Unitarian Universalism is a denomination created by the merger, in 1961, of two separate Christian denominations, the Universalist Church of America (founded in 1793) and the American Unitarian Association (founded in 1825).
What these two historical denominations had in common was not a specific religious creed, but the desire for the freedom to follow one’s own conscience in religious matters. The Universalists believed that salvation was universal, that all people deserved salvation. The Unitarians believed in one God, not the Trinity of traditional Christian belief then and now.
To “promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning,” the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) created eight Principles to articulate the significantly shared UU values. Our beliefs are diverse and inclusive.
We bring our whole selves, our full identities, our questioning minds, and our expansive hearts to join together on a journey that honors everywhere we’ve been before.
For an overview of UU beliefs, see also:
Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
The 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.
Life is not a competition. Each one is on their own journey.
Live according to your choices, capacity, values and principles.
UU’s Seven Principles give us moral guidance in how to live and be in our Community and the world. This guidance has been created from many spiritual, poetic, scientific, scriptural, religious guides and sources, as well as from our personal experiences.
Unitarian Universalism continues to be guided and informed by these Six Sources:
1
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.
2
Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
3
Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
6
Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
4
Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
5
Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;