Arizona

The state hosts the following major league teams (called the Cactus league) for spring training:. LRY had drifted away from the Unitarian Universalist Association, and had severe internal problems that led to its collapse. Arizona is a popular location for Major League Baseball spring training. Common Ground was called after the collapse of LRY (Liberal Religious Youth), the youth organization that preceded YRUU. For a complete list, see List of people from Arizona.. It was created in 1981 and 1982, at two conferences, Common Ground 1 & 2. Labor leader Cesar Estrada Chavez is from Yuma. YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) is the youth organization that exists inside the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Film director Steven Spielberg grew up in Scottsdale, as did Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter. A comprehensive discussion of Unitarian Universalism can be found in the book Challenge of a Liberal Faith by George N. Marshall (ISBN 0933840314). From the rock and roll world, both Alice Cooper and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac are from Phoenix; Linda Ronstadt is from Tucson. These are often termed "seventh principle" activities because of the seventh principle quoted above. Famous Arizonans also include Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, author Zane Grey, former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Presidential candidate (1964) and former Senator Barry Goldwater, Presidential candidate (2000) and Senior Republican Senator John McCain, former senator Carl Hayden and former Solicitor General Rex E. Lee . Many congregations are heavily involved in projects and efforts aimed at supporting environmental causes and sustainability.
. Gays and lesbians are regularly ordained as UU ministers, and services are performed recognizing committed same-sex relationships.

Ranked by per capita income. Many UU congregations have undertaken a series of organizational and practical steps to be acknowledged as a "Welcoming Congregation", a congregation which has taken specific steps to welcome and integrate gay and lesbian members. Each city named in bold has a population greater than 100,000. Politically conservative Unitarian Universalists point out that neither religious liberalism nor the Principles and Purposes of the UUA require liberal politics. See: List of cities in Arizona, List of cities in Arizona (by population), List of Arizona counties. But the principles of compassion, respect, justice, and diversity are the foundation of all UU politics. There is also a significant Mormon population. Like the beliefs of Unitarian Universalists, their politics are decided by individuals.

Four in five Arizonans are self-described Christians, with large numbers of both Catholics and Protestants living in the state. This is not to say that the politics of UUs are uniform. See also the list of Arizona Natives.. Others work to end homelessness, racism, domestic violence, homophobia, sexual assault, and HIV/AIDS. 49.9% of the population is male, 50.1% is female. Some work for causes such as environmental protection, peace, feminism, gun control, free speech, safe and legal abortion, and animal rights. As of 2000, 74.1% of Arizona residents age 5 and older speak English at home and 19.5% speak Spanish. Navajo is the third most spoken language at 1.9%, followed by Other Native North American languages at 0.6% and German at 0.5%. Most Unitarian Universalists oppose the death penalty and many are active in political movements to end it in the US.

In 2003, for the first time, there were more Hispanic births in the state than white non-Hispanic births. William Sinkford, is African-American, making Unitarian Universalism the first traditionally white religion to be headed by a member of an ethnic minority. Arizona is likely to become a minority-majority state by the year 2035 at the latest. The current head of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Rev. Only California has more Indians than Arizona, and Arizona has slightly more Indians than Oklahoma [1] (http://eire.census.gov/popest/data/states/ST-EST2002-ASRO-03.php). The Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights are best known as Bloody Sunday, although technically that refers only to September 7, the most violent day of the three. 286,680 reportedly live in Arizona, this represents more than 10% of the country's total Indian population of 2,752,158. Reeb and approximately 20% of UU ministers marched with Martin Luther King in the three marches from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery.

According to 2003 Census esimates, Arizona has the second highest number of Native Americans of any state in the Union. Two weeks after his death, Viola Fauver Gregg Liuzzo, a Unitarian Universalist civil rights activist, was murdered by white supremacists after her participation in the protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The racial breakdown of the state is as follows:. and a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was clubbed in Selma, Alabama on March 8, 1965, and died two days later of massive head trauma. As of 2003, Arizona had a population of 5,580,811 according Census Bureau estimates. Reeb, a minister at All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, D.C. High-tech employment was led by software and computers, with 34,314; electronics components manufacturing, 30,358; aerospace manufacturing, 25,641; architectural and engineering services, 21,378; telecommunications, 21,224; and instruments manufacturing, 13,056. James J.

