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Unitarian Universalism Offers Alternative To Athenians Of Faith

by Autumn McBride
10/07/2007

A faith is growing in Athens, Ga., providing a sharp contrast to the traditional religions typically found in the Southern U.S. Unitarian Universalism is self-described as a liberal religion "that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places." This religion is designed to help people in their own personal walks of life. They find religion through personal experience, conscience and reason, not in a particular book or person.

"The Unitarian Universalist faith does not ask anyone to subscribe to a certain creed," states the official website of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens. According to Terre Balof, Unitarians believe in the responsibility of everyone to keep learning and searching for truth throughout his own life. They believe in the importance of reason, science, and tolerance in their faith.

Kent Middleton, a practitioner of the Unitarian faith, says, "The UU faith carries a lot of refugees from other denominations such as Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and many more. Many come to the faith for its free-flowing atmosphere, but many also leave for the same reason." The Sunday services at the UUFA would likely surprise those who expect a more traditional church service. Services incorporate messages from Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Christian, humanist and even atheist traditions.

The UUFA was founded in 1954 by 10 families seeking a liberal religious presence in Athens. The small gatherings to hear interesting speakers that were originally held in members' homes later moved into the present Timothy Road location. The Athens church currently has 218 members, but Terre Balof, the minister at the church, expects membership to grow in the coming years.

The fellowship does not take part in mission work in order to spread their religion, but does work in the community for the betterment of mankind. The Unitarians put a lot of faith in social work in the surrounding communities. They support many liberal causes such as the environment and provide scholarships to mid-life women for further education. The fellowship is currently planning a spring trip to the University of Georgia research center in Costa Rica to spread environmental awareness.

All common beliefs of the Unitarian Universalists place an emphasis on the importance of all human beings, kindness, life-long growth and interdependence with the environment. The Athens church incorporates these principles within their many programs such as the adult choir, children's choir, drum circle, men's breakfasts, women's lunches, potluck dinners and environmental programs. The drum circle, called Palms of Fire, was recently on the radio and played at a Darfur awareness event.

Regular Sunday services are held at 780 Timothy Road starting at 11 a.m. More information about Unitarian Universalism and the Athens fellowship can be found at their website.

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