As Unitarian Universalists, we believe there is more than one valid way of making sense of our lives, our world, and what we name as Holy. While we hold a range of beliefs about God, prayer, an afterlife and other religious questions, we agree that every human life is sacred. We know that we are all part of a greater whole which we are called to care for and a human family we are called to love.
Our tradition of Unitarian Universalism, which stretches back five hundred years, is a rich resource that supports us in our quest to live with integrity and joy, and to be a healing presence in the world. Our principles help us to reflect upon our actions and offer a deep challenge to live in right relationship with our world and all beings.
Our tradition embraces not only the teaching of Unitarian and Universalist roots, but also scripture and teachings from the world traditions. We have members who identify not only as Unitarian Universalists, but also as Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Humanist, earth-centered, etc. Yet, we all know there is a place for us in this Unitarian Universalist congregation where we respect and honor each other’s beliefs and journey.
The Principles of Unitarian Universalism
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 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.