High-tech payroll in 2001 was $2.2 billion, or 14.7 percent of the private-sector total. UUs were and are still very involved in the fight to end racism in the US. In 2001, 161,166 Arizonans were employed in the high-tech sector, accounting for about 8.3 percent of total private-sector employment of more than 1.9 million. It is therefore common to see Unitarian Universalists and Quakers working together. Arizona lost much of its advantage as a high-technology industry leader between 1990 and 2001, according to a state Department of Commerce (http://www.commerce.state.az.us/) report. Unitarian Universalists and Quakers still share certain principles, notably that they are creedless religions with a long-standing commitment to social justice. The state government is the state's largest employer, while Wal-Mart is the state's largest private employer, with 17,343 employees in 2003. Anthony was a Unitarian and Quaker, and was extremely influential in the women's suffrage movement.

Copper is still produced in abundance from many giant open-pit mines and underground mines. Susan B. At one point Arizona was the largest producer of cotton in the country. In the nineteenth century, Unitarians and Universalists were active in abolitionism, the women's movement, and other liberal social reform movements. Its per capita income was $27,232, 39^th in the United States. Early in its history, Arizona's economy relied on the "five C's": copper, cotton, cattle, citrus and climate (i.e., tourism). Unitarian Universalists have often been active in liberal political activism, notably the civil rights movement, the gay rights movement, the social justice movement, and the feminist movement. The 2003 total gross state product was $182 billion. Another common covenant is as follows:.

It is rare for tornadoes to occur in Arizona. Paul Beedle, former minister of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside (http://www.uuchurchofriverside.org), discusses the foundations of the faith, quoting a common Unitarian Universalist affirmation:. The monsoons bring lightning, thunderstorms, wind and torrentious, if usually brief, evening downpours. In his sermon Rev. Monsoon season in Arizona is from the end of July through August. While the circumstances of this service were not ordinary, it is an excellent example of a Unitarian Universalist service in many ways. Extreme cold temperatures are not unknown, cold air systems from the northern states and Canada occasionally push into the state bringing temperatures below -20C ( subzero Fahrenheit) temperatures in the higher parts of the state. One UU service that was held the week after the September 11 attack is posted online (http://members.aol.com/revpaulbeedle/20010916.html).

However, the northern third of Arizona is a plateau at signficantly higher altitudes than the lower desert, and has an appreciably cooler climate, with cold winters and mild summers. But there are also UU congregations which have liked the term fellowship and retained it even though they have grown much larger. Due to the primarily dry climate, large temperature swings often occur between day and night temperatures, with temperature swings as large as 10 C (50 F) in the summer months. These congregations tend to be younger and smaller than other UU societies and may favor less traditional service forms. The summer months of May through August bring a dry, heat ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius (the high 90-100s), with occasional high temperatures exceeding 50C (125 F) have been observed in the desert area. Some congregations are explicitly known not as churches but as fellowships. About midway through February, the temperatures start to rise again with sunny warm days, and cool breezy nights. Music is not limited to traditional hymns, but often includes instrumental music or singing songs from other traditions.

November through February are the coldest months with temperatures typically ranging from 4 - 24 degrees Celsius (40-75 degrees Fahrenheit), although occasional frosts are not uncommon. Teenagers often participate in "Coming of Age," a program in which they explore their own personal beliefs and spirituality. Typically, from late fall to early spring, the weather is mild, averaging a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit). Other rituals replace these traditions, including Water Communion, Flower Communion, and dedications of children and babies. In the lower elevations, the climate is primarily desert, with mild winters and hot summers. However, most UU churches do not perform the traditional Christian rites, such as baptism, or communion or confirmation, though many that continue these practices are also members of the Council of Christian Churches within the Unitarian Universalist Association (CXCUUA). Due to its large area and variations in elevation, the state has a wide variety of climates. There is usually a structured service that includes the singing of hymns and a sermon by the minister of the congregation.

