Read
about
Our Historic Faith
Photos courtesy
UUA archive.
BOOKS TO GET YOU STARTED
Fun Fact: Rev. Scotty McLennan is the inspiration for the character the Reverend Scott Sloan in Garry Trudeau's comic strip Doonesbury
OTHER BOOK SOURCES
More
great titles by Unitarian Universalists are available through the bookstore
of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
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Welcome! Welcome to a faith that is different and unique, because you are different and unique. Welcome to a faith that celebrates who you are. Welcome to our community, where you are welcome, not inspite of who you are, but because of who you are. Whatever your religious background, your spiritual path, or your ethnic identity, we welcome you. Welcome to our community, old or young or somewhere in between. Whether you call yourself gay, straight, transgender, or bisexual you are welcome here -- not despite who you are, but because of who you are. Welcome to a faith community where the word "family" is meant to include, not exclude. Welcome to a faith community where children are encouraged to explore and question. Welcome to a faith community committed to the principles of respect for every person, justice, openness and acceptance, freedom of thought and expression, peace, and respect for the web of life that ties us all together. - Source unkown |
Frequently
Asked Questions
About Unitarian Universalism
www.UUFAQ.com
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Thought of the day:
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Find
a UU church near you
Welcome to UUFAQ.COM. This site was created to make it quick and easy for you to tell others about Unitarian Universalism. Next time Unitarian Universalism comes up in conversation, tell them to visit UUFaq.com.
The
Beliefnet Quiz
A huge number of people discover that they have Unitarian Universalist
leanings because they took the Belief-O-Matic™
quiz on Beliefnet.com.
If you haven't done so already, take
the quiz.
Scroll
down for...
Videos, famous UU's, common misconceptions and more!
The
Basics
Our congregations unite people of diverse beliefs around shared values.
We have no creed. As faith communities we are gathered around around
the same core principles that have been at the heart of American from
its birth -- freedom of religion, democracy, justice, celebrating
diversity...
While all of our congregations are independent democratically governed communities, the majority of UU congregations in the USA have joined together in an association of congregations. This association has a set of principles that member congregations agree to "affirm and promote". I like to think of this as our UU glue.
EXPLORE THE WORLD OF
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM AT
UUPLANET.TV
Pass
it on
If you are one of the many people excited to learn that a religion like
ours exists, please tell others. The following is a simple and clear
way to tell people about Unitarian Universalism. Can't remember the
details? Just tell them to visit this site, uufaq.com.
UU
OVAL CAR STICKERS
UU
OVAL CAR STICKERS
Explaining
What We're About
To
remember this all you need to do is look to our name. While our name
has specific historical meaning - see below - we can use it to remind
us of what we're about TODAY. The majority of UU congregations in the
United States are focused on UNITING people around widely shared
UNIVERSAL values.
Unitarian has the root "Unite" - to bring together. Universalism
has the root "Universal" - applying to all.
Unitarian
Universalism is a faith community
that brings people with diverse beliefs together
around shared values.
Origins
of our name
The name "Unitarian Universalist" comes from our historical
roots. Once upon a time religious liberals who didn't believe in the
trinity of God became known as Unitarians. Those who believed in Universal
salvation instead of hell became known as Universalists. Over time these
groups merged into one association of liberal congregatiosn. Eventually
our movement evolved beyond what one would consider a Christian church.
We grew into a liberal religion welcoming people of diverse beliefs,
coming together around shared values, seeking to lead lives of meaning
while working to make the world a better place. Regardless of our individual
beliefs about theology, we can agree on human rights, justice, how we
should treat one another, and so on. Its a beautiful thing...
Our
UU Family Tree
Lot's of people don't know where we fit on the "family tree"
of world religions. Herer is a visual explanation showing how Unitarian
Universalism emerged and is still evolving today. See
on larger page.
Visiting
one of our congregations
If visiting a church is too big of a step try the following.
-
Search for a congregation using this directory
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Visit their website. If they don't have one they are pretty clueless and I'd recommend you avoid them. Don't start with a crappy UU experience.
