What Do We Believe?

 

Unitarian Universalist beliefs are diverse and inclusive. We do not share a creed but we do hold values in common. Self thought and a questioning mind are encouraged as we explore life's great questions together. 

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Our values are expressed in our Eight Principles. 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.

8. Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.

 

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Unitarianism and Universalism both originated from liberal Christian traditions but Unitarian Universalism has since blossomed to include scriptural wisdom from six sources and draws knowledge and perspective from the personal experiences of many. We are a living tradition, meaning there will always be room for our beliefs to evolve. The sources we draw inspiration from are as follows:

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1. The 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. The 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 neighbours 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-centred traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

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We share experience, stirring worship services, religious education, ritual and rites of passage. We work hard for social justice and practice radical inclusion. 

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