Supporting the innovators who are building a bridge to the future of Unitarian Universalism
Our Mission
Throughout our movement people are redefining what it means to be a religious community. They recognize that far too many people are lonely, alienated and feeling adrift in a world of growing interdependence and accelerating change. They have visions of how Unitarian Universalism can meet the deep hunger people feel to be in authentic communities of purpose and meaning. They have the audacity to believe we can help bring about the Beloved Community. They know they can’t do it alone.
The UU Religious Innovators Network is a home for religious innovators, a place where they can find spiritual and practical support for their calling. Its mission is to support innovators of all kinds, especially those who are designing new forms of community for people are underserved in our typical congregations. They might be people of color or young adults, families with young children, people from urban working communities or others who might identify with our values but not our current way of “doing” church.
“Religious innovators face so many obstacles to success, and one of the most profound is feeling like you are all alone in the journey. This network is essential to helping connect upstart innovators to the resources, mentors and fellow travelers they need to be in relationship with in order to thrive.”
On the journey so far we have…
Introduced ‘Human Centered Design’ tools to those who are developing new forms of community and leading change through intensive educational programs, workshops and webinars for religious professionals and lay leaders.
Connected with religious innovators across faiths as participants in the ‘How We Gather’ project and in partnership with the Glean Network and the Center for Progressive Renewal.
Assembled a diverse Design Team to imagine and develop a larger system of support for religious innovators who need support at critical phases of the journey.
Registered over 250 religious innovators who are engaged in diverse callings like:
developing covenantal communities centered in social justice
fostering artistic expression
supporting those in reentry or recovery
forming dinner churches
planting farm churches
creating congregations in virtual reality
forming nationwide networks for people of color
repurposing congregations to meet the needs of their immediate communities in ways that are bringing them to life
Are you an active or aspiring innovator who might benefit from joining our network? Or are you just curious about the tools and projects being developed on the front lines of religious innovation? Wherever you are on the journey, you are welcome here.