Welcome to Unitarian Universalism
A religion that celebrates diversity of belief.
Our members gather to nurture our spirits and put our faith into action through social justice work in our communities and the wider world. American Unitarian Universalism has its roots in the early American colonies and thrives today as a free-thinking, non-creedal religion where all are welcome. Rather than follow a set of specific beliefs, we agree to follow a set of ethical principles and look to a variety of common sources for spiritual inspiration.
Unitarian Universalists (UUs)
What do we stand for?
We welcome mindfulness, gratitude, and awe into their lives—some for the wonder and mystery of the universe and the earth, some for the power of human love, and others for God’s love (or all three!)
We don’t focus on sin but emphasize the potential goodness of all people and celebrate the original blessing of life. We are bound not by a creed that dictates our beliefs but by a covenant—an agreement to walk together on the journey through life.
We embrace people with wide-ranging theological and philosophical ideas: atheists, agnostics, religious humanists, Buddhist UUs, Jewish UUs, Christian UUs, pagan UUs, pantheists, panentheists, process theologians, mystics, and undecideds. Some of us grew up UU, some with no religious background at all, some in other faiths. Some of us married someone of a different faith and began looking for a place where both were supported; some discovered later in life that we were always a UU and never knew it. If that’s true in your case, there’s a community waiting for you!
Our Seven
Principles
UUs hold these seven principles as strong values and moral teachings. As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, “The principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.” They read:
Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote:
1
The inherent worth and dignity of every person
2
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
3
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
4
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
5
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
6
The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
7
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
“Throughout history, we have moved to the rhythms of mystery and wonder, prophecy, wisdom, teachings from ancient and modern sources, and nature herself.”
-Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
Sources of
Our Living Tradition
Worshiping in our congregations, you may hear a reading or perspective shared from any one of these sources from which our living tradition is drawn:
Want to learn more?