Catholicism to Unitarian Universalist
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Anonymous
I experienced it when I joined a UU church. |
Anonymous
You're right! I never knew! UUs tithe. So you pay 10% of gross for a faith that believes in . . . absolutely nothing. Wow, what a racket. Time to start my own church. https://www.uua.org/finance/fundraising/generosity/185418.shtml |
Anonymous
| Catholic here married to an Episcopalian, and have been to many E. masses. Looking at your list, the E. church might suit your needs. Especially since you miss the tradition and more formal part. At our E. church, the kids go to Sunday school so the adults can pay attention. As a result, the homilies are less dumbed down (less kid-friendly) than the Catholic homilies. And it was nice for our DDs to see female priests--to know that they could do that one day if they wanted to. |
Anonymous
This is incorrect. Yes, most UU Congregation's are open about money because each Congregation has to figure out how it is going to operate and fund itself, BUT it is a suggested amount and usually it is closer to 2.5%, not 10%. |
Anonymous
I was in a UU church and this did *not* happen. |
Anonymous
BS. UU for 10 years. That's patently not true. |
Anonymous
Uh, no. Never. In fact, UUs are probably one of the more significantly underfunded on the Christian faiths precisely because they don't expect a certain amount of $$ for anything. They ask that people support the congregation in an amount, and people do so according to their comfort level. There is no buying seats for major holidays, no tithing, no nothing. Not even an $$ for religious education. |
Anonymous
(UU is not a Christian faith, one of it’s sources is Christianity, but it is not the only source. ) |
Anonymous
|
OP, if you’re still looking, DH and I loved Lutheran Church of the Reformation on the Hill. We’ve moved cross country and so don’t attend anymore, but I loved the church. Lutherans are a little light on the “mystery” and I’ve been told our liturgy and services lack the majesty that Catholicism offers. (I would counter that with the idea that the simplicity is more straightforward, and a little less opacity seems to be what you’re going for.) Also, if you like music, the music director (at least when we left) was a Julian’s graduate. Every Sunday was like a tiny participatory concert and the church is very active in public service, too.
Good luck. I know that when you want an faith and can’t find one that it’s an unhappy, rudderless feel. |
Anonymous
One thing to keep in mind is that Catholic churches don't have to emphasize the financial aspect so much, because they have access to resources! And their social service agencies often get government grants. Growing up Catholic, I remember putting coins into the collection basket and occasional requests to support missions, stuff like that, but it never seemed like finances were on the back of the parishioners. The situation is much different for smaller congregations like UUs, where they rely on donations from the congregation. This is one of the biggest cultural changes I encountered when I explored joining a temple. To be honest, the formality and amount of temple dues has been a big barrier to me taking the plunge (we are an interfaith family). I've come around to the idea a bit more, but I still don't think I can write such a huge check unless I see that the money is going to a LOT of community work, not just fancy buildings etc. I guess the positive side is that this gives people a lot more direct ownership over their congregations. |
Anonymous
I used to go to COR but haven't been in a year. I decided it leaned a bit to the right. I miss it sometimes. |
Anonymous
Wrong. You need to learn to read. Go to expected contribution guide in what I posted about. "The financial commitment levels in the Guide are suggestions, with a start point of 2% of adjusted income for congregants earning up to $1,000 per month and at the other end of the spectrum, the guide suggests a full 10% commitment of adjusted income, regardless of a congregant’s income level" |
Anonymous
Not true. They expect 10% of adjusted gross income |
Anonymous
Tithing is a recommendation, only. It is not a requirement for membership or participation. I'm a member and I don't tithe. Please stop spreading misinformation. We are asked to pledge money, using a simple form, so they can plan their budget for the year. If people don't pledge they plan fewer things; if people pledge but don't deliver they are left hanging and might need to furlough staff or cancel projects. The pledge form is the only "contract" you could be referring to. There is no requirement to pledge at all, let alone a specific amount; there are recommended amounts with an aspirational goal of tithing. Organizations cost money: property mortgage, building maintenance, staff salary, and community support and outreach activities. There is no source of income other the congregants. If you want there to be a congregation in which to participate, it follows you will support it financially: otherwise it can't exist. But as long as it does exist, the doors are open to you regardless of whether you contribute. |
Anonymous
This is correct. I was raised UU and had parents in "important" church positions, either as teachers, leading key groups, going on search committees for new ministers, etc. I would be shocked if a 10% expectation of tithing was remotely common. I am sure my family never did much more than Sunday offering. They did though, probably pledge more in time. That was ok. One thing I can kind of see though, is older folks who are longtime UUs giving a lot. UUs are generally pretty educated, UMC or above, and I do think they have a fair number of "major donors" even without a tithing requirement. For a younger family, I don't think there are any expectations. |