Subject: Soc.religion.unitarian-univ FAQ Version 1.7
Supersedes: <FAQ-Mar-96@soc.religion.unitarian-univ>
Date: 1 Apr 1996 07:00:15 -0500

Posting-Frequency: 1st day of each month
Version: $Id: SRUU.FAQ,v 1.7 1995/11/04 05:40:30 lance Exp $.

     Soc.Religion.Unitarian-Univ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

------------------------------

Subject: 0. Changes to the SRUU FAQ

    Updated email addresses of Lance Brown and Justin Alcorn

    Clarified section of Moderation Policy that details how articles
    filtered and modified before being posted to s.r.u-u. 

    Added 6th Source to Principles and Purposes.

------------------------------

Subject: 1. Introduction

This FAQ is a monthly posting in support of the newsgroup
soc.religion.unitarian-univ. It is maintained by Lance A. Brown
<lance@circle.raleigh.nc.us>. Send comments to uu-request@iecc.com

------------------------------

Subject: 2. Table of Contents

     0.  * Changes to the SRUU FAQ
     1.  * Introduction
     2.    Table of Contents
     3.  * Who are the Moderators?
     4.    Submission Address
     5.  * Moderation Policy
     6.    Why Auto-moderation?
     7.    The Charter of soc.religion.unitarian.univ
     8.  * The Principles and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist
     9.    UUA Contact Information
     10.   What do Unitarian Universalists Believe?
     11.   Affiliate and Associated Organizations
     12.   European Unitarian Universalists

------------------------------

Subject: 3. Who are the Moderators?

Lance A. Brown      <lab@circle.raleigh.nc.us>
Greg Woodbury       <ggw@wolves.durham.nc.us>
Justin B. Alcorn    <jalcorn@uua.org>
Harley Stenzel      <hstenzel@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu>


------------------------------

Subject: 4. Submission Address

Submissions/postings for soc.religion.unitarian-univ should be sent
to: uu@iecc.com

Administrative material and queries should be sent to:
uu-request@iecc.com

------------------------------

Subject: 5. Moderation Policy

Anyone with an interest in Unitarian-Universalism or other liberal or
non-creedal religions is welcomed and encouraged to post articles to
soc.religion.unitarian-univ.

Moderators will only return submissions that violate this charter.
Any returned article will have an explanation attached to it about
which charter provision was violated.

There shall be two to five moderators for soc.religion.unitarian-univ.

The newsgroup will be subject to the conventions of network etiquette.
In practice, an automoderator software package will strip all
crossposting from the "Newsgroups" line, then approve and insert
into the newsgroup all posts that are not caught by the current set of
author and subject filters.  Posts caught by the filter will be
forwarded to the moderators and handled as appropriate.

The filters will be modified as necessary to catch off-topic posts
such as MAKE.MONEY.FAST schemes and authors who repetitively post
off-topic articles.  A consensus among the moderators will be required
to make a change.

These guidelines are intended to regulate only the noise level of the
newsgroup and not the content of the discussions.  This instruction is
not intended to limit discussion and debate. Vigorous discussion and
criticism are encouraged, flames are not.

Administrative communications, comments and inquiries should be
mailed to the moderator(s) rather than being posted to the group.

>From time to time a moderator may choose to give up his or her
duties as a moderator. In such an event the moderators should select
a suitable replacement. The retiring moderator may take part in
this selection if he or she has not yet given up their responsibilities
as moderator.

------------------------------

Subject: 6. Why Auto-moderation?
From: Greg Woodbury <wolfe@wolves.durham.nc.us>

The concept of an auto-moderator has been talked about for a long time
on Usenet.  This group is the first formal USENET group to actually
use an automoderator program for its operation.

The auto-moderation method was proposed and approved due to a
sense-of-the-net feeling that another un-moderated soc.religion
newsgroup would not be approved by the administrators, and yet the
"character" of a UU newsgroup would be best achieved by as minimal a
set of moderation policies as possible.  The current auto-moderation
software attempts to meet this goal; allowing posts to occur nearly as
freely as an unmoderated group, yet allowing the newsgroup readership
to protect itself from deliberate or inadvertent attacks of spamming
or other net.mayhem.

------------------------------

Subject: 7. The Charter of soc.religion.unitarian.univ

This group, soc.religion.unitarian-univ, is to serve as a forum for
discussion of issues pertaining to liberal or non-creedal religions,
particularly Unitarian Universalism.  Discussion of other religions is
acceptable insofar as it is relevant to UUism, but keep in mind that
another newsgroup (e.g., soc.religion.christian, soc.culture,jewish, etc.)
may be more appropriate.  Acceptable topics include, but are not limited
to, discussion of UU principles and practices, questions regarding
locations of UU congregations, organizing, running, administering, and
living within UU churches, moral/ethical/philosophical discussion in a
UU context, and comparisons of Unitarian Universalism to other
religions.

