Wiccan church: Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (1985)

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The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is an association of Unitarian Universalists who identify with the precepts of classical or contemporary Paganism: celebrating the sacred circle of life and guiding people to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. CUUPS members foster the development of “liturgical materials based on earth- and nature-centered religious and spiritual perspectives” as well as encourage “greater use of music, dance, visual arts, poetry, story, and creative ritual in Unitarian Universalist worship and celebration.”

History
CUUPS was formed at the 1985 UUA General Assembly and incorporated as a not for profit organization in 1997. It was an Independent Affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association until 2007, then a Related Organization, and as of 2015 a Covenanting Community of the UUA. There are now nearly 70 chapters of CUUPS.

Purpose
CUUPS works to enrich and strengthen the religious pluralism of Unitarian Universalism; promote the study and practice of contemporary Pagan, Earth-, and nature-centered spirituality; enable networking among pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists; develop educational/liturgical materials on Pagan spirituality for Unitarian Universalist congregations; encourage theological inquiry into the contemporary Pagan resurgence; promote inter-religious dialog; and work for the healing of the Earth. While not directly related to Wicca or other explicit Pagan paths, it does embrace them within its ministerial tradition. Members and friends receive the online CUUPS Bulletin, which reports continental and local chapter activities and explores contemporary Paganism.

The organization maintains ties to the UK-based Unitarian Earth Spirit Network, which serves a similar role of representing contemporary Pagan spirituality in the British Unitarian community.

This article is part of Religion Ledger