Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalists are people of many backgrounds and many beliefs

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the consolidation, in 1961, of Unitarianism and Universalism. Since the merger of these two denominations—each of which has histories that stretch back hundreds of years—Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its two heritages to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion.

Rather than a single creed or doctrine, Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal tradition that affirms and promotes seven Principles, grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world’s religions:

• 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.

Unitarian Universalist spirituality is unbounded, drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience, and ancient tradition, as described in the six Sources of our faith:

• 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.

Meadville Lombard is one of only two Unitarian Universalist identity seminaries in the world. We educate our students to bring into the world our UU values of justice, equity, and compassion.

For more information about Unitarian Universalism, visit the website of theUnitarian Universalist Association.