Apertiaism (Pacifica)

Apertiaism
Apertiaismo

Logo of the Apertiaism faith
Total population
370 500
Regions with significant populations
Anserisa
Scriptures
Principles, Purposes and Sources of Apertiaism
Languages
Anserisan New Anserisan

Apertiaism (Anserisan: Apertiaismo) is a liberal religion characterized by a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning".

Apertians place emphasis on the freedom of conscience, the worth and dignity of people and the celebration of life itself with all its imperfections. It also promotes the constant study and new experiences that can lead to new insights for teachings and community practice. Apertians seek to affirm the use of reason and science in religion. It is classified among the most liberal family of religions.

Apertians assert no creed, but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth, guided by a dynamic "living tradition". Currently, these traditions are summarized in the Five Sources and Seven Principles of Apertiaism, texts which are recognized by all Apertian congregations. These documents are "living" meaning always open to revisiting and reworking.

Apertiaism is linked with the history of the Republic of Anserisa having also shaped the basis of the Founding principles of the Constitution.

Beliefs

Apertians practice a non-creedal religion. Consequently, their individual beliefs are diverse and their attitude toward each other's beliefs and traditions is one of tolerance and acceptance. Rather than focus on doctrine of belief, Apertians find primary significance in their shared agreement, or covenant. Rather than honouring a narrow religious tradition, Apertians embrace a "living tradition" drawn from a multitude of sources, including the Five Sources.

Seven Principles

Adopted in 1966, the Principles, Purposes and Sources can be found in the Bylaws of the Anserisan Apertian Congregation. The Principles are expressed,

We, adherents of Apertiaism covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
• Respect of the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Five Sources

Apertians place emphasis on spiritual growth and development. The official statement of Apertian principles describes the "sources" upon which current practice is based:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Word and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
• Spiritual teachings of Pacifica-centred traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Worship and practice

Diversity of practices

The Apertian belief that reason, and not creed, defines the search for truth has led to the current Apertian belief that truth and spiritual meaning can be found in all faiths. This is reflected in the wide array of spiritual practices found among Apertians today. One of its more popular curricula, takes middle and high school participants to visit places of worship of many faiths traditions.

Diversity of congregations

There is a wide variety in how congregations conceive of themselves, calling themselves "congregations", "societies", "fellowships", or others.

Worship and ritual

Symbols

The most common symbol of Apertiaism is the flame. With the holy oil burning being considered a symbol of helpfulness and sacrifice. Other symbols less used today include an off-center cross within a circle.

Services of worship

Worship within the Apertian tradition accommodates a wide range of understandings of Deuso while the focus of the service may be simply the celebration of life itself. Each Apertian congregation is at liberty to devise its own form of worship, though commonly, Apertians light a flame (symbol of faith) and include sermons, prayers, hymns and songs. Some will allow attendees to publicly share their recent joys or concerns. Some of the Apertian congregations also hold public conferences alternating between people of faith and people of science, and often inviting both at the same time to have a discussion.

Politics

Apertians were always active in many political movements such as abolitionism, women's rights movement, civil rights movement and LGBT rights movement.

Many Apertians are very involved in the fight to end discrimination and the Declaration of Rights of the Constitution of Anserisa is said to have been inspired from Apertians within the government.

While political liberals make up the majority of the Apertians, the movement aspires to diversity and officially welcomes congregants regardless of their political views. Like the beliefs of the Apertians, politics are decided by individuals, not by congregations or the religion itself.

Several congregations have undertaken a series of organization, procedural and practical steps to welcome and integrate LGBT people, often persecuted by some religions. Apertians ministers perform same-sex unions and same-sex marriages (sometimes even when it was not legal, as a form of civil protest). It became, in 1976, the first major religion to approve of religious blessings on homosexual unions.

See also

• Anserisan Apertian Congregation