There around 215,000 people representing over 1,000 Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations in North America. Unitarian Universalism is a non-dogmatic, non-creedal faith. We are a covenantal religion held by a set of guiding principles. While many other churches have been closing their doors, Unitarian Universalism grew nationally by 15.8% from 2000 to 2010, according to the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies.

UUs are often asked “what do you believe?” You will find some of those answers here.

Our Faith is not interested in saving your soul.
We’re here to help you unfold the awesome soul you already have.

Andrea Lerner

Our Principles

All Unitarian Universalists endorse seven principles; an eight principle has been ratified by some congregations and will soon be considered by the entire association. The principles are stated as follows.

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

The Flaming Chalice

The Unitarian Service Committee used the symbol of a flaming chalice during WWII in their work assisting political refugees. Since then, lighting a chalice has become a ritual in worship, recalling the principles of justice and compassion reflected in the Service Committee’s ministry. The flaming chalice has come to represent the Unitarian Universalist movement as a whole.

Lit chalice

Sources of Our Living Tradition

Our faith tradition draws from many sources. Each of these inform our history and our present. Click on or hover over each icon in the circle below to learn more about each of our sources.

Experience
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 & Deeds
Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.
World Religions
Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.
Judaism & Christianity
Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Humanist Teachings
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.
Earth Centered Teachings
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