Unitarian Universalists are seekers who are committed not only to spiritual growth and transformation but also to involvement in the world.  Ours is a living faith that acknowledges that truth is not sealed and that the journey is more important than the answers.  While we uphold shared principles, we hold varied beliefs and therefore do not have a creed. Our beliefs come from not one but many sources.  We draw wisdom and inspiration from all of the world’s great religions and prophetic men and women.  View the children’s version of the principles and sources.

OUR SYMBOL

chalice.jpg

The flaming chalice … a symbol of light and love.  Read more…

SUGGESTED READING

  • Read our minister’s sermon series that describes the basics of Unitarian Universalism. 

  • A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism by Forrest Church and  John A. Buehrens.  This title is often stocked in the religion section at major bookstores.

  • For children ages 5-9: Unitarian Universalism Is a Really Long Name by Jennifer Dant. An introduction to Unitarian Universalism with simple text and lively full-color art that offers youngsters useful and accessible answers to questions like Who Are We?, What Do We Believe? and Do We Pray?

More suggestions …

Many of the books mentioned can be ordered from the Unitarian Universalist Bookstore at http://www.uuabookstore.org/ 

OUR HISTORY 

Unitarianism

500 years ago the first Unitarian churches emerged in Eastern Europe.  They proclaimed that God is one, and honored the humanity of Jesus.  Over the next several hundred years, Unitarian churches emerged in all parts of continental Europe as well as in England. 

Some of the earliest churches in North America, were Unitarian.  Many of the founding fathers of this country such as Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams were Unitarian with strong beliefs in freedom, reason and tolerance.  Some other famous Unitarians include Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Paul Revere, Susan B. Anthony, President William Howard Taft, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Universalism

Universalist beliefs of universal salvation and a loving God that could not punish anyone to hell for eternity have been proclaimed for thousands of years.  The loving and inclusive faith formed into a widespread religious movement when English Universalists came to American in the late 1700s to escape religious persecution.

Universalists have also been influential throughout American history. Some famous Universalists include Clara Barton, Olympia Brown, Thomas Starr King, Horace Greeley, George Pullman, Mary Livermore, and Benjamin Rush.

In 1961 the Unitarian and Universalist churches merged into a single body called the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).  While we no longer solely hold our historical Unitarian or Universalist beliefs, we draw directly from our roots for much of our inspiration and grounding.  Today, Second Unitarian Church is a member congregation of the UUA, http://www.uua.org/.

 

Last Updated May 17, 2008 - KHS