Unitarian Universalists See Growth Opportunity in Rise of Secularism

Unitarian Universalists are finding new opportunities as secularism grows in the United States. For Nathan De Lee, an astronomer at Vanderbilt University, attending church has become a regular part of life. He is a member of First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, where he sings in the choir. His experience reflects a broader trend: Unitarian Universalists, who emphasize personal spirituality over strict doctrine, are seeing increased participation and growth.

The Unitarian Universalist Association reports a 15.8 percent increase in membership from 2000 to 2010, according to the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. With about 211,000 adherents nationwide, the denomination remains relatively small but is expanding, particularly in the South. This growth is seen as a response to shifting religious landscapes, including the rise of the “nones”—Americans with no specific religious identity.

Diana Butler Bass, an author and scholar of progressive Christianity, notes that Unitarian Universalists can serve as a counterbalance in conservative religious regions like the Bible Belt. “They provide a nice countercultural community,” she said. This role is especially relevant as more people seek spiritual alternatives that align with personal values rather than traditional religious structures.

Rachel Walden, a public witness specialist with the Unitarian Universalist Association, highlighted the denomination’s increasing presence in the South. The church aims to connect with the growing number of individuals who are disengaged from organized religion. This strategy aligns with the values of inclusivity and social justice that are central to Unitarian Universalist teachings.

Lee Barker, president of Meadville Lombard Theological School, emphasized the timing of the denomination’s growth. “We are at a time when the values of our church and the values of our culture are intersecting,” he said. This intersection suggests a potential for continued relevance and influence in a changing religious environment.

Gail Seavey, minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, acknowledged some skepticism from conservative neighbors. While some misunderstand inclusivity as a lack of boundaries, she clarified that Unitarian Universalists share core values. These include a commitment to the worth and dignity of every human being, which forms the foundation of their spiritual practice.

The denomination’s approach to faith, rooted in shared values rather than a singular doctrine, positions it as a unique alternative in an increasingly secular society. As the United States continues to evolve, Unitarian Universalists are navigating their place in a world where traditional religious institutions are no longer the sole providers of spiritual guidance.

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