What We Believe

our Unitarian Universalist faith

We are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We are brave, curious and compassionate thinkers and doers. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world.

As a Unitarian Universalist congregation, we affirm and promote seven UU Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We live out these Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience.

As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.”

1. 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2. 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

3. 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

4. 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5. 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6. 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7. 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The seven Principles and six Sources of the Unitarian Universalist Association grew out of the grassroots of our communities, were affirmed democratically, and are part of who we are. 

Common Questions

Are you Christian?

Though Unitarianism and Universalism were both liberal Christian traditions, this responsible search has led us to embrace diverse teachings from Eastern and Western religions and philosophies.  Some of our members identify themselves as Christian, while others identify as atheists, agnostics, humanists, Jewish, Muslim, and pagan. We welcome people of all faiths.

Explore the links below to learn how Unitarian Universalists weave these traditions and identities into who they are today.

• Atheist and Agnostic

• Buddhist

• Christian

• Earth-Centered

• Hindu

• Humanist

• Jewish

• Muslim

Do you have a sacred text?

We live out our Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience. These are the six sources our congregations affirm and promote:

• 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 people 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.

Rev. Kathleen Rolenz said, “Throughout history, we have moved to the rhythms of mystery and wonder, prophecy, wisdom, teachings from ancient and modern sources, and nature herself.”