WHAT IS A UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST BUDDHIST?

There is no creedal test. Should a person feel affinity with both Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism, they may consider themselves a Unitarian Universalist Buddhist.

DO I HAVE TO BELONG TO A UU CHURCH TO BE A UU BUDDHIST?

No. Some UU Buddhists do not belong to any specific Unitarian Universalist society. Others belong to the non-geographic UU Church of the Larger Fellowship.

IF I CONSIDER MYSELF A UU BUDDHIST, SHOULD I JOIN A UU CHURCH?

In general, yes. If one feels an affinity with Unitarian Universalism, it is good to try and participate in a local congregation as much as one can. This benefits the individual and the church, enriching the lives of everyone involved.

MUST I BELONG TO A PARTICULAR SCHOOL OF BUDDHISM TO BE A UU BUDDHIST?

Absolutely not. At the current time it seems most UU Buddhists are interested in or active in Zen and Vipassana.  However, many UU Buddhists are interested in the Vajrayana schools, and others in the Pure Land and Nichiren schools. Just as there are no creedal tests for being a Unitarian Universalist, there are no tests for being a UU Buddhist.

HOW CAN I START A LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE UUBF?

Any UU who wishes to start a UUBF chapter is welcome to do so. Local chapters are generally organized as Dharma study groups meeting in local UU churches. If members of the chapter have a meditation practice, the group meetings usually begin with a brief period of meditation within their tradition–usually this is a silent meditation like zazen or vipassana. This time for meditation is most commonly followed by an ongoing book study group.  Some groups invite speakers from different local Buddhist organizations.  There is no required pattern.  All it takes is one or two local UUs who are willing to make sure it happens.

HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE UUBF?

Membership is handled by Richard Swanson, Treasurer of the UUBF. Membership is available for a minimum $25 contribution (currently not tax-deductible–sorry!) to the UUBF. Membership includes a subscription to the newsletter of the UUBF, UU Sangha, usually published four times a year. Join online or Send membership requests to Richard Swanson, 710 24th St SW, Vero Beach, Florida 32962-8127

HOW CAN I SUBMIT MATERIAL TO UU SANGHA?

Essays, poetry, artwork, and other submissions for UU Sangha can be emailed to Rev Florence Caplow, the Editor.

HOW CAN I GET MY GROUP LISTED IN UU SANGHA‘S DIRECTORY?

In order to be listed, your group must have a clear connection to both Buddhism and Unitarian Universalism.  Meeting in a UU Church is not sufficient.  We try to list groups that draw in some way on both religious traditions as informing sources of their practice and/or philosophy.  If you would like your group to be listed, please contact The Practice Group Editor: pg-update{-at-}uumin{-dot-}org.