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Most of the websites you will find have text of recent sermons and full copies of their newsletter. Read some of these. You can get a good feel for what our faith is all about.
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Once you've done that, maybe you're ready to check out a Sunday service. If not, try this. Our communities offer all sorts of events open to the public. Go to some of these. A lecture. A Buddhist meditation group. Go to something offered to meet some people in a low key more intimate setting. This is a great way to get a sense for what a congregation is like.
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When you're ready to check out a congregation, bring a friend. It can be strange going to visit a church alone. Grab someone you know and go together.
Did you know Unitarian Universalism is one of America's top "OTHER" religions? That's right, in the United States Christian tops the charts followed by Jewish, Muslim/Islamic, Buddhist and then Unitarian Universalist! This is based on self-described religious identification of adult population in US Census data*. Below are the stats. Suffice it to say that we've been around a long time and were highly influential when it came to shaping the values of the United States.
| Total other religions |
1990
|
2001
|
| Jewish |
3,137,000
|
2,831,000
|
| Muslim/Islamic |
527,000
|
1,104,000
|
| Buddhist |
401,000
|
1,082,000
|
| Unitarian/Universalist |
502,000
|
629,000
|
| Hindu |
227,000
|
766,000
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Before
we go too far, let's check our UNI's
When newcomers start "asking around" about Unitarian Universalism
they often get a lot of misinformation. You see, there are many churches
that have similar names. Unfortunately for us that means people who
don't know better often say, "Oh yeah, I know about the Uni-something-or-other-alist
church!" Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Please make sure you
and your friends have their Uni's straight.
Example:
On the Tuesday, June 13, 2006 episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Carson Kressley proclaimed "I was ordained by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Modesto California." Uh, sorry Carson. You too have mixed up your Uni's. Carson was ordained by the Universal Life Church. Read more about Carson's goof.
| DON'T
CONFUSE YOUR UNI'S Commonly Confused Religions with "UNI" in their name... |
|
Unitarian
Universalists Unitarian Universalists, have a complex ministerial preparation and credentialling process with most UU ministers earning an Masters in Divinity. Details UUFAQ.COM is a Unitarian Universalist site. Are you a Unitarian Universalist without even realizing it? Find out! Take the Belief-O-Matic™ quiz on Beliefnet. |
|
Unity
Church
The Unity Church association describes Unity as a positive and practical Christianity. They teach application of the principles of Truth (big 'T' truth according to their website) taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ as interpreted by the Unity School and the Association of Unity Churches. |
|
Unification
Church |
|
Free online ordination. Just enter your name, address, and email and POW! you're a ULC minister. Order the full ministry in the box kit and they'll send you a certificate saying you are a saint too. ULC ministers can marry people in most states. |
Seeking
the official
route?
Most (not all) Unitarian Universalist churches in the United States
have banded together to form an association. This is the "Unitarian
Universalist Association of Congregations" and it has a giant website
with tons of information on it. This association does many great things
to support our congregations. However, their site is huge and some of
the best content is easy to pass by. Feel free to take a look at the
front page of the UUA's
website. I will direct you to some specific content below.
Humor
with a point...
This YouTube.Com movie features a small purple alien explaining
the similarity between the cosmic principles uniting sentient life in
the Universe at large and the principles of the Unitarian Universalist
Association, our UU glue.
Listen
to a sermon
Here is a sampling of sermons from some of my favorite Unitarian
Universalist ministers. Remember, UU congregations vary greatly. If
you try one church and it isn't a great match, don't be discouraged.
Try another. Your spiritual home may be in the next town over...
 |
Living
The Call |
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Putting
First Things First |
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No
Hell, No Hell, No Hell This sermon honors our Universalist roots. By the Rev. Gary E. Smith. More podcasts from Gary E. Smith and First Parish, Concord |
Explore titles by Beacon
Press, our Associations Publishing House
UU's
World Wide
Note that the UUA site is great for general info and people residing in
the United States of America. If you are not in the US look at the International
Council of Unitarians and Universalists or one of the other sites
below.
