Progressive Religious Education

Parents and caregivers come to Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations to connect with communities that can help them raise their children to become kind, respectful, fair-minded, and caring.

The religious education we provide builds a foundation that helps grow a child into someone who is strong enough to side with love and fight for justice. It also centers the children in the knowledge that they are surrounded by a community who will fight with them.

In most cases, the education we provide reinforces what parents are already teaching at home. For example, the K-1 Wonderful Welcome program helps children explore the gifts of friendship, hospitality, and fairness, and to share those gifts with others. The 2nd and 3rd grade Moral Tales program begins exploring what it means to make ethical choices.

UU religious education is also holistic. Almost all the experiences we provide are in some way educational. Every experience is educational. Here are some examples.

  • Sunday school classes. This is the most traditional format for religious education and may mirror Sunday school classes you are more familiar with. Volunteer teachers use the UU Tapestry of Faith curriculum to help children develop a personal lifelong faith.

  • All-ages worship, a monthly multigenerational service. We believe children should have the opportunity, at least part of the time, to worship with the community rather than apart from it.

  • Social justice work. There are opportunities for Members of all ages can participate in work that helps us build a kind, just world for all.

  • Milestone ceremonies help to celebrate important parts of a child’s life in a welcoming community atmosphere.

Our education is not designed to deliver a sense of absolute truth, but to help each person, at any age, search for their own truths.

Our religious education programs are not limited to young children. UU education is a lifelong education. We support youth and adult education as well.

If you are interested in exploring religious education at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, please join us. All are welcome here!