Rev. Michael Carter

This Sunday, April 3, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Tryon welcomes Rev. Michael Carter back to its pulpit.

Carter said, “While doing some research for a UU adult religious education class, I was struck by how frequently and almost casually orthodox Christians burned people at the stake during Medieval times. I know that these things are part of history, but I have begun to dwell on just how cheap life was to those in power at the time, and how casually it was thought of to burn someone at the stake whose theological views were different.”

Carter continued, “Whether it was in Salem where folks were hung, or drowned (I believe it was in Europe that human barbecuing was the favorite mode of execution), there was seemingly no shame. I feel threatened; therefore, you should die! Simple formula. Still happens today. I then thought about the life and death of one Michael Servetus who was executed by John Calvin for his beliefs. Servetus was burned at the stake along with his books. Join us on Sunday April 3 as we explore the life of this brilliant non-trinitarian (Unitarian) free thinker.”

A UU History Workshop is also scheduled after the fellowship hour this Sunday as well. Anyone who would like to know more about the history of Unitarian Universalism is invited to attend.

Michael is an ordained Interfaith minister and received his BA Degree in Letters from the College of New Rochelle where he graduated cum laude. He received his Masters In Divinity Degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Rev. Carter now serves as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of The Swannanoa Valley in Black Mountain.

The Thermal Belt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets at 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month. Services are held at 835 N. Trade St. in Tryon.

The fellowship welcomes all regardless of their spiritual path, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Coffee, snacks and fellowship are available after the service. For more information about the fellowship, call 828-513-0570 or follow them on Facebook at TBUUF.

-Submitted by Phil Nungesser