I first discovered Unitarian Universalism in 1988 when I attended a program in Boulder detailing sanctuary being offered by UUs to refugees and their families from Nicaragua. These people were fleeing the violence in that country due to ongoing political wars. That a church would target a social injustice such as this sounded loving to me. Then I found that this religions’ principles matched with mine.

Although I have always been interested in religion, and especially the philosophical questions posed by all the world’s religions, I left organized religion when I became a scientist. As a scientist studying the relationship between genes and behavior, and a Humanist, I could not accept the tenets of any religion which fostered superstitions and other implausible beliefs. I discovered in Unitarian Universalism people who acted on justice, equity and compassion in human relations; whose search for truth and meaning is through questioning, reasoning, and the use of scientific methods to discover truths in our world. As I biologist, I have respect for the earth and the interdependence of the web of our existence; this, too, is a UU principle.

After discovering what Unitarian Universalism stands for, I became an active UU. First I joined the Boulder Unitarian Fellowship (later named Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) where I served in a multitude of ways. Recently, after moving to a retirement community near the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, I transferred my membership.

At UUCB, I enjoy teaching on Sundays to 4th and 5th graders, attending Wise Elders programs and All-Church summer retreats, and hearing great sermons. I’m a UU for life.