Unitarian Universalism

Although Unitarian thought can be found throughout the history of the development of religion in Europe, modern Unitarian Universalism in the United States descends from two movements that developed in the 18th and 19th centuries:

Unitarianism, which affirmed the unity of God (as opposed to the trinity) and emphasized reason as a test for theological truth; and

Universalism, which proclaimed universal salvation for all humans.

By the mid-1900s, these groups had evolved to share a common philosophy of religious tolerance and ethical responsibility. In 1961, they united as the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our congregation welcomes racial, cultural, and sexual diversity.

What We Believe
As a liberal religious congregation, Unitarian Universalists are open-minded to religious beliefs and questions. We accept personal experience, conscience and reason as our guide for religious experience.
The free search for truth may best characterize our non-creedal religion. As religious wisdom changes so does human understanding, and we encourage the study of truths from many prophets and teachers of many religions.
We believe all people, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, or sexual orientation, have inherent worth. We celebrate their different experiences, opinions, and lifestyles. We believe in moral and ethical living, striving to live with compassion, and maintaining the rational of justice and equality.
We subscribe to the principles and purposes adopted by our national organization, the Unitarian Universalist Association. As a congregation, we agree 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 congregation
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratice process within our congregation 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 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 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.

Learn more about Unitarian Universalism on a our LINKS page.