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What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

There are perhaps as many different answers to this as there are Unitarian Universalists! It may seem odd to some that members of one religion can vary so greatly in their beliefs but Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal faith, meaning that no one is asked to subscribe to any one set of beliefs or creed. What, then, unites us? Unitarian Universalists share a commitment to the free search for meaning. We share a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all humans, which is the first of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) principles, a faith statement entered into by each member congregation of the UUA.

Unitarian Universalist Association
Principles and Purposes

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

  • 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 within our congregations and in society at large
  • A world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
  • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

The living tradition which we share 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 women and men 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

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

For more information about Unitarian Universalism check out “We are Unitarian Universalists” on the UUA website.

The Flaming Chalice is the symbol of our faith. It comes in a variety of styles and colors! The examples to the left are only a few. To learn more about the chalice and its meaning for Unitarian Universalism check out the UUA's “History of the Flaming Chalice.”

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

by Rev. David O. Rankin

Note: These are one person's thoughts about what we believe. They cannot accurately reflect the theological diversity in the UU community, but they'll give you something to ponder...

  1. We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All individuals should be encouraged to develop their own personal theology, and to present openly their religious opinions without fear or reprisal.
  2. We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions, in every age and culture, possess not only an intrinsic merit, but also a potential value for those who have learned the art of listening.
  3. We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document, or an official, but the personal choice and the decision of the individual.
  4. We believe in the never-ending search for Truth. If the mind and heart are truly free and open, the revelations which appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous, eternally fruitful, and wondrously exciting.
  5. We believe in the unity of experience. There is no fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, religion and the world, the sacred and the secular, since they all have their source in the same reality.
  6. We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being. All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty, and justice — and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a single human life.
  7. We believe in the ethical application of religion. Good works are the natural product of a good faith, the evidence of an inner grace that finds completion in social and community involvement.
  8. We believe in the motive force of love. The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy.
  9. We believe in the necessity of the democratic process. Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are open to criticism — so that people might govern themselves.
  10. We believe in the importance of a religious community. The validation of experience requires the confirmation of peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network of mutual support.
 
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