The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango is celebrating 50 years of diversity and inclusivity this month.

The Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris, who has been with the fellowship since 2014, describes Unitarian Universalism as a liberal religion.

“It is a religion that has a long history, especially in this country,” she said. “It is focused on spiritual growth and working toward social justice.”

The beliefs of individual Unitarian Universalists vary widely, and include Buddhism, atheism, Christianity and paganism, among others.

“The message that we can all come together is more important than individual beliefs,” Kandarian-Morris said.

The fellowship also prides itself on being accepting of any person, regardless of race, gender and sexuality.

Kandarian-Morris said the fellowship does not have a creed and is instead united by a shared quest for spiritual growth.

“If you want to be a member, you do not have to agree to a statement of beliefs,” she said. “Here we make a covenant, and we agree to come together despite our differences.”

Worship services differ week to week, and the sermons come from sources as diverse as science, poetry and scripture.

“The service might focus on a pagan holiday one week and on a Christian holiday or tradition the next,” Kandarian-Morris said. “Sometimes, those things overlap. There is room for all of us.”

Established in September 1967, the fellowship had humble beginnings with 15 members who would meet once or twice a month in each other’s homes.

The fellowship has grown significantly since then and has about 145 adult members today, Kandarian-Morris said.

“The members are super talented and enthusiastic,” she said. “We have a lot more families than five years ago. People are dedicated to having a spiritual community and a place to put their values into action.”

Looking to the future, the fellowship created a five-year strategic plan to better accommodate its growing congregation.

The fellowship recently purchased the house adjacent to its church at 419 San Juan Drive for Faith Formation classes, which focus on cultural and religious heritage, world religions, moral values and social responsibility.

“We’ve expanded because we were cramped,” Kandarian-Morris said. “We want to serve this whole community, and right now, this feels like the place we want to be.”

mrupani@durangoherald.com

If you go

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of free events Sept. 22-24. For more information, visit the fellowship’s website at

http://durangouu.org

.

Friday, Sept. 22: Champagne toast and reception, 5 p.m. The fellowship will unveil an art installation showcasing its history, make a celebratory toast and have light appetizers.

Saturday, Sept. 23: History bus tour, 10:30 a.m. (reservation required): Attendees will drive to three sites in the fellowship’s history and hear about the fellowship’s history from people who lived it. Luncheon and entertainment, 12:30 p.m. (reservation required): A catered lunch will be held in the sanctuary.

Sunday, Sept. 24: Worship and cake, 10 a.m.: Special guest minister Stephen Papa will officiate, and worship will be followed by potluck snacks and an anniversary cake.