Several major Hollywood films, such as U-Turn, Waiting to Exhale, and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure have been made there (as indeed have many Westerns). Religious services are usually held on Sundays and often resemble, to a certain extent, the form and format of Protestant worship. Many tourist souvenirs produced in Arizona or by its residents display immediately characteristic images, such as sunsets, coyotes, and desert plants. Other symbols include a slightly off center cross within a circle (a Universalist symbol associated with the Humiliati movement in the mid twentieth century) and a pair of open hands releasing a dove. Sedona and Tubac are known as budding artist colonies, and small arts scenes exist in the larger cities and near the state universities. The most common symbol of Unitarian Universalism is the flaming chalice, often framed by two overlapping rings that represent Unitarianism and Universalism. The state is a recognized center of Native American art, with a number of galleries such as the Heard Museum showcasing historical and contemporary works. Some churches might be difficult to distinguish from a liberal Protestant church, while others might not seem like a church at all to members of more traditional faiths.

Arizona has witnessed a continuous string of dancing and performing groups of many ethnicities. As in theology, Unitarian Universalist worship and ritual are often a combination of elements derived from other faith traditions alongside original practices and symbols. Nearly 2 billion years of the Earth's history has been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut through layer after layer of sediment as the Colorado Plateaus have uplifted. At first the new organization called themselves the "American Unitarian Association", but since the UUA is the owner of that name, they eventually agreed to call themselves the "American Unitarian Conference.". The canyon, created by the Colorado River cutting a channel over millions of years, is about 277 mile (446 km) long, ranges in width from 6 to 29 kilometers (4 to 18 miles) and attains a depth of more than 1,6 km (1 mile). In 2000, a few Unitarian Universalists founded the American Unitarian Conference (AUC) for the purpose of promoting classical Unitarianism. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of the Grand Canyon area, visiting on numerous occasions to hunt mountain lion and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In 1995 the UUA helped establish the International_Council_of_Unitarians_and_Universalists (ICUU).

The canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is largely contained in the Grand Canyon National Park - one of the first national parks in the United States. In 2002, the CUC split off from the UUA. The Grand Canyon is a colorful, steep-sided gorge, carved by the Colorado River, in northern Arizona. In the same year, the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) formed and became an arm of the UUA to service the needs and interest of Canadian Unitarian Universalists. The Mogollon Rim, a 600-meters (2000-foot) escarpment, cuts across the central section of the state and marks the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, where the state experienced its worst forest fire ever in 2002. In 1961, the American Unitarian Association (AUA) merged with the Universalist Church of America (UCA), thus forming the Unitarian Universalist Association. More than half of the state features mountains and plateaus and contains the largest stand of Ponderosa pine in the United States. Both Unitarianism and Universalism evolved over time into inclusive, tolerant religions, without strict dogmas.

Like other states of the Southwest, Arizona has an abundance of topographical characteristics in addition to its desert climes. One observation made years ago about Unitarianism and Universalism, long before their merger, was that (paraphrase) "Universalists believe that God is too good to condemn man, while Unitarians believe that man is too good to be condemned by God.". Arizona gained two seats in the House of Representatives due to redistricting based on Census 2000. These two religious bodies always had a great deal of commonality and communication between them; they were often associated in the public eye. Hayworth (R-5), Jeff Flake (R-6), Raul Grijalva (D-7), and Jim Kolbe (R-8). In 1793, Universalism emerged as a particular denomination in the United States, eventually called the Universalist Church in America. Arizona's representatives in the United States House of Representatives are Rick Renzi (R-1), Trent Franks (R-2), John Shadegg (R-3), Ed Pastor (D-4), J.D. It denied the doctrine of eternal damnation; instead, it proclaimed that a loving God would redeem all souls.

The two Arizona US Senators are Senator John McCain (Republican) and Senator Jon Kyl (Republican). Universalism was another Christian heresy with a long history. She has been governor since 2003. See:List of Arizona Governors. In the 19th century, under the influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson (who had been a Unitarian minister) and the other Transcendentalists, Unitarianism began its long journey from liberal Protestantism to its present syncretic form. The current Governor of Arizona is Janet Napolitano, a Democrat. In the aftermath of their various historical circumstances, some of these churches became member congregations of the Congregationalist United Church of Christ organization, others became part of the UUA and its predecessor organizations, while a few continue to remain part of both organizations and are explicitly Christian UUA Churches. The governor may serve any number of terms, though no more than two in a row. After the schism, some of those churches remained Congregationalist, while others voted to become Unitarian.

