Secular Americans Praise Rep. Pete Stark’s National Day of Reason Proclamation

[cleanhippie]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secular groups praised a proclamation Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) entered into the congressional record today recognizing May 5 as the National Day of Reason. The proclamation resulted from collaboration between Representative Stark and the Secular Coalition for America, the leading national lobby for secular Americans.

“Reason and rational thinking have made our country great,” Rep. Stark’s proclamation stated. “The Constitution of the United States of America is based upon the philosophies developed during the historical Age of Reason and the idea that citizens engaging in rational discourse and decision-making can govern themselves. The Constitution also contains a strong separation of church and state, making it clear that government should continue to be built on reason.”

http://www.secular.org/content/secular-americans-praise-rep-pete-stark%E2%80%99s-national-day-reason-proclamation

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HIZZAH!!!!!! About fucking time!

[Tikki]

1. YAY...a day for me..

I like this.


Tikki

[LiberalEsto]

2. Rep. Stark is a Unitarian Universalist

Like five U.S. presidents: Jefferson, Adams, Adams, Fillmore, Taft

http://www.famousuus.com/

[robinlynne]

3. what the heck is a unitarian universalist?

[LiberalEsto]

4. Well.....

What we do as congregations is considered more important than what we believe. We raise money to support social justice issues, do volunteer work, and actively welcome gay, bisexual and transgendered people. We were among the first churches to provide marriage ceremonies for them. We borrow from Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and pagan traditions as well as from secular humanism.

I borrowed some info from the Unitarian Universalist Association (uua.org)

"Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the consolidation of two different religions: Unitarianism and Universalism. Both began in Europe hundreds of years ago. In America, the Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. After consolidating in 1961, these faiths became the new religion of Unitarian Universalism through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Both religions have long histories and have contributed important theological concepts that remain central to Unitarian Universalism. Originally, all Unitarians were Christians who didn't believe in the Holy Trinity of God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), but in the unity, or single aspect, of God. Later, Unitarian beliefs stressed the importance of rational thinking, a direct relationship with God, and the humanity of Jesus. Universalism emerged as a Christian denomination with a central belief in universal salvation; that is, that all people will eventually be reconciled with God.

Since the merger of the two denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its Unitarian and Universalist heritages to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion."

also

"There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote. These express the shared values that unite Unitarian Universalists.

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."

[robinlynne]

5. Wow! I'm impressed. I didn't know. I remember hearing of Unitarians, but never

Universalists. I like your 7 values. (But don't personally believe in any gods.)

[LiberalEsto]

6. Neither do many UUs

Some are atheist, some believe in goddesses, you name it.

Personally, we joined after having kids because we liked their religious education - learning about different religions, teaching tolerance and respect, and the importance of doing things to help other people. Earlier, we got married in a UU church because my husband used to attend meetings of an anti-nuke group in the church basement.