willing to serve congregations. While there are ministers available, few are willing to accept the positions. The UUA Transitions Director’s widely circulated letter from June 23, 2023, indicates the gravity of the situation. The Transitions Director collaborates with congregations and ministers seeking placements.  

The letter states: “For years, the Transitions Office would hear from about 25-30 newly fellowshipped ministers looking to consider congregational ministry. The last two years, it’s been 5 ministers, then 8.”

The letter tells many congregations they will not be able to get a minister from the UUA, and even suggests they consider hiring a minister from not only outside the UUA’s fellowshiping process but outside of UU.

An in-depth examination is in the following link: 

It’s Broken. Time for Reform – Fifth Principle Project 

The UUA Transitions Office’s letter is linked below: 

Letter on the Shortage of UU Ministers June 2023  

Much of this crisis can be attributed to a breakdown in organizational management, a lack of foresight, and an absence of common sense. UU is a pluralistic church. UUs are known for independent thinking and UU is referred to as “a church of heretics." Attempting to impose political conformity on UUs shows a severe detachment from reality. Furthermore, attempts to enforce this conformity through shaming, censorship, and name-calling have inevitably led to pushback, strife, membership loss, and failed ministries. The UUA’s use of information control, disinformation, and echo chambers has made the organization structurally stupid, leading to inevitable fundamental mistakes.  

Lastly, in the UUA’s announcements of troubles in UU-- such as in the recent letter, another by a Meade-Lombard Seminary official on the ministerial shortage, along with previous statements from the previous UUA President and the Barry Street Sermon on congregational strife-- attribute the problems only to external factors and others, never acknowledging the UUA's or ministers' clear contributions to the crisis.