Arizona's executive branch is headed by a governor elected for a four-year term. The dispute culminated in the foundation of the American Unitarian Association as a separate denomination in 1825. However, no more than four terms may be served consecutively. As conflict grew between Unitarian and Trinitarian factions, Unitarians gained a key faculty position at Harvard in 1805. Arizona state senators and representatives are elected for two year terms and there are no terms limits. Beginning in the late 18th century, a Unitarian movement began within some of these churches. The executive budget has allocated money to previously passed legislation. After the American Revolution, they became independent and organized as individual churches, electing their own ministers.

Besides the money spent on state agencies, money has also been allocated for tax cuts, pay raises for government employees, and health insurance for government employees. In the United States, the Unitarian movement began primarily in the Congregationalist parish churches of New England. These churches, which are still seen today in nearly every New England town square, trace their roots to the division of the Puritan colonies into parishes for the administration of their religious needs. The 2002 budget of the Arizona state legislature was $14.3 billion, while the executive budget was $13.8 billion. Michael Servetus, a Spanish proto-Unitarian, was burned at the stake in Geneva, in 1553, on the orders of John Calvin. The majority party is the Republican party, which has held power since 1950. Unitarian churches were formally established in Transylvania and Poland (the Socinians) in the sixteenth century. Arizona's legislature consists of a thirty-member Senate and a 60-member House of Representatives. Unitarianism was rejected by orthodox Christianity at the First Council of Nicaea in 325, but it resurfaced subsequently in church history.

See: List of Congressmen. The term may refer to any belief about the nature of Jesus that affirms God as a singular entity and rejects the doctrine of the Trinity. Arizona was admitted into the Union on February 14, 1912. Traditionally, Unitarianism was a heretical doctrine emerging out of Christianity. The site was purchased after the war by the Maytag family, and is currently the Phoenix Zoo. Here are three of the speeches submitted:. Arizona was also the site of a German and Italian prisoner of war camp during WWII. These are short speeches that could be made in the course of an elevator ride.

With the encouragement of Brigham Young, Mormons went to Arizona from Utah in the mid to late 1800s to the Phoenix Valley (or "Valley of the Sun"), Mesa, Tempe, Prescott, Snowflake, Heber, and many other Arizona towns to settle there. Recently, the UU World magazine asked for contributions of "elevator speeches" explaining UUism. Arizona was administered as part of the Territory of New Mexico until it was organized into a separate territory on February 24, 1863. The Unitarian Universalist attitude toward the Christian Bible and other sacred works is given in "Our Unitarian Universalist Faith: Frequently Asked Questions". In 1853 the land below the Gila River was acquired from Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase. Within weeks, Strayhorn reversed her decision. The United States took possession of most of Arizona at the end of the Mexican War in 1848. In May 2004, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn ruled that Unitarian Universalism was not a religion because it "does not have one system of belief," and stripped the Red River Unitarian Universalist Church in Denison, Texas of its tax-exempt status.

All of what is now Arizona became part of Mexico's northwest frontier upon the Mexican assertion of independence from Spain in 1810. The lack of creed or dogma has been a cause for ridicule among some who argue that Unitarian Universalism is thus without religious content. Father Kino developed a chain of missions and taught the Indians Christianity in Pimería Alta (now southern Arizona and northern Sonora) in the 1690's and early 1700's. Spain founded fortified towns (presidios) at Tubac in 1752 and Tucson in 1775. This principle is often referred to as the "seventh principle.". Coronado's expedition entered the area in 1540–42 during its search for Cibola. Most recently, the last principle (adopted in 1985), "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part" and the last source (adopted in 1995), "Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature" were added to explicitly include members with Neopagan, Native American and other Nature-centered spiritualities. Beyond its original native inhabitants, Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan, explored the area in 1539. Unitarian Universalism is often referred to by its adherents as a living tradition, and the principles and purposes have been modified over time to reflect changes in spiritual beliefs among the membership.

