Beliefs
Our chalice, the symbol of our faith.
Unitarian Universalists have different beliefs, but shared values.
In Unitarian Universalism, you can bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, your expansive heart.
Our beliefs are diverse and inclusive. Together, we create a force more powerful than one person or one belief system. As Unitarian Universalists, you do not have to check your personal background and beliefs at the door: we join together on a journey that honors everywhere we’ve been before. We are Unitarian Universalists, and at the same time we may also be agnostic, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, humanist, Jewish, Muslim, pagan, atheist, believers in God, and those who just let the great mystery be. The diversity of beliefs you’ll find in a Unitarian Universalist community is one of our strengths: we’re always learning how to see the world from different perspectives.
What unites us are our 7 Core Principles and 6 Sources of Inspiration:
Unitarian Universalist Principles
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 Universalist Sources
Unitarian Universalism draws from six 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.
Seven days a week, Unitarian Universalists live into our Principles and Sources through reflection and action. Whatever our age, we learn to live with more wisdom, more intention, more gratitude, and more soul.
