History of Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the consolidation of two religions: Unitarianism and Universalism. The Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. 

 

Since the merger of the two denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its Unitarian and Universalist heritages to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion. Unitarian Universalists congregations covenant to affirm and promote seven principles and a 8th Principle has been adopted by more than 200 congregations, including Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater. UU congregations also share a 'living tradition' of spirituality and wisdom, drawn from many sources.

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Love for this world—here and now--grounds the Unitarian Universalist faith. Our members believe in God, no god, many gods, or are seeking their individual spiritual truth. On Sundays, you may hear Jewish, Buddhist, Religious Humanist, Hindi, Muslim, Christian and Pagan wisdom. Our ancient roots are in Christianity, but we believe that the world's religions all have wisdom that saves and celebrates humankind and our planet.

 

Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal faith community. That means we don't recite a set of beliefs that everyone has to accept to be a member. What brings us together is the promise to treat each other individually, in our larger communities and in the world based on eight principles and six sources.

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Click here for more information about Unitarian Universalism: https://www.uua.org/beliefs/who-we-are/history

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8 Principles
UUC is one of over 1,000 UU congregations across the United States, with many more around the world. Although each UU congregation welcomes unique perspectives, we are all united by our dedication to our Eight Principles:

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• 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 independent web of all existence of which we are a part.

• 8th Principle: We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

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We have adapted our Principles for our young members, as well. We believe that "the day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit". Planting the seeds for a kinder and more inclusive world has never been more important.