CLF Member Testimonials

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From a CLF prisoner in Texas
 . . . . It feels good to be able to relate with others who also think and feel similar.  As I may have mentioned before in my first letter, I am ‘lost’ if you will: spiritually, and/or religiously.  To be truthful, I’m confused and questioning of it all.  I’ve never fit in nor felt totally right in a couple of other ‘main’ religions; and maybe in society either, and it all goes hand in hand . . . . I was always led to believe there is only one way.  Knowing deep inside that there wasn’t, and that there was a better way.  I am still working and searching;  and feel freer, better, having accepted I am not a ‘lost’ soul, doomed to perish because I am looking for my true path.

From a CLF member in Connecticut
Virginia’s and my membership in CLF has added an important dimension to our religious life since joining.  We appreciate the guidance in your sermons, Jane; and feel supported, Lynn, by your constant, gentle peace witness . . . .  CLF fits our religious ways and our time needs in a special way.  I work a 6-day week and Virginia does the driving.  So on Sunday, we prefer to give her a day off of driving if we can.  Virginia gets her religion in bed.  At about 9:45 I dress and prepare the service.  Put on tea to boil.  Gather books and materials.  Think about it.  Come into the bedroom with the little white chair I sit on.  Sip tea and we have a service.  These days, I announce ‘welcome to this morning of the rustic Unitarians’ or ‘the rustic Unitarian Universalists.’  It’s pure joy.

From a CLF member in Michigan
Thank you for providing the thoughts that massage my heart and needle my soul.

From a CLF member in Pennsylvania
I get to be on the same team as Origen and The Rev. Olympia Brown among so many others!  (Religion as an instrument of hope, not fear!)  I can celebrate the winter solstice or other holidays and read the world’s sacred literature.  I love the freedom.  This is my chance to give back instead of taking.  CLF rocks!

From a CLF member in Massachusetts
We got the news today that my daughter Anne will need another orthopedic surgery by the end of the year.  I’m glad I have the folks on the CLF email list to share this concern with.  When I was attending a bricks and mortar UU church more regularly, I often wanted to get up and share my concerns, but I could never do it.  It was my own apprehension about speaking in front of a group that prevented it, not from any vibes I picked up from those gathered.  But through email, I feel comfortable expressing my concerns.  Thanks for the work you do!

From a CLF member in California
I am moving back and forth between two homes in Canada (Ontario) and Sacramento.  CLF will be the constant in my UU relationship.

From a CLF member in Kobe, Japan
The Courage to Be Liberal is just a wonderful course.  Another success for the CLF online classes offered.  Between taking the course on Humanism, this current class and others....I feel reborn and intensely proud to be part of the UU community.  Peace.

From a CLF member married to her local church minister
I think CLF is such a great way to provide an individual church to those of us in "mixed" relationships or who are otherwise "unchurched". In my case, I am a clergy spouse, and the local church's minister is my husband. Love him dearly and he is a GREAT minister, but it's nice to have a church of my own!

From a CLF member who is incarcerated
I have a strong desire to continue my quest for spiritual truth, and the meaning of life in fellowship with like-minded individuals.  I have questioned authority for as long as I can remember, and I just can't accept the authority claimed for holy books (Hebrew/Christian Bible, Q'uran, etc.) that believers say are "the inerrant and infallible word of God".   However, we humans are social creatures and we need the company of others as we find/make our way through this thing called life.  I think I may have finally found the company I need.  I signed the card and joined the CLF.

From a CLF member participating in the CLF’s letter writing ministry
"My correspondence with [my penpal] is going really well. It turns out we have quite a few things in common... He is very appreciative of our correspondence and I have been challenged in my perceptions of what someone in prison is like. Really, it's a great match and a great learning experience for me."

From a long-time CLF member
Since you’all in Boston are so far away from these Ozark hills, it is easy to forget our obligation to you and your Quest. I’m going to read the December issue poem “A Moment of Magic” (by Victoria Safford) at a retirement home tomorrow that is filled with “older” people.  I’m only 81, myself.

 The Church of the Larger Fellowship’s Mission Statement:

The Church of the Larger Fellowship's mission
is to provide a ministry to isolated religious liberals,
and to offer a spiritual home within the Unitarian Universalist movement.

Learn more about CLF at www.clfuu.org.

Last updated November 21, 2008