Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin

Founded in 1974: The Franklin Fellowship was organized as a religious community in 1974 under the auspices of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA). The purpose of the Fellowship as stated in its Bylaws shall be to pursue the study of and to practice the principles and purposes of the UUUA which includes the free quest of high values in religion and life.

Lay-led Fellowship: Throughout our history we have been a "lay-led" congregation offering numerous opportunities to participate fully in the life of our Fellowship family.

Purchased property in 1982: The Fellowship purchased its first property in 1982 where it remains to this day. Membership at that time was about 25.

Current Membership: Current membership exceeds 80. Major programs of the Fellowship in addition to Sunday services include religious education, community outreach, and a Caring Connections Network for members and friends.

Green Sanctuary Certification 2005: We received formal recognition in 2005 by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Certified Green Sanctuary Congregation, joining a growing network of liberal religious churches who seek to act as trustees of the planet. Moreover, members are encouraged to visualize environmentally sound practices as a core value of the Fellowship.

New Green Sanctuary 2008, new social hall 2010: In November 2008 we moved into our new, round, green sanctuary with a dedication in January 2009. In April 2010 we moved into our new social hall on the lower-level of the sanctuary.

Welcoming Congregation 2010: Built on a long-standing committment to equality and engaging in the Welcoming Congregation process, we received certification in 2010 by the UUA's Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns (OBGLT).

New Logo 2012: Our new logo was created in 2012 to reflect our beautiful pendant lighting and craftsman style. It also celebrates our commitment to the arts and the environment.

We, The Member Congregations Of The Unitarian Universalist Association,
Covenant To Affirm And Promote:
1.The inherent worth and dignity of every person,
2.Justice, equity and compassion in human relations,
3.Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations,
4.A free and responsible search for truth and meaning,
5.The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large,
6.The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all,
7.Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are all a part.

The Living Tradition We Share Draws From Many Sources:
•Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder,affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life,
•Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love,
•Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life,
•Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves
•Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit,
•Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision.
•As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.