This Sunday morning I sit in respect for the local UU congregation that makes space for
the CUUPS chapter I have joined. It seems only right that I grant a measure of respect to those
manifesting a space for my community to circle. I have done hours of reading about the UU church
and intellectually am in agreement with their ethics.
My Pagan identity is so strong that I wonder if this is the place for me, how can I engage
in this service that looks and feels so much like that which I rejected in my youth? As the service
starts a chalice is lit, and a song is referenced, I reach for the hymnal and am awash with memo-
ries of my youthful disconnect with divinity and meaning.
At this moment something happens, I focus on the words of the song and recognize the
earth-based theology at its core. As the congregation sings, my hardened heart softens, and I find
myself singing, the sense of divinity is palpable, I am confused, here among the trappings of orga-
nized religion I am connected to divinity.
As the service progresses, it is evident that the words spoken from the minister value diver-
sity, compassion and social justice. I am engaged, the sense that the Goddess is present is nearly
ecstatic, and my confusion deepens.
As the service ends and I enjoy coffee and snacks with the membership, I am warmly gree-
ted, informed of the many efforts the church is engaged in and made to feel welcome.
As I walk away, I have one of the moments that I so cherish in my life, insight into my pre-
conceptions about religious identity flow from my core self. The questions are profound. For how
many years have I excluded the worship practices of
others from my practice? Why has my engagement in
interfaith activities always centered on “working with”
people of other faiths instead of “worshiping with” those
that simply call divinity by another name?
After some services, I now feel part of this
church, something I thought I would never say. I cheri-
sh my Pagan circles, but I will no longer see exclusivity
of sacred space as a refuge but rather an artificial cons-
truct erected by my desire to establish a self-limiting
religious identity. Secretly in my heart, I consider the
entire congregation I have joined as “Secret Pagans”
embracing divinity with the same fervor and focus on
social justice, as do I. They simply have a different
vocabulary for celebrating all that I hold sacred.
Today I embrace both my Pagan identity and my mem-
bership in the UU church. It has always been my belief
that all paths lead to divinity, I was just never aware
how walking more than one path at a time can so clarify
the divine’s intention to hold all humanity as sacred.
Peter Dybing
22
Pagan Living Magazine Litha 2017