Blog awards, UU congregationalism, marriage joys, and more

Congratulations, UU Blog Award winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 UU Blog Awards! The following blogs topped the winners list: "Auspicious Jots" by the Rev. A.C. Miles, "Beauty Tips for Ministers" and "Peacebang" by the Rev. Victoria Weinstein, "The Chaliceblog" by Chalicechick, "The Journey" by Lizard Eater, "Mom, What's For Dinner?" by Anna Banana, "Sexuality and Religion: What's the Connection?" by the Rev. Debra Haffner, and "Sisyphus" by Stephen Retherford.

How central are congregations to Unitarian Universalism?

On the heels of last week's debate over the relationship between the UUA and the continental youth and young adult organizations, UU bloggers are having a lively conversation about the congregation-based understanding of Unitarian Universalism.

At "Philocrites," Chris Walton explains the congregation-based model: "Some people identify 'Unitarian Universalism' with liberal religious congregationalism. By this view, one can't 'be' a UU without being a member of a UU congregation, at least not fully." But he argues against this approach, noting, "The limitation of Unitarian Universalist congregationalism is that 'Unitarian Universalism' exists beyond the limits of congregational affiliation, and beyond the formal boundaries of the UUA" (February 15, 2008).

Patrick Murfin at "Heretic, Rebel, a Thing to Flout" also has doubts about the congregation-based model. He asserts that "strict congregationalism . . . breaks down connectivity beyond the very local level and excludes the individual entirely. In this model there are no Unitarian Universalists, only book signed members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Middlebrow, The First Society Nogodtalkhere, the UU Fellowship of Obscurity, etc." (February 16, 2008).

Perhaps offering a middle ground, David Pyle at "Celestial Lands" argues that Unitarian Universalism is a "movement" that has room for both the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUAoC), with a congregation-based approach, and other independent groups that are focused on extracongregational programs. He writes, "The key to this is that the UUAoC is not responsible for the health and vitality of the Movement of Unitarian Universalism and Liberal Faith . . . we are" (February 19, 2008).

But Chutney at "Making Chutney" responds to Pyle with a strong defense of the congregation-based model: "The movement known as Unitarian Universalism is kept alive by actual people who are actual members of actual congregations. Other facets of the movement contribute to its vitality in their own ways, but their importance pales in comparison to actual members of actual congregations." (February 19, 2008)

The joys of marriage

Three UU bloggers reflect on the joys of marriage. Terri Dennehy Pahucki at "UUIntersections" describes the kind things her husband does to make her life a little easier. He "gives me twenty minutes of reading time at the bookstore--with the book he purchased from his gift card-- while he entertains the children in the kids' section" (February 14, 2008).

uuMomma shares lessons from a long-married friend:

That was the same woman who told me that the good thing about being married is that you have an ally in all things (okay, most things). I think this is a truth lost on young and old lovers today. It is this image that urges me to be an advocate for marriage equality, and wonder who are we to deny sanctification of relationships based on this truth–that we all need someone who has our back at all times, a someone we can retreat to, a someone we can care for and be cared by, and in that caring and holding, feel the love of the universe course through us, allowing us to turn love back out into the universe in whatever form it finds. (February 15, 2008)

And having recently returned from leading a workshop for couples, the Rev. Debra Haffner of "Sexuality and Religion: What's the Connection?" writes:

[O]nce again, I learned the powerful permission giving role that clergy can play in affirming that sexuality is part of God's blessing and how in even the most conservative religions, sexuality in marriage is to be enjoyed and celebrated. As I told one couple, God wants you to have great sex! I wish more clergy were giving that message! (February 18, 2008)

Explaining Unitarian Universalism

Over at "Street Prophets," a group blog about religion and progressive politics, pseudonymous bloggers Sister Quaterstaff of Undeclared Grace, ogre, lonespark, and bleeding heart are introducing readers to Unitarian Universalism. Their post on UUism answers such questions as "Where and when did Unitarian Universalism start and how?" and "What do you most like and most want to change about Unitarian Universalism?" (February 20, 2008). As of Thursday morning (February 21, 2008), the post has received 70 comments, mostly offering additional questions and answers about UUism.

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