Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) www.uua.org
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(Adapted from various pages of the the Unitarian Universalist Association site: www.uua.org)
Unitarian Universalism welcomes people with diverse beliefs.
In addition to holding different beliefs on spiritual topics, individual Unitarian Universalists may also identify with and draw inspiration from Atheism & Agnosticism, Buddhism, Christianity, Humanism, Judaism, Paganism, & other religious or philosophical traditions.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion with Jewish-Christian roots. (See breif history below.) It has no creed. It affirms the worth of human beings, advocates freedom of belief & the search for advancing truth, & tries to provide a warm, open, supportive community for people who believe that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. Unitarian Universalists strive to provide a strong voice for social justice & liberal religion.PRINCIPLES & SOURCES OF FAITH
which are our backbone:The Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles:
• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• Justice, equity & compassion in human relations
• Acceptance of one another & encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
• A free & responsible search for truth and meaning
• The right of conscience & the use of the democratic process within our congregations & 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.Article:
"Unitarian Universalism: Religion of Questions Instead of Answers"
~ PDF of an article providing useful insight into Unitarian Universalism.
~ Written by Judy Jerome, one of the members of our congregation.Unitarian Universalism 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 & spiritual life.
• Jewish, Christian, and other 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 & the results of science, & warn us against idolatries of the mind & spirit.
• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life & instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
History
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition formed from the consolidation of two different religions: Unitarianism and Universalism. Both began centuries ago in Europe by pioneers in England, Poland and Transylvania. In North America both groups trace their roots to the early Massachusetts settlers and to the founders of the Republic where the Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. After consolidating in 1961, these faiths became the new religion of Unitarian Universalism through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
The Flaming Chalice ...
symbolically represents the Unitarian Universalist faith. Many congregations light a flame inside a chalice accompanied by a brief reading at the beginning of each service. Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol feeling the image had
connotations of sacrifice and love.
Our Social Action/Green Sanctuary webpage
