About Unitarian Universalism


Unitarian Universalists have agreed to live by seven principles, and have identified six sources of religious tradition. These principles and sources have been arrived at through a democratic process involving our membership, and may occasionally be amended the same way. In fact, the sixth source was added recently, in 1996.

We covenant to 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.
The living tradition which we share 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.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision.

From time to time, LCUUC may adopt Statements of Conscience regarding important issues of our time, which extend and interpret the purposes and principles of Unitarian Universalism.

For more information concerning our religion, please visit the website of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), or the Central MidWest District (CMWD) of the UUA, or the SouthEastern Wisconsin UU Council (SEWUUC) of the CMWD.

The online version of the UUA's bi-monthly magazine can be read at UU World.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is a charitable organization organized independently from the UUA. Many individual Unitarian Universalists contribute to the UUSC.

The UU Church of Nashua New Hampshire has posted answers to the 100 Questions that Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism. If you like this text, we recommend you buy the book by the same title from the UUA.