About Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism (UUism or UU) is a liberal religious tradition characterized by its commitment to theological diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. Unitarian Universalists do not adhere to a single creed or doctrine. Instead, they are unified by shared covenants across congregations based on foundational values and principles centered on love and pluralistic worship.

The beliefs of individual Unitarian Universalists range widely and are often contextual to the congregation. The development of Unitarian Universalism can be traced back to liberal Protestantism and Restorationism through the Unitarian and Christian Universalist traditions. Contemporary Unitarian Universalists may draw upon diverse theological and philosophical thought, including agnosticism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, New Age, neopaganism, nontheism, religious humanism, Sikhism, Taoism, and teachings of the Baháʼí Faith, among others.

– source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitarian_Universalism

Unitarianism, a religious tradition that emphasizes the oneness of God, was organized in America in 1825. Universalism, a religious tradition based on universal salvation, was organized in America in 1793. In 1961, the Unitarians and the Universalists merged to form the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Each of the 1,000+ UU congregations are democratic in polity and operation; they govern themselves. They unite in the UUA to provide services that individual congregations cannot provide for themselves.

UU Beliefs

Article II of the UUA Bylaws is the foundation of all the work of the UUA, its member congregations, and its covenanted communities. Article II is reviewed and updated every 15 years. This update does not redefine who we are as a religion, rather it gives current wording for who we are and why we exist. In 2024, the UU congregations adopted the following Shared Values wording for who we are.

UU Shared Values

Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that has changed in many ways from the original Christian roots of its Universalist and Unitarian heritages, and it continues to evolve today. Most recently, this evolution has taken the form of adopting new language to describe who we are as UUs. At General Assembly in June 2024, UUs voted to replace existing Seven Principles and Six Sources language in our bylaws with language describing Unitarian Universalism through these shared values, all centered around LOVE:

Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.
Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.
Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.
Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.

.- source https://www.uua.org/beliefs/shared-values

Before 2024 UU Principles and Sources

Before 2024 UU beliefs were articulated in the following UU principles and sources.

Unitarian Universalist Principles

There are seven Principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations 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.

Unitarian Universalist Sources

Unitarian Universalism 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 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.

Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice

A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. The flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more. We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing.