The State of the Association
June 2026
Statement from the Unitarian Universalist Association
Regarding Military Chaplains and Service Members”
June 5, 2026
“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.”
“For more information contact pr@uua.org.”
See “UUA Voices Support for Unitarian Universalists in Uniform After Military Policy Change” UUWorld June 5, 2026
April 2026
This 39-minute video from President Sofía Betancourt offers an unprecedented view into programs and planning happening at the UUA, with an invitation into deeper partnership. The message is a reflection on this moment in the faith, the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead, and what it means to hold the heart of Unitarian Universalism today.
UU World magazine brings the full written text of Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt’s State of the Association message together with the full video content to mark the the midpoint of her six-year presidency. We hope it can serve as a resource to congregations and leaders in their own planning for programs and ministry.
The UUA’s In Good Faith blog offers a summary of the key highlights of the full State of the Association message. This format is a simple way to share the essential points widely so all congregation and community members can be part of the ongoing conversation about the future of our faith.