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What is Unitarian-Universalism?
Asking this question is likely to generate many different responses. Some would call it a religion, some a spiritual home, some a social group. One thing we all have in common is the belief that individuals have the right to make up their own minds, and so the answer to this question lies in your own perception. To that end, we send you to the site of the Unitarian Universalist Association, to a wonderful primer entitled "We are Unitarian Universalists," by Marta Flanagan. This document will open in a new window.
Our UU Principles
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
- The rights of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and society at large
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
- Respect for the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part
What is FUSP?
The First Unitarian Society of Plainfield is New Jersey's oldest Unitarian-Universalist church, dating back to 1889. We are a diverse, active congregation that cares deeply about each other and about issues that affect our lives. We serve members and friends in over 45 communities. We welcome people of all religious backgrounds, cultures, races, ethnicities and sexual orientation. A detailed history of FUSP will be posted shortly.
Our Mission
The Mission of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield is to provide a spiritual home and a caring community for a richly diverse and welcoming congregation.
We strive to:
- Live our Unitarian Universalist principles;
- Open our hearts and doors to all;
- End racism in all its forms: individual, institutional, and cultural;
- Foster membership growth and individual development;
- Educate people of all ages about our values;
- And act on those values for the betterment of our communities.
Our Minister
Rev. Leonard was selected by the FUSP Search Committee to assume the spiritual leadership of the Society. He replaces the Rev. Kathie Davis Thomas of Wilmington, Delaware, who served as Interim Minister from 2001 to 2003.
As a Unitarian Universalist minister, David's primary method is to question theology and examine the perspectives of others. He feels that meaning emerges from understanding the journeys of others towards a theological and spiritual wholeness. His personal theology is a belief in process theology or naturalistic theism. David prefers a style of leadership that facilitates rather than acts in an assertive or forceful manner. UU congregations encompass a variety of viewpoints so achieving consensus is a worthy goal towards building a caring and loving community.
Rev. Leonard comes to Plainfield from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton, NY where he served as Interim Minister since 2002. Prior ministries include Smithton, PA, Lynchburg, VA and Youngstown, OH. David holds an AB degree in mathematics from Illinois Wesleyan and a BD in Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary. He is married to Linda Wiltz and they have two grown children and three grandchildren. David and Linda now reside in Plainfield.