The following is a submitted paid advertorial by St. Patrick Orthodox Mission:
In a region known for its deep religious roots, a new kind of spiritual community has quietly taken root and begun to flourish. The West Georgia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, based in Carrollton, has officially launched — and they’re bringing with them a message of inclusivity, open spiritual exploration, and, above all, love.
This isn’t your traditional church, and that’s exactly the point.
The story of this congregation began the way many modern connections do — with a Facebook post. Back in 2017 a local resident asked if there was interest in forming a more liberal spiritual community in the area. While the original poster didn’t stick around, the seeds were planted.
“We started as a small book club,” says L.J., one of the founding members. “Eventually, we read A Chosen Faith, which really helped us realize that Unitarian Universalism (UU) was the direction we wanted to take.”
That book — a widely respected introduction to UU principles — became a turning point. The group’s gatherings, initially held at local libraries and arts centers, started to solidify into something more.
By 2021 they officially incorporated as a congregation and began meeting regularly at Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Carrollton.
So what exactly is Unitarian Universalism? In short, it’s a religion without a set doctrine. Instead of requiring belief in specific theological ideas, UU congregations encourage individuals to follow their own spiritual paths and commit to do their best to follow certain values.
Members may identify as Christian, Buddhist, Pagan, atheist, Jewish, or none of them — and all are welcome.
“The phrase we use is ‘Love is at the center,’” says Brad, another founding member. “It’s about creating a space where everyone’s beliefs are respected, and where community is built around shared values rather than shared dogma.”
Values like justice, compassion, pluralism, and personal integrity serve as the foundation of the church’s teachings and community life.
For newcomers — especially those seeking something different from more traditional or what they see as strict religious upbringings — the West Georgia UU Congregation offers a breath of fresh air.
“If someone is coming from a conservative or evangelical background and looking for something different, I’d say, ‘Come visit us,’” elaborates Sue, who moved from Connecticut after 30 years in a UU church up north. “There’s no judgment. You’ll find warmth, openness, and people who are genuinely curious about your story.”
In fact, that diversity of background is one of the congregation’s greatest strengths. Members include lifelong UUs, former Baptists, agnostics, Pagans, Christians, Buddhists, and more — all exploring their faith in community.
And within that spirit of diversity, the congregation embraces another crucial idea: We’re All Different: Embracing Neurodiversity to Build a More Equitable Society. Interestingly enough this was also the title of a recent message, which is just one example of how they are embracing diversity.
This message shows how much their commitment to inclusiveness goes beyond religion and into the heart of human experience — recognizing that the spiritual community must make room for all minds, all ways of being.
The congregation meets on the first and third Sundays of each month at 5:00 P.M., gathering in the Parish Hall of Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Services include music, spiritual reflections, and messages tied to core UU values. There’s also a moment of meditation or reflection — sometimes silent, sometimes guided — that provides a grounding pause in the service.
In addition to Sunday gatherings, the congregation offers a variety of opportunities for deeper connection and spiritual growth. These events include Religious Exploration (RE) classes for adults, held on the fourth Sunday of each month; Chalice Circles, which are small group ministries that meet twice a month for meaningful discussion; and Moon Circles, along with other spiritual gatherings hosted by members throughout the year.
As part of their commitment to justice and community service, the church is actively involved in local efforts such as Impact West Georgia, Empty Bowls, Circles of West Georgia, Carrollton Pride, and the MLK Jr. Parade.
“There’s a strong focus on community engagement,” says Terri. “We’re not just meeting in a room and talking. We’re out there supporting local nonprofits, showing up for marginalized groups, and living out our values.”
This year marked a major milestone for the congregation: they were officially accepted into the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) — becoming the first new member congregation in over five years.
“That’s huge for us,” says Brad. “It means we’ve reached a level of stability and organization that the national association recognizes. And we did it right here in West Georgia.”
While the group is still renting space for now, members hope to one day have a building of their own. But whether they’re meeting in a church hall, a library, or a living room, the heart of the congregation remains the same.
As one member put it, “This is a place where people can breathe. Where you don’t have to leave part of yourself at the door.”
And in today’s divided world, that kind of sacred space feels more needed than ever.
You can learn more by visiting their website or following them on Facebook at West Georgia Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Weekly newsletters, service updates, and upcoming events are all posted there.
