About Unitarian Universalism

Tradition

With its historical roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions, Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion -- that is, a religion that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. We are a "non-creedal" religion: we do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. Our congregations are self-governing. Authority and responsibility are vested in the membership of the congregation. Each Unitarian Universalist congregation is involved in many kinds of programs. Worship is held regularly, the insights of the past and the present are shared with those who will create the future, service to the community is undertaken, and friendships are made. (Excerpt from We Are Unitarian Universalists pamphlet #3047, Unitarian Universalist Association, 1995)

Unitarian Universalist AssociationUnitarian Universalists affirm and promote the UU Principles:

  • the inherent worth and dignity of every person
  • justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
  • acceptance of one another and encouragement of 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 in 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 UU tradition draws inspiration from:

  • the sense of wonder we all share
  • the discoveries of science
  • Eastern philosophers who taught us compassion and a respect for life
  • Greeks such as Plato and Socrates who foresaw a government based on reason and love
  • Jews whose prophets called for fair and equal justice for all persons
  • Christians who follow Jesus' example of the Golden Rule--to treat others as they would be treated
  • moral and spiritual ideals from all the world's religions

Key Dates in UU History:

325 Council of Nicea.  Arius espouses Unitarian "heresy" that God is one, not three.
1553 Michael Servetus is burned at the stake for his belief in the oneness of God.
1568 Unitarian King Sigismund of Transylvania decrees greater freedom of religion.  Francis David organizes Unitarian congregations in Transylvania.
1750 James Relly organizes a Universalist church in England based on salvation for all, instead of heaven for only "the elect."
1770 John Murray preaches Universalism in North America.
1794 English chemist Joseph Priestley, his laboratory burned because of his religious beliefs, founds a Unitarian church in Pennsylvania.
1825 Unitarian Associations founded independently in both England and the United States.
1961 Unitarians and Universalists merge.

For more on UUism, visit the Unitarian Universalist Association site.