USS Arizona was named in honor of this state. Official permission was granted by the UUA to include them here:. Three possible derivations are:. The modern form of these was adopted in 1984 and is presented here, as published in church literature and on the UUA website (http://www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html/reg.html). Historians disagree about the origin of the name "Arizona" and its attachment to the region. Although they do not have an official creed or dogma, Unitarian Universalist congregations operate from a set of base Principles and Purposes. Besides the Grand Canyon, a number of other National Forests, Parks, Monuments, and Indian reservations are located in the state. RE classes may deal with moral values and the problems of growing up, as well as exploring the teachings and traditions of other religions.

Its major cities are Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff. Children who are brought up in the UU faith often, though not necessarily, attend Sunday religious education (RE) classes, which are somewhat akin to Sunday School in Protestant churches. It is also the name of a US Battleship, the USS Arizona. Parents who do not subscribe to a particular dogma but who want to give their children some kind of religious background are also drawn to the UU faith. It is one of the Four Corners states, south and east of the Colorado River, bordering New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California and Mexico, and touching Colorado. Often parents choose to bring up their children in the UU faith as a compromise if the mother and father come from different religious backgrounds. Arizona was the 48th state admitted to the United States and is part of the Southwest United States. Unitarian Universalism often draws on adult "refugees" from other faiths.

Texas Rangers in Surprise. People join the UU faith for a variety of reasons. Seattle Mariners in Peoria. While some people are raised in the UU faith, a greater number of members have come from other religious backgrounds. San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale. One UU minister, the Reverend James Ford, has even been acknowledged as a Zen master. San Diego Padres in Peoria. Many UU congregations have study groups which study the doctrines and spiritual practices of Neopaganism, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and other faith traditions.

Oakland Athletics in Phoenix. This vast diversity of views is considered a strength by the UU faith, since its emphasis is on the common search for meaning among its members rather than adherence to any particular doctrine. Milwaukee Brewers in Phoenix. A large portion of its members consider themselves humanists, and many may hold Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, pagan, atheist, agnostic, pantheist, or other beliefs, or may not choose a particular theological label. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Tempe. Unitarian Universalist churches welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people as well as the disabled, and the church does not discriminate on the basis of skin color, national origin, or ethnicity. Kansas City Royals in Surprise. A major difference between Unitarian Universalism and other major religions is a strong emphasis on tolerance and acceptance.

Colorado Rockies in Tucson. It is a syncretic religion, which respects all the major religious traditions, and religious services often draw from the various world faiths. Chicago White Sox in Tucson. Unitarian Universalism is a creedless religion. Chicago Cubs in Mesa. Unitarian Universalist churches worldwide are represented in the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU). Arizona Diamondbacks in Tucson. The UUSC works to promote social justice and human rights around the world.

Phoenix Suns (National Basketball Association). The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is a related nonsectarian organization which started out of an effort to smuggle Jews and other targeted groups out of Nazi Germany. Phoenix Mercury (Women's National Basketball Association). Unitarian Universalism has its origin, and most of its adherents, in the United States, where its largest organization is the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Phoenix Coyotes (National Hockey League). Its roots are in Protestantism, although Christian beliefs are no longer required for adherents to modern Unitarian Universalism and most Unitarian Universalists (UUs) do not consider themselves Christian. Arizona Sting (National Lacrosse League). Unitarian Universalism (UU or UUism) is a liberal religious tradition that was formed by the merger of Unitarian and Universalist groups.

Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football League). Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Arizona Diamondbacks (Major League Baseball). Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit. Arizona Cardinals (National Football League). Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;. Arizona Music Educators Association. Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;.

Western International University. Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;. University of Phoenix. Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;. Thunderbird - The Garvin School of International Management. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Southwestern College. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;.

Prescott College. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;. Grand Canyon University. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;. DeVry University, Phoenix. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;.

Collins College, Tempe. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;. American Indian College of the Assemblies of God. Northland Pioneer College. Arizona Western College.

South Mountain Community College. Mohave Community College. Cochise College. Prescott College.

Yavapai Community College. Eastern Arizona College. Pima Community College. South Mountain Community College.

Scottsdale Community College. Rio Salado Community College. Phoenix College. Paradise Valley Community College.

Mesa Community College. Glendale Community College. GateWay Community College. Estrella Mountain Community College.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Northern Arizona University. University of Arizona. Arizona State University.

18% No Religion. 2% Non-Christian religions. 6% Mormon. 25% Other Protestants.

4% Lutheran. 5% Methodist. 9% Baptist. 43% Protestant