| Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans |
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| What Is CUUPS?
The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc. (CUUPS) is an Independent Affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA). The Statement of Purpose in our bylaws states that CUUPS exists to enable --- *Networking among Pagan-identified UUs; providing outreach of Unitarian Universalism to the broader Pagan community continentally. *Providing educational materials on Paganism for Unitarian Universalist congregations and the general public. *Promoting Pagan - Jewish & Christian dialogue; encouraging the development of theo/alogical and liturgical materials based on earth and nature centered religious and spiritual perspectives. *Encouraging greater use of music, dance, visual arts, poetry, story, and creative ritual in Unitarian Universalist worship and celebration. *Providing support for Pagan-identified UU religious professionals and ministerial students; and fostering healing relationships with our mother the Earth and all her children. We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization committed to furthering Pagan and Earth-centered thea/ology within the UUA. If you are wondering how a Pagan organization can be affiliated with a Church, you might want to take a look at our History. There is also a CUUPS FAQ to assist you in exploring some of the more commonly-asked queries about our unique organization. More in-depth analysis of the reasons, activities and philosophies behind the creation and ongoing mission of our organization can be found at About CUUPS. There are members of CUUPS in almost every state in the union and in several foreign countries. Some CUUPS members are members of UUA Congregations, and some are members of the Church of the Larger Fellowship. Individuals may become solitaire members of CUUPS, or they may seek to find and join a Chapter, or they may choose to start a Chapter. One need not be in a Chapter, nor need one be a member of CUUPS, in most cases, to attend CUUPS activities. And in some areas, CUUPS offers public rituals and events, so that one need neither be associated with the UUA nor be a member of CUUPS in order to benefit from the resources afforded by CUUPS chapters to their local communities. However, if you are a Pagan-identified member of the UUA, there are definite advantages to association with CUUPS. Ongoing work is being done to create opportunities for Pagan voices to be heard and recognized in the official statements, resolutions, activities and governance of the UUA. Interfaith work is ongoing to afford just and equal religious rights to Pagans both within and without the UUA. And it is incontrovertable that the unique position of being a Pagan organization recognized and supported by a church body creates opportunities for impact and influence that are unavailable to many other Pagans. f you choose to become a member of CUUPS Continental, that site also affords many further resources in the "Members-Only" area. These resources include, to name just a few --- *Outlines that can be used to facilitate creating worship services and rituals *Essays, articles, songs and poetry written by CUUPS members to use in your own workings and workshops *Resolutions and items of business to be voted upon *A directory of CUUPS members worldwide *Information and registration for UUA General Assembly and CUUPS Convocation *Information and source materials for interfaith work *Clergy resources --And many other opportunities to enjoy your fellowship with the other members of CUUPS and with our National Organization. Visit CUUPS Continental to learn more, or to join. |
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