CUUPS

Welcome to CUUPS

Explore the beauty of Pagan, Goddess, and Earth-centered spiritualities woven together with Unitarian Universalism.

The People’s Pagans group represents the People’s Church chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist PaganS (CUUPS).  We are the only registered CUUPS group in the state Iowa.  The national CUUPS group is an Interest Group of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.  Its Statement of Purpose is 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

The purpose of our chapter is to give Pagan-identified UUs the unique and delightful experience of being able to pursue their individual journeys without having to deny themselves the benefits and resources of church affiliation.  One of the most important and rewarding missions of CUUPS-Continental and CUUPS Chapters is to educate our home congregations and UUA Communities on Pagan beliefs, practices and philosophies, in order to dispel fear and intolerance and further encourage a climate of active acceptance of Pagan paths and practitioners.

The People’s Pagans group leads worship services and its members are available to speak at Forum events, RE classes, and any other educational outlets within the church.  Our chapter’s mission statement is:

“We come together in peace and trust to support each other

in our Earth-based spiritual journey.”

If you are wondering how a Pagan organization can be affiliated with a Church, you might want to take a look at the History of  CUUPS or review the CUUPS FAQs page to assist you in exploring some of the more commonly-asked queries about our unique organization on the national www.CUUPS.org website.

Individuals may become solitaire members of CUUPS, or they may seek to find and a place as a member of Peoples’ Church as well to become a part of the larger community.  One need not be a member of Peoples’ Church, nor need to be a member of CUUPS to attend CUUPS activities.  However, if you are a Pagan-identified individual, there are definite advantages to associate with CUUPS.  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.

Unitarian Universalist Pagans come in every possible permutation of path, practice and belief.  There are some commonalities, but one of the unique features of the UUA approach to spirituality is recognition of the ability of people of diverse beliefs and faith paths to work together in harmony.  Within CUUPS, this mindset is exceptionally rewarding as we attempt to bring together the widest possible variety of Pagan thought and create a community of Earth-centered and other Pagan practitioners.  This community all leads to the support and enhancement of each one’s individual take on the “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.”

If you believe you might be interested in learning more about our group, please see Deborah Maynard (Deborah.Maynard@hotmail.com).   Blessed Be