This church does what a lot of churches historically and in the present struggle to do: the right…read morething. UBC is a hidden oasis of love, acceptance, and intellectual curiosity that is well situated across the University of Texas at Austin. UBC holds true to its history of preserving its past while being modern in its beliefs. Baptist is a trigger word for those in and out of Christian communities, and rightly so for some of the nutty and exclusionist s#!@ that is spewed by some in the community. This church is an example of real Baptist conviction and autonomy by deciding that their community would be open to all.
UBC was one of the few churches in Texas to welcome African Americans into the community in the 40s, ordain women as ministers in the 70s (and affirm their role in church leadership beyond children), as well as ordaining the first LGBTQ+ deacons in 1994. This resulted in the church being expelled from the SBC and other conservative Baptist associations of course. No tears have been shed over this. Instead, UBC is a member of organizations like the American Baptists Churches USA and the progressive baptist group the Alliance of Baptists.
Despite all my yammering about modern beliefs and community, a typical service at UBC is quite the opposite. The service follows the traditional liturgical calendar and rituals. You will sing from hymnals, listen to the choir decked out in matching robes, and hear Latin or Greek words dropped every now and then. Many times in the sermon and in small groups, you will be forced to actually think and be critical of your own theology and the bible. Questions are very welcome here, and congregants have benefited from hearing from some finely educated theologians as ministers.
When you sit in the pews and look around, you will see a congregation composed of old and young, light and dark skin colors, couples, singles, families with a mom and dad, families with two dads or moms, families with just a dad or mom, the privileged, the homeless, and everyone in between. This is not your typical church, but feels like it in every sense. I never thought I would be friends with folks in different stages of life than myself, who I to this day still draw hope and inspiration from, as models of family I hope to one day have for myself.
Had I stayed in Austin, this would be where you would find me Sunday mornings. I was unchurched for a long time in my 20s, but thanks to UBC, this is no longer the case. This church helped restore my faith, and gave me a community of friends that I still keep in contact with to this day. I have found a church home where I am at now, but UBC was and will be the measuring stick wherever I go. Love truly is winning in this community, and hope it can always be the beacon of hope on the Drag for those who want to find, or rediscover, the light of God's love for all.
Grace and peace, y'all.
