Committed to Principles
Unitarian Universalist congregations are committed to Principles that include the worth of each person, the need for justice and compassion, and the right to choose one’s own beliefs. Our congregations and faith communities promote these principles through regular worship, learning and personal growth, shared connection and care, social justice and service, celebration of life’s transitions, and much more.
Our Eight Principles
1st Principle
The inherent worth and dignity of every person
2nd Principle
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
3rd Principle
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
4th Principle
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
5th Principle
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
6th Principle
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
7th Principle
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
8th Principle
Working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions
As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.”
Unitarian Universalists’ beliefs are diverse and inclusive. We come from a variety of backgrounds: Atheist/Agnostic, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, and more. We think for ourselves, and reflect together, about important questions: the existence of a Higher Power, Life and Death, Sacred Texts, Prayer, and Spiritual Practices.
We have no shared creed, but our shared covenant (our Eight Principles) supports “the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Though Unitarianism and Universalism both began as liberal Christian traditions, this responsible search has led us to an inclusive spirituality drawn from six sources - from scriptural wisdom to personal experience to modern-day heroes.
We are united in our broad and inclusive outlook, and in our values, as expressed in our Principles. We are united in shared experience: our open and stirring worship services; religious exploration and rites of passage; our work for social justice; our quest to include the marginalized; our expressions of love.
Unitarian Universalism is what we call a “living tradition.” Who we are, what we believe, and how we gather is always changing and growing. We are informed not just by meaningful words, traditions, and rituals; but by the very lives of our members, as well! Our individual and communal stories form the foundation of our religious tradition. Some call this testimony, others call it living history. Whatever name we choose, it’s important for us to share our stories, own our history, and journey into the future - knowing it will take us places we could not possibly imagine. We invite you to explore what your own story is, and what place it has in the broader living tradition that is Unitarian Universalism.
“For us the UU Church community is vital to our lives as religious liberals.” - Testimonial from Jim and Linda Porter