On May 25 in 1825, at the Berry Street Conference in Boston, the idea of forming an American Unitarian Association (AUA) was discussed; the next day bylaws were adopted. This morning we will lean on lessons from our Transcendentalist past, from Jewish tradition, and our newly adopted statements of covenant and shared values, as well as this month’s Soul Matters theme to imagine together the future of UUism that we desire and need, a UUism that brings into being a fair, peaceful and just world in which all can thrive.
Summary:
In this sermon, Reverend Charlotte Lehmann examines the history and evolution of Unitarian Universalism to inspire a creative vision for its future. She marks the 200th anniversary of the American Unitarian Association by reflecting on how the faith transitioned from a marginalized identity to an organized institution. By highlighting the transcendentalist movement and the intuitive wisdom of figures like Mary Moody Emerson, Lehmann argues that imagination is a vital spiritual tool for navigating modern change. She advocates for a faith centered on radical love and social justice, encouraging members to embrace bold visibility and intergenerational dialogue. Ultimately, the sermon invites congregants to reclaim their narrative and use collective creativity to build a more inclusive and influential religious community.