Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Prayer for Peace — Unitarian Universalism

Canadian Unitarian Universalists marching to promote global climate change action

Unitarian Universalism


Today during our prayer for peace, we will consider a religion with a strong tradition of promoting peace: Unitarian Universalism. This religion, with about 800,000 adherents worldwide has resulted from the 1961 merger of Unitarianism and Universalism.  Although based on ancient ideas, both traditions emerged in the Anglo-American world in the 18th century. Unitarians rejected the doctrines of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus Christ, in favor of emphasizing the Oneness or Unity of God. Universalists meanwhile focused on the belief in universal salvation — rejecting the idea of hell and believing that everyone would eventually be redeemed.  Both these views were considered radical in their time and Unitarians and Universalists coupled their radical theologies with important social reform activism:  promoting causes in the 19th century including the abolition of slavery, the women’s movement, and the temperance movement.

More recently Unitarian Universalists have been champions of the LGBT rights movement.  Unitarian Universalists were the first major religion to bless same-sex unions, before any country had legalized same-sex marriages. Unitarian Universalism is non-credal and non-dogmatic, emphasizing the worth of all persons, and is inclusive and supportive of a wide diversity of individual beliefs and practices.  Among their Seven Principles and Purposes, is an affirmation of “the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.”

As we ponder the heritage and activism of the Unitarian Universalist traditions, we in Community of Christ seek to hear the call to activism on behalf of our own Enduring Principle of the Pursuit of Peace.

Prayer for Peace — Ray Hogue, Joplin, Missouri


O Lord, let us sense peace in the beauty of our worship. Let us speak peace in our interpersonal relationships. Let us hear peace in the midst of confusion. Let us feel peace when we are touched by the Holy Spirit. Let us hope for peace in the seas of hopelessness. Let us sue for peace in the humane treatment of our little ones. Let us respect peace in the wise lives of our elders. Let us affirm peace as we accept the struggles of our youth. Let us honor peace by being ethical in all walks of life. Lord, let us follow peace to whatever person, situation or cross it leads us. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray.  Amen.

2 comments:

  1. As a post-Mormon UU, I would give two thumbs up to this representation of Unitarian Universalism. 'Well done old friend!

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