About Unitarian Universalism
“Freedom of belief is the characteristic theme of contemporary Unitarian Universalism. We are a non-creedal church. There is no doctrinal test for membership. Instead, we have chosen a heritage that places the final authority for religious questions not with a book, the Bible, nor with an institution, the church, but with reason and individual conscience. A Unitarian Universalist, led by his or her reason and conscience to a belief in the unique mission of Jesus, may sit beside another Unitarian Universalist similarly led, who denies the existence of God.”
Who We Are
The formation of the American character, culture and political life was influenced by such Unitarians and Universalists as: Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Thomas Paine, Ethan Allen, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau and Joseph Priestley.
Unitarian Universalism has been in the forefront of the struggle for human rights throughout our history. Theodore Parker's harboring of fugitive slaves and support of the abolitionist movement, leaders in the women's rights movement, including Margaret Fuller and Susan B. Anthony, and civil rights leaders such as Whitney Young and James Reeb exemplify our struggle.
The first woman ordained by any denomination was Olympia Brown, a Universalist. Today, UU has a significant number of women serving as senior pastors of major churches. For over 25 years, Unitarian Universalism has also been in the forefront of the battle for gay rights, ordaining openly gay ministers and celebrating gay unions.
Additional Information
If you are new to UUism, you will find many answers to your questions at the Unitarian Universalist Association website. The links below provide access to some useful information there.
Find a Congregation
Principles & Purposes
Newcomers to UUism
UUism: The Uncommon Denomination