Unitarian Universalism grew by 15.8% from 2000 to 2010 (in the USA). During that same time period, most progressive religious denominations experienced decline.
While many factors are likely involved in this recent expansion, Bob Smietana mentions a few ways this group differs from many others:
- Unitarian Universalists would rather be kind than right.
- Instead of a common theology, Unitarian Universalists have a set of common values.
So What?
Unitarian Universalism remains relatively small with just over 200,000 adherents in the US. As the American religious landscape continues to evolve, progressive religious groups are paying increasing attention to the growing group of nones (people who have no religious affiliation). Could Unitarian Universalism be offering something that resonates with this group in a way that other religious offerings do not? What factors do you believe have contributed positively to their growth during the most recent decade?