What is Unitarian Universalism?
A Brief History
Unitarian Universalism (UU) emerged in 1961 from the merger of two liberal religious traditions: Unitarianism and Universalism, both of which had roots in Christianity but gradually moved toward a more inclusive and pluralistic theology.
Unitarianism, with its emphasis on the oneness of God and the use of reason in religion, developed during the Protestant Reformation and gained strength in America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Universalism, which emphasized God's universal love and the belief that all souls would ultimately be saved, also took root in early America. Over time, both traditions became known for their progressive stances on social justice, individual freedom of belief, and interfaith cooperation.
Their shared values led to their official consolidation into the Unitarian Universalist Association, forming a non-creedal faith that welcomes diverse spiritual paths and encourages a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
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For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Association, visit the website by clicking HERE.
Shared Values,
Not Creeds
Instead of uniting behind shared beliefs, doctrines, or creeds, UUs are united by shared Values:
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INTERDEPENDENCE
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We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.
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PLURALISM
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We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
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JUSTICE
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We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.
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TRANSFORMATION
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We adapt to the changing world.
​​GENEROSITY
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We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
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EQUITY
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We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.​​
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LOVE
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The power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values.
A Place Where
U Can Be U!
​*Copyright Unitarian Universalist Association
We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We are diverse in faith, ethnicity, history and spirituality, but aligned in our desire to make a difference for the good. We have a track record of standing on the side of love, justice, and peace.
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We have radical roots and a history as self-motivated spiritual people: we think for ourselves and recognize that life experience influences our beliefs more than anything.
We need not think alike to love alike. We are people of many beliefs and backgrounds: people with a religious background, people with none, people who believe in a God, people who don’t, and people who let the mystery be.
We are Unitarian Universalist and Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, atheist and agnostic, believers in God, and more.
On the forefront of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer inclusion for more than 40 years, we are people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
We seek to welcome you: your whole self, with all your truths and your doubts, your worries and your hopes. Join us on this extraordinary adventure of faith.
