Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans

06/09/2026

CUUPS, the UUA and many are expressing upset with the DOD decisions around religious accommodation codes.

The Pentagon's decision to eliminate more than 180 religious affiliation codes has prompted swift responses from Pagan organizations, veterans, and chaplaincy advocates who warn that reduced visibility can lead to reduced protections for minority faith communities.

06/09/2026

Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans Response to the Department of Defense Policy on Religious Codes for Military Personnel
The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc. has deep concern about the Department of Defense’s decision to remove many religious affiliation codes from military records. For our members, this is not a bureaucratic change—it is the erasure of their specifically chosen religious identities from their military records as Unitarian Universalists, as well as Earth-centered, Indigenous, Pagan, Wiccan, Druid, Heathen, Asatru, and many other UU-aligned spiritual traditions.
The history of Unitarian Universalism shaped the beginnings of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps in September 1775, with George Washington’s appointment of the Universalist Rev. John Murray as one of the first chaplains. Rev. Dr. Samuel West supported the Continental Army through intelligence work against the British loyalists. Chaplain William Emerson stood with the militia at the Battle of Concord during the Revolutionary War’s beginnings. Our UU tradition has always fought for freedom, dignity, and the right of every person to follow their own spiritual path.
In this milestone year—our nation’s 250th birthday—this decision runs counter to the founders’ hopes of creating a country that honors all people and protects religious freedom. It honors members of the Armed Forces who serve our country and whose diverse beliefs enrich and strengthen the military community’s oath to defend and protect our country's Constitution.
While UU chaplains remain recognized, many Unitarian Universalists and Earth-centered service members will no longer be able to name their faith in their own personnel records. This threatens their access to spiritual care, end‑of‑life support, religious accommodation, and the pastoral presence they deserve. It risks leaving people without guidance in their most vulnerable moments.
A broad category cannot hold a person’s whole identity. Removing these designation codes risks further erasure and further harm.
We stand with the Unitarian Universalist Association, with all Earth-centered traditions, and with every faith removed from this list. Our religious community members in the military have served with the same devotion as any other American.
And we affirm, as Unitarian Universalist Pagans, wholeheartedly, the UUA’s words:
“No government action can erase our faith nor lessen the powerful and necessary grounding it provides for those who serve.”
In Service,
The Board of Directors,
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc.



https://cuups.org/CUUPS-Response-to-Defense-Department-Policy

06/05/2026

Here is a statement from the Unitarian Universalist Association regarding yesterday's news about the codes for members of the Armed Services. The CUUPS Board is working to get clear on the issues.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JUMbWtnL3/

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.

05/21/2026

Enjoy the CUUPS Spring 2026 Newsletter!

Email from Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans It's Time to Celebrate the 40th Birthday of CUUPS!   CUUPS Newsletter Spring 2026 It is time to celebrate the  40th Birthday of CUUPS at  Gene

05/01/2026

Love to sing? Come join Elizabeth Parker to learn new chants and songs at Convocation!

04/30/2026

Come hear from Eric Eldritch's work in the LGBTQ+ interfaith community at CUUPS Convocation!

04/28/2026

Welcome, Susan Foster, to the CUUPS Convocation to share about her new book!

04/26/2026

We look forward to hearing from Dennis Carpenter at Convocation in July!

04/26/2026

Found!!! CUUPS Member Eric Eldritch, Selena Fox and Dennis Carpenter at the American United for the Separation for Church and State Summit in Alexandria VA. Hear more at the CUUPS Convocation!

04/25/2026

Welcome, Om Prakash (Rev. Dr. John Gilmore) to CUUPS Convocation!