Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

You can listen to the interview with Reverend Doctor Sara Zimmerman here.

11400 Morris Bridge Road
Tampa, FL 33637
Phone 813-988-8188

Contact: Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman

Book Recommendation: A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism

Religion: Unitarian Universalist

Web Page: http://uutampa.org/

The first sign I was in for something a little different at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa was going to be different was pulling in to the parking lot.

Rather than the fields of green grass or black pavement, the drive into the parking lot was surrounded by trees. I could barely see the road, but I could hear the legion of birds that surrounded the church.

And for that matter, the church building wasn't the usual shape either. Rather than a pointed steeple, it was domed, almost a dodecahedron shape. As if the building had been built to blend in with the natural surroundings around it, rather than dominate the land it occupied.

I could probably end the whole discussion on that metaphor right there. If I wanted to describe the religion - that would be it. Instead of trying to push their beliefs onto other people, they are there to fit in with the beliefs of their congregations. Want to be an atheist, but still want the community and opportunity to serve in a church? Come on in. Are you a Wiccan and desire to connect with others? Take a seat. Christian or Jew or anything else and you don't feel like you fit in at other services?

We have a place for you.

That seems to be the message and intent of the Unitarian Universalism. That's not to say that the faith doesn't have principles. They lay those out in their seven principles:

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

* The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
* Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
* Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
* A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
* The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
* The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
* Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:

* Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
* Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
* Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
* Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
* Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
* Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.

Inside people sat in seats about the room. I did notice in the back there was a "name tag tree" - a branched piece of art made to look like a tree where people hung their name tags. It was a simple idea - when you came in, pick up your name tag, on the way out, hang it back up.

The main symbol was in the front of the chapel area - a wall scroll of a flame where the light given off was a rainbow of colors. In the corner was a plaque that read:

Touch each other with gentle hands, let your heart embrace the universe, hold to each other while life shall last, oh my friends- hold on

There were the same kinds of things that you'd expect to see in other services. First a woman in a shawl rang a bell, and that settled the room and started the proceedings. There were opening announcements of church business, with a friendly democratic air. People were called upon to make their announcements by the lady who was friendly but firm that people get up, make their say, then sit back down. There was an opening song by a young woman with a very cool T-Shirt I knew my daughter would love. I'm used to hearing rock music in a church environment by now - but it took me a few seconds to realize that I knew this song. The young woman was singing the song in (to my meager experience) excellent Japanese - a song from an anime series that I'm familiar with.

People were then asked to go about and greet each other, shaking hands, getting the "Hello, who are yous" out of the way - and on came the bell. People were then asked to share their joys and sorrows - with strict instructions not to say anything political. They formed a line, and some people related the tales of sick ones, others told of upcoming graduations and other events.

What I started to observe when the actual sermon was delivered by Reverend Doctor Zimmerman was how the Unitarian Universalists are so action oriented. It wasn't enough for her to give a speech about addiction, about how it could impact lives. For her and the congregation, it was a call to action: what to do? How could the organization in the church form subgroups to help people with their addictions. Not to replace psychological counseling or the various flavors of Anonymous groups - but just a way to offer a shoulder, offer a place where those struggling with addictions could go to gain help.

As I learned, the entire organization is set up that way: action. It's not enough to just show up to be a member; in order to be a fully recognized Unitarian Universalism participant, you actually have to construct your own theology. Examine whatever mechanisms you use to determine what is Good - reason, emotion, the Bible or Koran or other works of holy scripture, and determine your belief system. Then, use that system to do what it is you feel is the most valuable. Granted, that constructed theology has to match with the 7 Principles above (so creating a theology called "John Hummel is Awesome and You All Suck" would not apply).

Then, using the resources of the church, form or join a group that fits your values. Maybe it's a group promoting science, or a group discussing Norse mythology, or knitting, or its for single women who want to learn the "All The Single Ladies" Beyonce dance.

If that's what you want to do, and other people want to join in - then you can do it. As long as you don't dump on someone else's group for being different, go for it.

It was probably the most unique blend of individualism and democracy I've ever seen in a church outside of the Society of Friends - probably even more so. People couldn't just passively sit and accept whatever the preacher was teaching. They were challenged to go out and decide for themselves what they thought was true, and then act on that belief. No excuses for not doing some event because they felt it violated their beliefs - since the only beliefs they had to abide to were their own.

If nothing else, though, I thought how they had their church in the middle of all of those trees was just pretty cool.