Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fayetteville, NC

06/15/2026

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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.

06/15/2026

UUCF is excited to announce Common Ground Conversations, a new weekly adult discussion group beginning Tuesday, June 23.

Common Ground Conversations is open to adults throughout the Fayetteville community. Each gathering will center on a different topic and create space for thoughtful conversation, curiosity, active listening, and connection.

This group is an invitation to practice a different way of engaging. Instead of speaking only to persuade, we can speak to be understood — and listen to understand. We believe this is the best way to create an open, caring community. Share our ideas and let’s learn some new ideas.

Topics may include community, technology, trust, spirituality, climate, loneliness, happiness, and what makes a meaningful life.

Weekly Meetings Begin: Tuesday, June 23, 6:30–8:30 PM
Who: Adults 18+
Where: 213 Randolph Ave., Fayetteville, NC
Facilitators: Kimberly P. and Rebecca O.

Learn more: https://members.uucfay.org/commonground
Questions? Contact [email protected].

Common Ground Conversations is a UUCF discussion group for adults to gather for meaningful conversation on Tuesday evenings.

06/13/2026

I am moved and so grateful for the courageous public witness of Unitarian Universalists and many others jointly organizing the resistance around Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ, a private for profit immigrant detention center where those detained have been on strike since May 22 to protest their inhumane and unjust conditions.

The Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister of the UU Congregation at Montclair, NJ shared with UU World, “We are watching GEO Group perpetuate incredible harm, not only on the people who are inside but [also] on the protesters outside.” Jill Beckman-Gaynes, co-lead of the Montclair UU congregation’s Immigration Action Team, affirms that her Unitarian Universalist values call her to do what she can to support the resistance at Delaney Hall:

“My faith calls me to walk toward the fires,” she said. “I can’t not be involved. Hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, this awful chapter of our history will be over. I want to be able to show my grandchildren that I tried my best to do something about it.”

I send my gratitude, love, and care to all who are witnessing for justice for our neighbors and their families in this heartbreaking time. Read the full story from UU World at the link in the comments below.

06/13/2026

Justice, Conscience, and Juneteenth

This Sunday’s service explores the concept of jury nullification and the role of conscience within the justice system.

In connection with Juneteenth, we’ll reflect on the history of justice, freedom, and the ongoing work of equity in our society.

Children are welcome, and Religious Exploration (RE) will be offered during the service.

🕚 Sunday – 11:00 AM
📍 UUCF – 213 Randolph Ave, Fayetteville

Visitors are always welcome.

06/11/2026

It is easy to say we value community. It is harder to share power within one.

Democratic congregational life asks people to do more than observe from the sidelines. It asks them to participate: to show up, ask questions, listen carefully, serve others, and help shape the future of the community together.

For many Unitarian Universalists, this shared responsibility is not just organizational structure. It is part of what makes congregational life meaningful.

06/09/2026

Not every meaningful conversation ends in agreement.

Sometimes the most important thing is simply discovering that another human being’s story is more complicated than we first imagined.

Communities grow stronger when people can ask difficult questions, speak honestly, listen deeply, and remain open to being changed by what they hear.

What conversation has challenged or changed you over time?

06/08/2026

Update: Since our original post, the organizing group has shared that, in light of concerns about a separate protest this past weekend, it will no longer participate in the rally portion of tonight’s event. UUCF still believes meaningful public input matters, and we encourage anyone attending tonight’s City Council meeting to make their voices heard safely, respectfully, and in a spirit of care for the wider community.

EDIT: In light of recent revelations related to an incident that occurred on Saturday at a Councilmember's place of work, Fayetteville Freedom For All has decided to pull out of the Data Center rally this evening. We still intend to pack the City Council meeting in anticipation of tonight's vote, but we will not participate in the rally itself.

Our organization prides itself on engaging elected officials and organizing the community around issues they care about in a healthy, productive, and democratic matter. We were not involved in the planning or promoting of the protest that occurred on Saturday that was organized by another individual / group that are also opposing changes to the UDO. We do not condone what’s being described as political bullying and we've decided to pull out of this rally in order to protect the integrity and reputation of our work.

We still encourage the public to contact their elected officials about these proposed changes and to attend the City Council Meeting tonight at 6:30 PM.
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This Monday, June 8, the Fayetteville City Council will vote on holding a public hearing for new changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These changes would allow hyperscale Al data centers to be developed in Fayetteville "by right" in industrial zones.

