About Unitarian Universalism

Forged by reason and inspiration, Unitarian and Universalist perspectives were declared heretical in the fourth century of the Common Era. One perspective spoke of a great unity and the other about the universality of love, and these concepts would not die. Communities of Unitarians and Universalists emerged throughout history, as conscience and devotion led people to these religious convictions. Since the two ”U”s merged in the US in 1961, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations has enjoyed education, worship and justice work in the style of religious freedom first brought to these shores in 1648.

Today Unitarian Universalists practice a faith beyond belief, in which respect, for the individual as well as the web of all life, is our guide. During the 20-21 church year, our Board of Trustees, at the encouragement of our minister, voted to adopt the 8th Principle as part of our ongoing commitment to anti-racism work in ourselves and our congregation, and to building Beloved Community. 

Our Eight Principles

Click each principle to learn more:

  • 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  • 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  • 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  • 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  • 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  • 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  • 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
  • 8th Principle:  Working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

Our Six Sources

  • 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;
  • Words 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;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • 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;
  • 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.

Principles and Sources in Other Languages

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