Searching for an Unchurchy Church (Birmingham, Valley: living, moving to, activity)

[ineedaperch]

As a long time agnostic I've learned to let religious talk float in one ear and out the other.
Now for various reason which are more social than spiritual, I need to find a church to
at least visit sometimes. What would be some of the most liberal, relaxed churches where
the focus is more - or at least a little more - on community....maybe a church were social
action is a major activity? A diverse congregation would be good too...
Thanks

[harry chickpea]

The obvious choice is Unitarian Universalist. The one in Birmingham is off Valley Road. Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham Some UU churches are heavier into community action than others.

The second most liberal is probably Unity, on Highland Ave. https://www.unitybham.org/

Another possibility that might be a better fit would be to find a Buddhist dharma group, especially if you ever plan on moving to the west coast. Buddhists sidestep the top down G*d view. There are some audio Alan Watts lectures on Youtube if you want to learn a little more.

[ineedaperch]

I was thinking UU is probably my best option. Do you know much about the local congregation. UUs are all so different.

And yea, the Buddhist thing - I lived on the west coast for a while and that's about the only thing I miss from my days out there. There are a few groups here but unfortunately, I'm not free when they usually meet. I need a Sunday morning thing. And I need something that promotes interaction. Even though I enjoyed the Buddhist community, I'm not really looking for spiritual info now...I just need to get outside of my litle world.

And thanks for the Youtube suggestion - I know they have tons of Buddhist stuff - I just forget.

[sheena12]

Here is a link to the Unitarian fellowship in B'ham. Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham

A friend of mine attended there years ago. She enjoyed it.

[harry chickpea]

I'd say that the B'ham UU is probably middle of the road as far as activism in the congregations go. A stepdaughter attends, but doesn't discuss it particularly.

[Xia Chen]

The unitarian group bunch of socialists and leftists
some communist too

[elston]

Originally Posted by Xia Chen

The unitarian group bunch of socialists and leftists
some communist too

and as Jerry Sienfeld would say........"Not that there's anything wrong with that."

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by elston

and as Jerry Sienfeld would say........"Not that there's anything wrong with that."

It doesn't usually come up during the service.

I really liked Unity when I went there. The people came from all sorts of backgrounds and everybody was accepted.

OP, I hope you find a perch.

[Mississippi Alabama Line]

Strange question, but eh. I guess I'd rather you be in an unchurchy church than none at all.

Google about the openly lesbian preacher that has a church in downtown somewhere. You might like that one.

[toosie]

OP, here's a link to a local story about the pastor another poster mentioned. Protesters picket new Avondale pastor: here's her response | AL.com

Reading the article, it does seem that she's seeking diversity. Some of the quotes show her concern about the local community, poverty, incarceration - as well as global issues like refugees and global warming. IMO, the church itself still seems pretty churchy to me - and not necessarily liberal or relaxed. Nor does the article mention social action - only social concerns. You might have a different take on it.