First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist

Rev. Norm looks on at the Annual Meeting as First Parish members unanimously approve the 2026-2027 Vision Goal: Upholding Equity, Safety, and Justice for Transgender and Nonbinary People.

“Rooted in Unitarian Universalist shared values, First Parish Church will intentionally cultivate respect, safety, and justice for transgender and nonbinary people by further implementing affirming congregational practices and engaging in focused, sustainable support and advocacy within the wider community.”

In focusing on Pluralism - one of our six named values - Rev. Norm reminded us that "we grow and evolve and make change in the world, by bringing our different perspectives, beliefs, and passions into conversation with each other, unveiling the principles that lie at the core of our beloved Unitarian Universalist faith."

A recording of Rev. Norm's sermon and our Flower Communion service is available through a link on our website (www.firstparishportland.org) .

"Today, we declare that no government action can erase our faith nor lessen the powerful and necessary grounding it provides for those who serve."

We join with the Unitarian Universalist Association in protesting any act that attempts to diminish the liberal faith tradition that has seen this nation through its most trying times, from the work of abolitionist and suffragist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper to the martyrdom of Rev. James Reeb, murdered in Selma in 1965. We will not be erased, and we will not cease to provide counsel and solace to those who serve in the armed forces.

We send our unwavering support for Unitarian Universalists (UU) in uniform and our UU military chaplains. We recently learned the Department of Defense (DOD) has removed 180 separate religious affiliations from the US military’s list of religious affiliation codes. This eliminates the code for Unitarian Universalists, as well as Humanists, Atheists and Pagan traditions, and many others. Along with dozens of other religious traditions, UUs will be categorized broadly under “Other” in military’s religious affiliation codes.

Please note this decision does not directly impact the status of our UU military chaplains, who are authorized through a separate faith-based endorsement process with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). What it does mean is that Unitarian Universalist service members will not be able to select their specific religious identity in their personnel records. This may make it more difficult for our uniformed UUs to access the spiritual care that they need.

At this time, we are diligently working with our UUA counsel and partners in a variety of faith traditions to craft a strategic response that faithfully represents our values and demonstrates clear support for our UU service members and their families, as well as all those who are impacted by this DOD policy.

We will share more information when it is available. But today, we declare that no government action can erase our faith nor lessen the powerful and necessary grounding it provides for those who serve.

Read the full statement at the link in the comments.

This morning, Patricia Washburn encouraged fellow parishioners "to remember that you are a creative person, that your creativity is a gift of the Divine, and that expressing it helps you connect to your spiritual self."

Listen to the recording through the link on our website for the full service. (www.firstparishportland.org)

First Parish in the News! Check out coverage of last Friday's "Love is the Point" event - a gathering made possible through the collaborative partnership of 26 (!) faith based organizations in Maine.

‘Love is the Point’ creates multi-faith counterpoint to Turning Point USA event in Portland Faith leaders, musicians and hundreds of community members gathered in Portland Friday night for “Love is the Point,” a multi-faith event centered on solidarity with immigrants, transgender people, reproductive rights, and gun safety — all of which are currently being targeted by white Christi...

The beautiful floral arrangement on Sunday morning was created especially for the service presented by our First Parish youth. In their words: "Community just doesn't happen randomly. It requires attention. It requires showing up even when it is uncomfortable. It requires recognizing that your wellbeing is tied to the wellbeing of others."