What is Unitarian Universalism
To learn more about Unitarian Universalism, visit the website of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Among its many links is a brief history of Unitarians, the Universalists, and the denomination after these two groups joined together in 1961.
The UU symbol is the Flaming Chalice, which
was used in the Unitarian Service Committee's
aid to those fleeing Nazi persecution in
WWII.
Today it has many variations, often, as at left, with a doubled circle representing the union of Unitarianism and Universalism. At right is the version adopted 2005.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, NH, has an online version of 100 Questions that Non-members Ask about Unitarian Universalism, a publication which has much of interest for members and non-members alike.
What Do We Believe?
The following statement by the UUA on "Beliefs Within Our Faith" is a good introduction to the variety of beliefs to be found in our faith:
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that encompasses many faith traditions. Unitarian Universalists include people who identify as Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and others. As there is no official Unitarian Universalist creed, Unitarian Universalists are free to search for truth on many paths.
To quote the Rev. Marta Flanagan, "We uphold the free search for truth. We will not be bound by a statement of belief. We do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. We say ours is a non-creedal religion. Ours is a free faith."
Although we uphold shared principles, individual Unitarian Universalists have varied beliefs about everything from scripture to rituals to God.
Our UU Principles and the Spiritual Sources We Honor
All congregations subscribe to the seven principles of the UUA, which are presented below along with the spiritual sources we honor.
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 Universalism (UU) 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.
These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.
More about Unitarian Universalism
Explore more about Unitarian Universalism and UUs, check out our list of selected links to various websites, blogs, podcasts, and more.