About Unitarian Universalism
We gain insight and inspiration from the gifts of poets and scientists, musicians and mystics. Our free faith, our covenantal faith ~ this faith worthy of our lives and times ~ is best formed when experience is passed through the fire of Reason (Emerson) and those insights so refined are then tested in community.
We gather to reason together, to encourage each other to live fully, faithful to the deepest we know. We gather together to hold up and give from our ability to make beauty, bring healing, create peace, and bend the world toward justice.
Our Unitarian Universalist Principles
Our principles and sources of faith form the backbone of our religious community.
There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to 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 all existence of which we are a part
The Seven UU Principles TL;DR
1) Each person is important
2) Be kind in all you do
3) We are free to learn together
4) And search for what is true
5) All people need a voice
6) Build a world peaceful and fair
7) We care for the Earth
&) And service is our prayer.
Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources
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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
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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
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Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life
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Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves
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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
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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
A Bit of History…
Our long name reflects a long history and tradition of reason, tolerance, and justice seeking, called for by a deep faith in that transcendent power that has been called by many names – God, Love, Truth, Life itself, “the pulse that through the green fuse drives”.
Our Unitarian and Universalist ancestors were both named, centuries ago, for heresies within Christianity. In the 1600s, Unitarians like Francis David of Transylvania and Miguel Servetus of Spain, proclaimed one God. They were also known as anti-trinitarians. In the 1700s, Universalists like George De Benniville and John Murray taught that salvation was open to all.
Proud of the courage behind our heretical history, we would champion each person’s religious quest as we abide by our principles and purposes.
Unitarian Universalist Association
UUA Southern Region
In April of 2015, all four of our districts (Florida, Mid-South, Southeast and Southwest) assemblies voted to dissolve district governance and form the Southern Region of the UUA.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
UUSC is grounded in the belief that all people have inherent power and dignity, to advance human rights and social justice around the world. UUSC partners with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizes to challenge oppressive policies.
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS)
The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is an organization dedicated to networking Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists (UUs), educating people about Paganism, promoting interfaith dialogue, developing Pagan liturgies and theologies, and supporting Pagan-identified UU religious professionals.