A few years ago, as I was reflecting on Unitarian Universalism and writing papers for a theology class at Hartford Seminary I mused about one of the phrases contained in the Unitarian Universalist Association's Statement of Principles and Purposes.  Following the last section of the living traditions from which our movement draws meaning and purpose, the newest of our declared sources - Earth-centered Traditions; the bylaws of the UUA go on to include the following, "Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision."  I mused then, that "though the sentiment of the concluding statement points to an enduring truism within Unitarian Universalism, that it, too, is an evolving tradition, which is the essence of the process of both deepening and expanding a common vision, that. . .it also contains an inaccuracy. . .affirming "religious pluralism" misrepresents the current state of our movement. The distinction here is between the concepts of "religious pluralism" and "religious plurality."

 

"Religious plurality" has been defined by James Michael Lee as the mere "coexistence of the whole range of religious world views without any denotation or connection of intermingling, cooperation, or joint activities among persons or institutions embracing various orientations toward the Holy." "Religious pluralism," on the other hand ". . . refers to a condition in which individuals or institutions coming from anywhere in the entire spectrum of sacral orientations interact with each other autonomously but related within the boundaries of a common allegiance to the Holy. . . . [M]embers and institutions of various religious orientations not only intermingle with one another and respect each other's faith, but also actively cooperate with each other in order to broaden their own personal and corporate religious existence so as to infuse all reality with the full actuality of the Holy."

 

In this month's Touchstone Journal on the topic of "Respect" founder of The Pluralism Project, famed Harvard Professor, Diana Eck is quoted about pluralism, saying, "The plurality of religious traditions and cultures has come to characterize every part of the world today. But what is pluralism?

 

In a world that cries out for experiences of respect, one that is more comfortable with pluralities than pluralism, the distinction between the two is worth remembering.  As we envision a way forward through this chaotic time, may we find more ways to honor the pluralism we claim in our principles and purposes and the potential such may have on our bruised and hurting world.

 

Blessings,