Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church, Los Angeles, USA, April 2024

Company Description

The Congregational roots go back to 1885, at a time when the land boom in Pasadena was transforming the village with its dusty roads and acres of oranges and vineyards. Early settlers had built a chapel on the south side of Colorado Street near Orange Grove Avenue, attended by both Presbyterians and Congregationalists.

Review & Rating

The denomination of this church, Unitarian Universalist, advocates for economic justice and gender equality. Neighborhood UU Church, however, rents space on its grounds to a pricey Catholic school which does not mention LGBTQ persons in its online anti-discrimination policy and teaches a traditional theology that does not permit full participation for girls and women. Ethical disconnect and hypocrisy. No one stepping onto the grounds of a Unitarian Universalist church or fellowship should experience discrimination, actual or potential. Another meaning of the words "Sacred Ground".

Perhaps it would be more welcoming if they posted their worship times on their website, so new people would know when to come.

In reply to John Townsend's criticism above, I should mention that many members have pointed out that same conflict. Good news! Sequoia School, a self-described "progressive" school, has leased the same space that the Catholic school formerly occupied. St. Monica's has moved on, and I wish them well.

BEST non-sectarian, non-dogmatic, creed-free (that won't nickle-and-dime-suck-your-pockets-dry) church in L.A. County. If you don't believe in anything, or if you believe in something, but don't know what that something is, or if you're an open-minded Buddhist, Muslim, Hindi, Christian or Jew, and you care mostly about accepting ALL people, and being the best person that you can possibly be, while you live this life, THIS is the church for you.

While some criticisms are fair (John's about the former school, for example), I'm surprised to see 1 and 2 star reviews about this church. The grounds, programs, members, and leadership are outstanding. I get happy just going there.