------------------------------

Subject: 8. The Principles and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist
.Association

The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association

    We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist 
    Association, covenant to affirm and promote
        The inherent dignity and worth of every person;
        Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
        Acceptance of one another and encouragement to 
            spiritual growth in our congregations;
        A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
        The right of conscience and the use of the democratic 
            process within our congregations and in society 
            at large;
        The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and 
            justice for all;
        Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of 
                        which we are a part;

    The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:
        Direct experience of that transcending mystery and  
            wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us 
            to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the 
            forces which create and uphold life;
        Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which 
            challenge us to confront powers and structures  
            of evil with justice, compassion, and the 
            transforming power of love;
        Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in 
            our ethical and spiritual life;
        Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond  
            to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
        Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the 
            guidance of reason and the results of science, 
            and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
        Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which 
            celebrate the sacred circle of life and instructs us
            to live in harmony with the rythms of nature.

    Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles
    our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand
    our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant,
    promising to one another our mutual trust and support. 

The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association

    The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources
    to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational
    and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association
    is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new
    congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist
    institutions and implement its principles. 

    The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility,
    and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote the
    full participation of persons in all of its and their activities
    and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race,
    color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or
    national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular
    interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief
    or creed.

    Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual
    freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and
    Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose,
    covenant, or bond of union used by any society unless such is used
    as a creedal test.

    [ Thanks to Gila Jones <ImUU2@aol.com> for providing electronic
    copies to me. - Lance]

------------------------------

Subject: 9. UUA Contact Information

in the U.S.A.:    Unitarian Universalist Association
                  25 Beacon Street
                  Boston, MA 02108-2800
                  USA
                  (617) 742-2100
 
     in Canada:   Canadian Unitarian Council /
                  Conseil Unitarian du Canada
                  180 Eglington Avenue, East
                  Suite 706
                  Toronto, Ontario
                  CANADA M4P 2X7
                  Phone: 416-489-4121
                    FAX: 416-489-9010
                  Email: cuc@web.apc.org

   in the U.K.:   General Assembly of Unitarian and Free
                       Christian Churches
                  Essex Hall
                  1-6 Essex St
                  Strand, London WC2R 3HY.
 
Additions or corrections to this document are welcome.

------------------------------

Subject: 10. What do Unitarian Universalists Believe?

[This is the text of the "Red Pamphlet" distributed by the UUA.
 It is reprinted here with permmission. -- Lance Brown]

1. We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All
individuals should be encouraged to develop their own 
personal theology, and to present openly their religious
opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.

2. We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions,
in every age and culture, possess not only an intrinsic
merit, but also a potential value for those who have learned 
the art of listening.

3. We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The
ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document,
or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the
individual.

4. We believe in the never-ending search for Truth. If the
mind and heart are truly free and open, the revelations
which appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous,
eternally fruitful, and wondrously exciting.

5. We believe in the unity of experience. There is no
fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, religion
and the world, the sacred and the secular, since they all
have their source in the same reality.

6. We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being.
All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty,
and justice -- and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior 
to a single human life.

7. We believe in the ethical application of religion. Good
works are the natural product of a good faith, the evidence
of an inner grace that finds completion in social and 
community involvement.

8. We believe in the motive force of love. The governing
principle in human relationships is the principle of love,
which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks
to hurt or destroy.

9. We believe in the necessity of the democratic process.
Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to 
members, and ideas are open to criticism -- so that people
might govern themselves.

10. We believe in the importance of a religious community.
The validation of experience requires the confirmation of
peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network
of mutual support.
                                                         -- David O. Rankin
Copyright 1989 by 
Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-2100

------------------------------

Subject: 11. Affiliate and Associated Organizations

Here is contact information for some of the groups that are Associate
Member or Independent Affiliate Organizations of the UUA.  Details
about these groups and other groups can be obtained from your local UU
church or fellowship or directly from the UUA.

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
130 Prospect St.
Cambridge, MA 02139-1845
(617)868-660

    The UUSC, motivated since 1939 by liberal religious principles,
    works to promote justice, freedom, and self-determination in the
    U.S. and worldwide.

    The UUSC can also be contacted via the PeaceNet and CompuServe
    networks.

UU Women's Federation
25 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108-3800
(617) 742-2100, x653

    The UUWF is the only continental membership organization for all UU
    women.  Formed by the 1963 consolidation of the Association of
    Universalist Women and the Alliance of Unitarian Women, it is an
    associate member of the UUA.

