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The late theologian Maria Harris wrote something that is often quoted among religious professionals: “The church doesn’t have an educational program; it is an educational program.” In other words, all that we do or don’t do is our curriculum. That philosophy is one of the foundations of my current work as an adjunct professor teaching UU ministers in formation and is a key reason I believe that Unitarian Universalist faith engagement is vital.
UU lifespan faith engagement has been evolving in response to changes in the religious and cultural landscape. So when I—an elder, white, semi-retired, cis woman teaching, consulting, and actively involved in LREDA—was invited to write about the importance of religious education in these times based on my decades of work and continued engagement, I reached out to a variety of colleagues to hear what they’re experiencing in our communities now.
Dr. Tuli Patel, executive director and lead for the Lifespan Ministry Team for children and youth at Beacon UU Congregation in Summit, New Jersey, points to three powerful aspects of RE for young people: “Sharing the journey of sexuality education, forming values based on faith community rather than common interest to hold them when faced with popular culture, and leadership opportunities to guide future experiences.”
“Rebuilding strong faith connections in young people and adults poises them to resist manipulation and live their values.”
Kirsten Hunter, director of Lifespan Ministries at South Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, identifies how our faith’s liberatory message can help in a world where healthy community has been sacrificed to a competitive, scarcity model. “Rebuilding strong faith connections in young people and adults poises them to resist manipulation and live their values,” she says.
Rev. Mr. Barb Greve has participated in lifelong UU congregational engagement as a young person, student, teacher, and professional. He attributes those experiences as essential: “A grounding and understanding of our faith has given me much needed strength and resiliency in navigating my life and ministry.”
Greve was one of the founders of the trans religious professionals’ group TRUUsT, served as a UUA moderator, and is a model for how whole church religious education can support the growth of budding UU leaders.
Intentional faith engagement for all ages is now more crucial than ever to the spiritual health of our people and our world.
In addition to giving us the formative values to base our lives on, our lifespan faith engagement offers us comfort in difficult times and the foundational skills to act on the dire need to create and sustain justice for all.
Intentional faith engagement for all ages is now more crucial than ever to the spiritual health of our people and our world. In response to the rise of extreme and cruel actions happening in the United States and beyond, there is a real hunger for spiritual nurturing and strong community action. Adults and parents are seeking support for both themselves and for children and youth as they navigate life. I hear stories from people like Kathy Smith, director of Family Ministries at the Unitarian Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who says, “People bring children to my program because they are desperate for a community who knows and loves them for who they are. They are crying out for a place that embraces them, where it is harder without a mainstream identity.”
I believe Unitarian Universalism can be the place that answers those cries.
The living, covenantal tradition of our faith is well worth spreading to current and future generations. Amidst intractable societal challenges, including white supremacy, climate change, disease, fascism, family stresses, and inequity, we are all called to teach, preach, practice, and live our Shared Values, with love at the center, widening our circle of concern. Prioritizing intentional faith formation for all ages is more crucial than ever to the spiritual health of our people as changemakers in our world.
May we move forward together.