What if My Minister is a Buddhist?
Ed Stone
I attended this out of interest in the effect of theological diversity in UU pulpits. The presenters were UU Ministers who are openly practicing Buddhists, including Rev. Sara Zimmerman, who interned at First Church several years ago. They report that their congregations are accepting or unconcerned. Most lead Buddhist practice groups in evening; at least one such group includes meditation, sutras, and dharma discussion. There are mostly Zen practitioners, although there is at least one Thich Nat Hanh group going. One of the ministers is married to a UU Christian.
These are UU Ministers who are not trying to impose Buddhist practice in their services. One gave an example of a Buddhist/UU elevator speech: “It’s not what you believe but what you do.” They tend to emphasize the slogan “One church – many paths.” They pointed out that many people come for the Buddhist groups and stay in the UU congregation.
Lessons Learned: Interesting cases of handling theological diversity constructively. Note that this kind of input almost always originates from UUA affiliated interest groups. |
