Our Beliefs & Values

 
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that embraces theological diversity. We have no dogma or creed; rather, we encourage each person to explore his or her own unique spiritual path using a variety of sources, including religious teachings, science, meditation, and the arts. While our beliefs span the religious spectrum, from theism to atheism, from Christianity to paganism, we’re held together by our support for each other’s search for truth and meaning, our shared values and principles, and our commitment to social justice.
 
Below, we offer a glimpse of UU beliefs and invite you to join us as you explore your own.
 
Our UU Principles
 
There are seven principles that Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote:
 

  1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

 

Our Six Sources
 
Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:
 

  1. 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;
  2. 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;
  3. Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  4. Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

 
These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.
 
100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism
 
This document was developed by John Sias from interviews with the Rev. Steve Edington of the Nashua, New Hampshire UU Church. The views expressed here are not representative of the views of all UUs but provide a good overview of Unitarian Universalism.
 
Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
 
Flaming Chalice for UU
A flame within a chalice (a wide-lipped stemmed cup) is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith. Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, used the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol while working with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To him, the image symbolized sacrifice and love, but over the years the symbol has taken on different meanings. The image itself has changed many times and modern chalice designs often include two overlapping circles to represent our Unitarian and Universalist heritages.

 


 
The Unitarian Universalist Principles
 
As Unitarian Universalists we share a value system which is expressed by a set of principles and purposes affirmed and promoted by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Our programs, services, religious education offerings and vision for the future reflect these values.

  • 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.
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
  • Respect for the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.