Our Denomination & History
Bridges Program
Our Denomination & History
History teachers often say that we learn about what’s happened in the past so that we can avoid repeating mistakes that others have made. But history can teach us much more: it gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are, what we are doing, and where we are going in the future. Unitarian Universalism has a intriguing history that goes back to the founding of the United States. In this milestone we will learn about the rich cultural heritage that we have as members of diverse communities: native Detroiters, Michigan residents, and members of different racial and ethnic groups. We will also learn about the communities, organizations and people who are creating and sustaining our communities, including the denominational community of Unitarian Universalists.
What do I need to do?
You have seven goals made up of at least ten learning experiences to complete in this milestone. If you complete a learning experience for one goal, it counts for that goal only (so, no double counting!).
Everyone who achieves this milestone needs to complete seven core learning experiences: Unitarianism, Universalism, UU History, UU’s and Social Action, UUs Around the World, UU Community, and Denominational Life.
Take a look at the list of learning experiences and mark the ones you might be interested in.
5.1 Be familiar with and able to articulate the history and development of Unitarianism.
☐ Unitarianism (required)
5.2 Be familiar with and able to articulate the history and development of Universalism.
☐ Universalism (required)
5.3 Be able to explain the how Unitarian Universalism emerged from two separate denominations and how it has changed and grown since. (choose at least two)
☐ UU History (required)
☐ UUs in Detroit
☐ UU’s in History
☐ UUs in Michigan
☐ UU’s in the Arts
☐ UU’s in the Social Sciences
☐ UUs in the US
☐ UUs through the Ages
5.4 Understand the role that Unitarian Universalists have played in social movements throughout history. (choose at least two)
☐ UU’s and Social Action (required)
☐ UU’s in Politics
☐ UU’s in the News
5.5 Know about the differences and similarities between our denomination and Unitarians, Universalists and Unitarian Universalists in other countries.
☐ UUs Around the World (required)
5.6 Be familiar with the different organizations and bodies within our denomination. (choose at least two)
☐ UU Community (required)
☐ General Assembly
☐ Men in Community
☐ UUs in Detroit
☐ UUs in Michigan
☐ UUs in the US
☐ Women in Community
☐ Youth in Community
5.7 Participate in the larger life of our denomination in some significant way.
☐ Denominational Life (required)