After 17 years as an administrator and professor, I am now priveledged to serve as minister to Westside Unitarian Universalist Church, a small, progressive and loving congregation. My goal is to serve this congregation to the best of my abilities. All other endeavors (with the exception of being a good partner to Gayle) are secondary.
Each week our church says these words:
Love is the doctrine of this church, the quest of truth is its sacrament, and service is its prayer.
To dwell together in peace, to seek knowledge in freedom, to serve others in community, to the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with creation, thus do we covenant with one another.
Our church does not knowingly discriminate against any person or group. We are a welcoming congregation and abide by the Unitarian Universalist principles. They are:
The inherent worth and dignity 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
Unitarian Universalism 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 instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community. If you are interested in this uncommon denomination visit our church website at www.westsideuu.org. If you'd like to hear more, go to the church sermon page. Also, by clicking on the chalice at the top of this website you will go to our national organization, The Unitarian Universalist Association.
Voices of a Liberal Faith
Click Our Picture for More Info
Dr. Russell K. Elleven
Ft. Worth, TX