Unitarian Universalism 101

We invite you to explore these videos and short readings to familiarize yourself with the core values and history of Unitarian Universalism.

Total video watch time is 30 minutes.


Who We Are

We are people of many backgrounds who have diverse beliefs but shared values. Together, we offer a guided path towards personal spiritual growth and finding your place in helping bring about a more loving world.

Get to know us in this animated video, produced by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). (3 minutes)


What We Believe

Unitarian Universalism is built upon the belief that each individual is tasked with listening deeply to discern, not what they want to believe, but what they are called to believe. Ours is a chosen faith. And so, while we all hold different beliefs and theologies, it is our shared values that bind us together.

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. The values we share include all the following, which we hold as inseparable and deeply interconnected:

  • Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.

  • Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.

  • Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.

  • Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.

  • Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.

  • Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values.


Where We Started

The history of Unitarian Universalism can be traced back to the origins of Christianity, and there are many twists and turns between then and now. It’s a long story to tell that describes how we became the pluralistic tradition that welcomes such diversity of thought.  

These two videos provide an overview of the chronology and an introduction to the core concepts from both religious and philosophical movements that make up this faith.

Rev. Lee Paczulla takes us through our chronological history, beginning by reminding us that Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that grows and changes over time. (15 minutes)

Rev. Matthew Johnson explains the basic concepts that distinguish Unitarianism, Universalism, Transcendentalism, and Humanism, and how these have shaped what Unitarian Universalism is today. (12 minutes)


Readings to learn more

Diverse Beliefs

Whether you are agnostic, a person of Jewish faith, a practicing Muslim or Christian, a Buddhist or Pagan, you are welcome here.

https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe/beliefs

The Flaming Chalice

by Susan J. Ritchie. The flaming chalice is the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. At UUFCO, we begin worship on Sunday mornings by lighting our chalice, as do most Unitarian Universalist congregations. This reading describes why the chalice is our symbol.

https://www.uua.org/beliefs/who-we-are/chalice/flaming-chalice