First Unitarian Society of Chicago, a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), a faith that draws upon spiritually pluralistic sources for seeking truth and spiritual growth, is a midsize urban, multicultural, Unitarian Universalist congregation. Members wish for a more vital spiritual life responsive to their diverse spiritualities. Thus, collaborating with lay leaders, we created a spiritual pluralism project, The One and the Many, a model for embracing spiritual pluralism in congregational life. The thesis proposes that small covenanted diverse spirituality groups will help meet participants’ needs for deepened spirituality while inter-group gatherings for sharing and dialogue will help build acceptance of diversity and sustain congregational unity. The project is grounded in a theology of embrace and inspired by Christine Pohl’s theology of hospitality, the UUA Commission on Appraisal’s report Engaging Our Theological Diversity, and guiding Unitarian Universalist principles. Religious Education theorist Maria Harris, Parker Palmer and UU small group ministry leader Robert Hill influenced the process and leadership of the small groups. Diana Eck and Sharon Welch’s ideas about pluralism and concerns about misappropriation helped shape the project. The One and the Many fosters radical hospitality while deepening spirituality and leads toward honest dialogue for the creation of a more pluralistic and welcoming liberal religious community of faith.
