The Ethical Humanist Comm-UNITY of Love

The Ethical Humanist Comm-UNITY of Love [EHCL] (formerly the Religious Humanism CommUNITY of Love, then The Christian Humanism CommUNITY Church of Love, then The Humanist Comm-UNITY Assembly of Love) is a religious humanism organization in every sense of the term. We are dedicated to achieving the ethical goals that many religions espouse. AND we do so without beliefs, rites, and rituals that cate

r to superstition or the notion of a supernatural being who will punish us should we fail. We walk the ethical and moral highway simply because of our genuine love of humanity and conviction that said conduct enhances the chance for harmony -- not because we fear the punishment of any being if we don't live ethically. The EHCL recognizes that ALL peoples have one thing in common. We are ALL agnostics. None of us KNOW whether a "god" either DOES or DOESN'T exist. We are thus left to either BELIEVE one/some exist(s) - or not. Thus, though we try to respect the beliefs of others, we are at times compelled to REMIND believers that their beliefs DON'T constitute knowledge, as some believers are prone to postulate. The name was changed because -- though Religious Humanism seemed like a great fit -- I firmly believe that an Ethical Humanism ministry allows for that “synthesizing and dynamic force” referred to in the 1933 Humanist Manifesto I. An actual “Religious” Humanist Manifesto, though not explicitly named, it proffered that humanists endeavor “to establish such a RELIGION [shaped for the needs of this age] is a major necessity of the present.” I vehemently concur. Our goal at the EHCL is NOT the destruction of mainstream religions NOR the gods they worship. But we DO seek the erasure of their most harmful dimensions - mainly the punishment and killing of others FOR their gods. The EHCL differs from other religious humanism groups in that we saw fit to posit a "god" [LOVE] for adherents to celebrate. Hopefully others will come to see the benefit. A "god" is described as more than a being that is worshiped. It also denotes a "thing" that is "excessively" honored and admired. We're not sure just how the honor and admiration of love as a predicate for human interaction can ever be "excessive", but we're willing to take that risk. During my 30 years as a practicing Christian, it was always drilled in me that -- in seeking answers from god -- I was to concentrate on the best course of action for "the whole" (be it the whole of society or segment thereof) versus what was good for only me. Accordingly, in espousing love as our guiding principle, we do not mean to imply any type of self-sacrificing love. Instead, we strive to incorporate "WE-ISM" over "ME-ISM" -- a phrase I coined during my Christian years -- in our daily decisions and ponderings, since included in "we" is "me". I/Me simply doesn't take center stage; but is instead part of an ensemble. Many atheists are former theists who felt that the structure of "worship" services added to their resolve to live a life based on the "golden rule". The services were great for purposes of fellowship with people of like mind AND replenished their resolve to "conquer hate with love". The impetus for their "go(o)dly" lives is NOT anchored in a desire to please a supernatural being, but the pragmatism of harmonious living. The EHCL seeks to fill this void for those who feel the need/desire for assembly. I have found a venue for fellowship twice a month wherein keynote addresses will be offered. Most likely there will be Comm-UNITY interaction afterward. Monthly meetings (every 3rd Sunday) will be held @ 1930 Harvard Avenue, College Park, GA starting October 16th and continuing until and unless the group decides to meet elsewhere. Our Comm-UNITY leaders use the title "minister" as the term is both secular and religious. Our ministers will officiate weddings and memorial services. We offer a total ethical foundation to our membership without the need for supernatural beings, rewards, and punishments.