Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal religion rather than a credal one; this means that while we don’t all believe the same thing, we do agree on how we are with one another. Central to that agreement is love and an ongoing search for truth and meaning. We also uphold both individual worth and the importance of community. We know that what we do makes a difference in this world, and we are obligated to act on our beliefs.

Principles

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.

8th Principle

We invite you to learn more about the 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism, which reads: “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.”

To date, more than 185 UU congregations and organizations have adopted the 8th Principle. The Unitarian Universalist Article II Study Commission is also currently reviewing all our principles and purposes which were last revised in 1987.

You are invited to watch our first worship service about the 8th Principle “Digging into the 8th Principle” here. Your 8th Principle team has compiled these resources to help you learn more: 8th Principle Overview / 8th Principle FAQ / 8th Principle Resources

Important update from the 8th Principle Team and the UTUUC Board of Directors:

After reflecting on the input from community engagement in 8th Principle discussions over the past 1.5 years, and given the particular circumstances of UTUUC at this moment in time (ministerial transition, re-structuring, and governance work), the 8th Principle team recommended to the Board that the congregational vote on adoption of the 8th Principle be temporarily postponed.

In the meantime, on May 10, 2022, the Board approved the chartering of an Anti-Oppression Anti-Racism (AO/AR) Committee of the Board. This committee will have the responsibility of working closely with the Board and lay leadership to guide the congregation to more authentically and accountably live out its values, covenant, and mission by applying an AO/AR lens to all the ways that we engage with one another and the surrounding community.

In keeping with the AO/AR charter, the Board of Directors is finalizing the open selection process, which will include an application form to be completed by UTUUC members who are interested in serving on the AO/AR Committee. Contact 8thPrinciple@unitytemple.org if you have questions.

UU 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 and spiritual life;
Jewish and Christian 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 and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
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.

We are affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association, which is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Visit their website for more information and resources on our faith.