Conservative Forum for Unitarian Universalists
G-2474 S. Ballenger Hwy.
Flint, MI 48507
(313)232-4023

    The Conservative Forum for Unitarian Universalists is an
    organization of UUs whose purpose is to ensure that all UUs are
    free to pursue a responsible search for religious truth and
    meaning in our societies and denomination regardless of their
    individual views on politics, economics, or social issues.

Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans
P.O. Box 640
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617)547-6465

    The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans was formed at the
    1985 UUA General Assembly in Atlanta to enrich and strengthen the
    religious pluralism of UUism by promoting the study and practice
    of contemporary Pagan and Earth- and nature-centered spirituality.

Fellowship of Religious Humanists
P.O. Box 597396
Chicago, IL 60659-7396
(312)338-5493

    FRH offers UUs and others the inspiration of a humanist way of
    life worked out within both liberal religion and the growing
    humanist movements of over 30 countries.  FRH was organized in
    1963 to provide publications and conferences for those seeking
    humanism as a religious philosophy, and regularly presents a
    lecture at the UUA General Assembly.

Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship
110 Arlington St.
Boston, MA 02116
(508)365-2427

    The purposes of the Fellowship are: to serve Christian Unitarians
    and Universalists according to their expressed religious needs; to
    uphold and promote the Christian witness within the UUA; and to
    uphold and promote the historic Unitarian and Universalist witness
    and conscience within the church universal.  The Fellowship
    publishes books, pamphlets, study papers and occasional papers, a
    bi-monthly newsletter, the _Good News_, and a quarterly journal,
    _The Unitarian-Universalist Christian_, sponsors retreats and
    public meetings of various kinds; and meets annually at the
    General Assembly.

INTERWEAVE
    (Subtitled: Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
    Transgender Concerns) is a membership organization affiliated with
    the UUA.  It is dedicated to the spiritual, political, and social
    well-being of UUs who are confronting oppression as lesbians, gay
    men, bisexuals, transgender persons, and their heterosexual allies.
    It facilitates the celebration of the culture and the lives of its
    members.  INTERWEAVE sponsors an annual conference (Convo96 will be
    1996 Feb 16-18 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA) and events at the UUA's
    General Assembly (GA95 will be 1995 June 15-20 in Spokane,
    Washington, USA).  

        INTERWEAVE
        167 Milk Street #406, 
        Boston MA 02109, USA  
        Email: alan@spdcc.com.

------------------------------

Subject: 12. European Unitarian Universalists
From: Ted Weir <71611.2431@compuserve.com>
Date: 09 Feb 95 15:33:09 EST

The Association of European Unitarian Universalists (EUU) was formed in May
1982 to strengthen the presence of Unitarian Universalists groups and to
provide outreach to individuals in Europe.

The organization exists to improve communication between groups and
individuals and the Unitarian Universalist Association of North
America - UUA - as well as to foster the growth of new groups.
Subsequently, the UUA recognized the EUU as a "Conference" - an entity
similar to a district though more informal.  This has provided EUU with a
growing visibility within the UUA community, as it moves forward.

Principle responsibilities that the EUU has assumed include publishing a
newsletter, organizing conferences at which Unitarians from throughout
Europe meet, and providing assistance to new fellowships.  To supplement the
valuable local meetings, the EUUs hold retreats each spring and fall.  The
retreats last from Friday evening through a Sunday mid-day service.  There
is usually a keynote speaker as well as workshops, cultural/historical
trips, and family events.

[The above paragraphs are based primarily on the brochure _European
Unitarian Universalists_.]

Currently, Unitarians meet in the cities listed below.  The meetings are
generally once or twice a month and are frequently held in a member's home.
Most people who attend the services are U.S. expatriates with a scattering of
Europeans.  The services are usually in English.

Barcelona, Spain:  (34) 3 723-0158

Brussels, Belgium:  (32) 2 660 0226  (Meets the 3rd Sunday of the month.)

Geneva/Bern, Switzerland:  (41) 31 352 3721

Heidelberg, Germany:  (49) 6205 16486

Kaiserslautern, Germany:  (49) 6395 8595

Munich, Germany:  (49) 821-47-24 86  (Meets the 4th Sunday of the month at 2
p.m., Peace Church, Frauenlobstr. 5, Munich.)

Netherlands:  (31) 71 140 988

Paris, France:  (33) 1 42 77 96 77

United Kingdom:  (44) 181 891 0719

Wiesbaden, Germany:  (49) 6218 72109

For information write EUU, c/o Hertz, Frydenlundsvej 49, DK-2950 Vedbaek,
Denmark or (Telephone/Fax) (45) 42 89 4184 or INTERNET: ghertz@nordita.dk.

Or you may contact the UUA, Church of the Larger Fellowship, 2 Beacon St.,
Boston, MA 02108, USA.

