Overview of Unitarian Universalism
Liberal Religion
Unitarian Universalism (UUism) is a theologically liberal religious denomination, characterized by its lack of dogma and its affirmation of the “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Its religious perspective is formed by a balance of reason and faith, intellect and intuition, a commitment to spiritual and ethical values, and a celebration of life.
We keep our minds open to the religious questions that people have struggled with in all times and places, and believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion. In the end, religious authority lies not in a book or person or institutions, but in ourselves. We put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds.
We believe that religious wisdom is ever changing. Human understanding of life and death, the world and its mysteries, is never final. Revelation is continuous. We celebrate unfolding truths known to teachers, prophets and sages throughout the ages.
Diverse
Though UUism is originally Christian in origin and traces its roots back hundreds of years, we now draw our faith from many Sources and UU congregations are now intentionally diverse religious communities. Our congregations now embrace Christians, Jews, Buddhists, humanists, agnostics, pantheists, pagans, and persons of many other spiritual paths and traditions, all sharing a desire to worship, learn, serve and celebrate together.
No Creed
UUism imposes no creed, doctrine or required set of beliefs on its members, and, on the contrary, encourages individual, lifelong spiritual inquiry and growth. However, UU congregations covenant to affirm and promote a set of seven Principles, such as the inherent worth and dignity of every person, justice, equity and compassion in human relations, and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Ethical Living
We seek to act as a moral force in the world, believing that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. The here and now and the effects our actions will have on future generations deeply concern us. We believe that our relationships with one another, and with other peoples, races and nations, should be governed by justice, equity and compassion.
