Hi, I’m Rev. Kate Landis, interim minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron. I am so glad to be with you! I am new to Akron but not to Ohio- I grew up in Dayton. In 2008 I moved to Boston to attend Andover Newton Theological School and in 2012 I was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry. My first call was with the Shoreline UU Congregation in suburban Seattle, where I served from 2012-2020. I also spent several months as a hospital chaplain during the first wave of the Covid crisis.

I discovered Unitarian Universalism as an adult, in my early twenties when I was looking for greater meaning in my life. I was raised in a liberal Christian church but it didn’t fit me anymore. I was inspired by eastern religions and especially by the Buddhist philosophy I was reading. Couldn’t God be bigger than one religion? Was there even a God? I wasn’t sure, but I knew I needed a place to search for answers in community, a place where I could celebrate life without pressure to believe a certain way.

My first Unitarian Universalism worship service felt like finding water in the driest desert- it was a relief and a huge joy to find people who were also asking big questions about life and the universe, and who weren’t afraid to say out loud that they weren’t sure of the answers. Even better, they were people who worked hard to improve our world. These Unitarian Universalists were registering voters, cleaning up stream beds and protesting government corruption. They cared deeply about our community and were really changing things!

Today I am proud to be a Unitarian Universalist. I seek religious truth through Buddhism, earth-centered traditions, yogic philosophy, and wherever else I find inspiration. I am inspired by scientific discovery and I work for justice for our earth and all its inhabitants. Being a part of a religious community brings me so much joy- I care for, and am cared for so many people.

I would love for you to join us at a Sunday service, for now online, and experience the warmth of our diverse community of spiritual seekers. We do not all believe the same things but we have decided to ponder the great mysteries together.  In community we work for a more just world and care for one another. If you have any questions about our congregation, Unitarian Universalism, or how you might fit into this congregation,

In Unitarian Universalist  congregations across the country the following welcome statement is made on Sunday mornings: Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whoever you love, where ever you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.

Whoever you are, you are welcome at the UU Church of Akron. Won’t you join us?