Interfaith: UCC Leader Says Unitarian Universalists Are 'Partners in Justice'

(Photo Credit: United Church of Christ)The Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess, Executive Director of the United Church of Christ's Local Church Ministries is seen in a file photo.

Leaders of the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association spoke recently to seek ways to partner on justice issues, such as working toward eradicating environmental degradation and homophobia.

"It's not about 'doing better' together, but to engage the well-being of God's creation - justice and peace among all the people," said the Rev. Geoffrey Black, UCC General Minister and President in a UCC News report on Tuesday.

Rev. Black was one of six UCC officers who traveled to Boston in late November to spend two days with UUA leaders, including UAA President Peter Morales.

The Rev. J. Bennett Guess, executive minister of Local Church Ministries, said after the meeting that the groups should consider themselves "partners in justice."

The UCC also shared information on leadership development programs, a church hunger campaign, and an upcoming environmental advocacy campaign.

In other developments, the UCC will the religious coalition Religions for Peace and the UUA's United Nations Office.

Morales will also be a speaker at the UCC's next General Synod in late June in Long Beach, Calif.

A UCC news report said the two might also consider working together for literacy, LGBT and climate change concerns.

The UUA describes Unitarian Universalism as a religion that celebrates diversity of belief and is guided by principles that include the dignity of individuals, justice, acceptance, a 'free and responsible search for truth and meaning,' and an aim for peace.

The religion draws from direct experience, prophetic people, the world's religions including Jewish and Christian traditions, humanist teachings and earth-centered traditions.

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