Unitarian Universalism
What is a Unitarian Universalist?
We are open, searching, exploring, and loving. We ask a lot of questions and do a lot of discussing among ourselves and in our larger communities. We never conclude that we have all the answers. We are united by our trust that we can each find or form the faith which best fits our own thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. Our UU congregations are lively, often challenging places which offer us a wide range of opportunities as well as nurturing in times of struggle.
Historical Notes
The Unitarian movement developed in the 16th Century in Europe and in the 18th Century in America. Its founders were liberal Christians who rejected the doctrine of the trinity and believed in the simple unity of God. Universalism also began in Europe in opposition to the harsh doctrine that only the elect would be saved. They believed that salvation is universal for the “whole family of humankind.”
In the late 19th Century, the two denominations broadened beyond Christianity to include other religious ideas and secular sources of understanding. In 1961, the two groups merged together into one movement called “Unitarian Universalism.”
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Unitarian Universalist Association25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-2100
The Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 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 for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The living tradition which we share draws from many 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 women and men 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.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.
The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association
The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.
The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.
Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by any society unless such is used as a creedal test.
