First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo (FUFON) is an inclusive growing religious community of over 75 members and friends. Drawn from all areas of central Vancouver Island, we meet for worship and community at Unitarian Hall in the city of Nanaimo. We welcome all who share our philosophy regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. We provide a full range of programs including: Sunday services, a children’s religious education program, a dynamic choir, open to all, and opportunities to meet in small and large groups for spiritual enrichment and fellowship.

Living our principles of social responsibility, our building has a low barrier shelter for homeless people in Nanaimo in the lower floor of our building. The Unitarian Shelter is now managed by Nanaimo Family Life  Association.  Members are involved in numerous other social justice and environmental causes.  We have also recently sponsored a Syrian refugee.`

Unitarian Universalism has no creed. Instead, we teach people an attitude towards life and living. We do not believe that anyone really knows the right answers to life’s big questions. Instead we like to look at what all people of good will can agree upon. We have a set of guiding principles in which all Unitarians affirm and promote.

Our Welcoming Congregation

First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo is a Welcoming Congregation. This means we affirm and include people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex at every level of congregational life – in worship, in program, and in social occasions – welcoming them as whole people.

What’s the Deal with Pronouns?

In the spirit of our commitment to welcoming, we recognize that sharing pronouns, rather than having others make assumptions, can create a more inclusive space for many who may be treated as the incorrect gender due to their appearance or name. We support those who share gender pronouns when introducing themselves to avoid this, as well as those who share gender pronouns as allies.

We also recognize that people who don’t identify strongly with a gender may find this practice isolating, some face circumstances where it is not safe to share, some aren’t sure of their pronouns yet, and some are still trying to learn about this practice. There are different ways to approach this, and we support all who are welcoming. What binds us together is a commitment to making this world free and safe for everyone.

To learn more about why some people share pronouns, go to www.pronouns.org

And to learn more about why some inclusive spaces don’t use this practice, take a look at https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/voices/we-should-all-use-they-them-pronouns-eventually/