CUUPS Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Pagan Community Building Within Unitarian Universalism

The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) recently marked its 40th anniversary with a Convocation at the historic First Church in Salem, Massachusetts. The event brought together members from across the United States for three days of worship, workshops, music, fellowship, and reflection on four decades of Earth-centered ministry within Unitarian Universalism.

Formed in 1985 and officially chartered by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in 1987, CUUPS serves as a spiritual home for Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists. It promotes education about Paganism, interfaith dialogue, and Earth-centered religious practice. Its advocacy played a significant role in the UUA’s adoption of the denomination’s “Sixth Source,” which recognizes “spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions.”

Today, CUUPS supports more than 100 local chapters throughout the United States. These chapters provide worship, seasonal celebrations, educational programming, and community for Pagans within UU congregations. They also serve as a bridge between Unitarian Universalism and the broader Pagan movement.

The anniversary Convocation took place at First Church in Salem, founded by Puritans in August 1629. One of North America’s oldest Protestant congregations, the church gradually evolved toward liberal Christianity, embracing Unitarianism in the early nineteenth century before becoming part of today’s Unitarian Universalist tradition. The gathering also coincided with Salem’s 400th anniversary as a city and the congregation’s 397th year.

Rev. Jerrie Kishpaugh Hildebrand welcomed chapter members who traveled from across the country, including participants from Seattle, San Antonio, and South Florida. Joining the celebration were Selena Fox, founder and senior minister of Circle Sanctuary, and Manny Tejeda y Moreno, National First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess. Both offered messages recognizing CUUPS’s contributions to the modern Pagan movement, interfaith cooperation, and religious liberty.

Opening the Convocation on Friday evening, Kishpaugh Hildebrand expressed gratitude for the volunteers and community members whose dedication made the anniversary gathering possible. She reflected on the organization’s remarkable journey over four decades.

Saturday featured a full day of workshops, storytelling sessions, music, and discussion led by Pagan and Earth-centered teachers from across North America. Fox and Tejeda y Moreno both spoke about CUUPS’s longstanding role in advancing interfaith dialogue, defending religious liberty, and promoting the separation of church and state.

Invoking the Roman goddess Libertas, Fox led attendees in a chant celebrating religious freedom before recalling CUUPS’s role in advocating for the rights of religious minorities. The event highlighted the group’s commitment to fostering understanding and respect among diverse spiritual traditions.

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