In April the SELC Southern Environmental Law Center wrote a letter to City Council emphasizing the importance of passing a moratorium first and UDO amendments second, especially given North Carolina’s limits on down-zoning, which can constrain the City’s ability to strengthen standards later. The moratorium protects the community from data center developers while they gather public input, study impacts, and develop comprehensive regulations. The City has yet to give residents an official avenue to voice their opinions on data centers. One has to wonder why the City is rushing to pass these UDO changes when the County is expected to pass a moratorium? Our leaders should be on the same accord. Due to NC law, passing these UDO changes now will effectively kill any chance for a City moratorium.

We must mobilize to pressure the council to vote NO on fast-tracking this pro-data center ordinance!

Join us for a rally before, and then pack the meeting to say: NO TO THE UDO! NO TO DATA CENTERS IN FAYETTEVILLE! MORATORIUM NOW!

Monday, June 8th
📣Rally at 5:30 PM | City Council Meeting at 6:30 PM
📍City Hall, 433 Hay St

06/08/2026

This is happening tonight, and we encourage Fayetteville residents to attend, listen, and make their voices heard. As a community committed to listening, care, and the common good, we believe major decisions about hyperscale AI data centers should include meaningful public input from the people who are affected the most.

EDIT: In light of recent revelations related to an incident that occurred on Saturday at a Councilmember's place of work, Fayetteville Freedom For All has decided to pull out of the Data Center rally this evening. We still intend to pack the City Council meeting in anticipation of tonight's vote, but we will not participate in the rally itself.

Our organization prides itself on engaging elected officials and organizing the community around issues they care about in a healthy, productive, and democratic matter. We were not involved in the planning or promoting of the protest that occurred on Saturday that was organized by another individual / group that are also opposing changes to the UDO. We do not condone what’s being described as political bullying and we've decided to pull out of this rally in order to protect the integrity and reputation of our work.

We still encourage the public to contact their elected officials about these proposed changes and to attend the City Council Meeting tonight at 6:30 PM.
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This Monday, June 8, the Fayetteville City Council will vote on holding a public hearing for new changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These changes would allow hyperscale Al data centers to be developed in Fayetteville "by right" in industrial zones.

In April the SELC Southern Environmental Law Center wrote a letter to City Council emphasizing the importance of passing a moratorium first and UDO amendments second, especially given North Carolina’s limits on down-zoning, which can constrain the City’s ability to strengthen standards later. The moratorium protects the community from data center developers while they gather public input, study impacts, and develop comprehensive regulations. The City has yet to give residents an official avenue to voice their opinions on data centers. One has to wonder why the City is rushing to pass these UDO changes when the County is expected to pass a moratorium? Our leaders should be on the same accord. Due to NC law, passing these UDO changes now will effectively kill any chance for a City moratorium.

We must mobilize to pressure the council to vote NO on fast-tracking this pro-data center ordinance!

Join us for a rally before, and then pack the meeting to say: NO TO THE UDO! NO TO DATA CENTERS IN FAYETTEVILLE! MORATORIUM NOW!

Monday, June 8th
📣Rally at 5:30 PM | City Council Meeting at 6:30 PM
📍City Hall, 433 Hay St

06/06/2026

Flourishing Together

This Sunday we begin our June theme, Flourishing Together.

The service will explore what it means for individuals and communities to grow and thrive, and how care, connection, and shared purpose help communities flourish.

Children are welcome, and Religious Exploration (RE) will be offered during the service.

🕚 Sunday – 11:15 AM
📍 213 Randolph Ave, Fayetteville

Visitors are warmly welcome.

06/06/2026

This week, many people learned that the Department of Defense has significantly reduced its list of recognized religious affiliations, removing more than 180 traditions, including Unitarian Universalism.

For some, this may sound like an administrative change. But religious identity is not only a category on a form. It can be connected to conscience, belonging, family, service, grief, hope, and the basic human need to be seen and understood.

As a congregation in Fayetteville, we have been blessed by the presence of many service members, veterans, and military families throughout our history. Some have made this community their long-term home. Others have been part of our congregation for only a few years before receiving new orders and continuing their journey elsewhere. Each has helped shape UUCF, enriching our community with their experiences, perspectives, friendships, and acts of service.

Their presence reminds us why recognition matters. Being seen matters. Having space for diverse beliefs and spiritual paths matters.

At UUCF, we remain committed to the values of pluralism and religious freedom. We believe communities are stronger when people of many faiths, philosophies, and life experiences are welcomed and respected. We are grateful for all those who have found a spiritual home here, whether they joined us for a chapter of their journey or made Fayetteville their long-term home, and we remain committed to creating a community where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and care.