Church of the Larger
Fellowship (World Wide)
The Australian & New
Zealand Unitarian Association
Canadian Unitarian Council
British Unitarians:
The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches
Los Unitarios Universalistas
Asian Pacific Islander UU's
Explore
Unitarian Universalism online....
- Know that
big UUA site I mentioned? They have some great material. Here are links
to the content on their site I refer people to most often.
- The
Principles
and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Think of this as the glue that holds our independent and diverse congregations together. - The history of our "symbol" the Flaming Chalice.
- A
very short history
of Unitarian Universalism.
- The
Principles
and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
- 100 Questions
That Nonmembers Ask About Unitarian Universalism
By the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, New Hampshire
This is a very large FAQ for non-UUs. Some people think it leans a bit too much toward the humanist perspective. Keep it in mind it is one UU perspective among many.
Download book as PDF file | View Website | Order Book
- There
are many great books on Unitarian Universalism. I've identified some
good titles to start with to the left. There are even more titles on
spirituality and religion by popular UU authors. Take a minute to see
some of the UU
authors publishing books through Beacon
Press. Beacon Press is a department of our association, the UUA.
- I think
you'll be amazed to learn about all the UU's who have shaped our country
and our world over time. There are tons of them! Some great online lists
are on the Famous
UU website, UU
Historical Society site. Some of my favorites include:
- Rod
Serling.This famous UU was the creator of the Twilight
Zone and made the film adaptation of Planet
of the Apes. He felt Americans could deal with challenging
issues more easily if they were presented via "weird"
scenarios.
- Clara
Barton because we wouldn't have the Red
Cross without her!
- Beatrix
Potter wrote Peter
Rabbit
Did you read Peter Rabbit as a child? I did. That and Super Man comic books. No, the Man of Steel wasn't a UU, just the actor who played him on the big screen.
- Christopher Reeve, known for his role in the Super Man movies, discovered our faith after his tragic accident. Please take a moment to visit the Christopher Reeve Foundation and learn about the work they are doing.
- Tim
Berners-Lee,
one of the people credited with founding the World Wide Web.
- John
Adams, Unitarian, founding father and 2nd
President of the United States. Good for everyone to know that
America, the land of the free, was molded by good ol' Unitarian
and Universalist values.
- Following
Adams was Thomas
Jefferson as President number 3. Now he wasn't a Unitarian or
Universalist, but he liked the idea. He is quoted as saying:
"I rejoice that in this blessed country of free inquiry and belief, which has surrendered its conscience to neither kings or priests, the genuine doctrine of only one God is reviving, and I trust that there is not a young man now living in the United States who will not die a Unitarian.
- Rod
Serling.This famous UU was the creator of the Twilight
Zone and made the film adaptation of Planet
of the Apes. He felt Americans could deal with challenging
issues more easily if they were presented via "weird"
scenarios.
- Did I mention that we are are cutting edge? Check out the big bold book of cutting edge Unitarian Universalist Association of congregations resolutions and actions. 382page pdf. Just a little something to give you a sense that we're looking out for the values that make our country and democracy great. You're welcome!
"Spiritual
Demographics" of my home church
The following is a description of the people in my home UU congregation
in Providence, RI. This is from a sermon delivered in the late 1990's
by my minister for 25 years, the Rev. Thomas E. Alhburn.
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In 1987, 28% of you said you were Humanists, 12% Christian, 11% Buddhist, 11% Agnostic, 4% Christian Humanist, 3% Atheists, 3% Seekers or Searchers, and 3% Don't Know. There were quite a few other religious or theological positions, including the now famous "Not a Catholic Anymore." 20% of those polled last Sunday identified themselves as Humanists, 13% Buddhists, 10% Christian, 6% Agnostic, and 4% Christian Humanist. Obviously, things have changed a bit. But the big changes occur beyond the major categories. When it comes to your religious philosophy or theology, more than 50% of you seem to prefer more heterodox ways of describing yourselves. Here are just a few: Neo-Mystical Christian, Non-Mystical Christian, Christian Seeking A Balance For Me, Christian Atheist, Christian Agnostic, Buddhist-Transcendentalist, Buddhist-12 Step-Seeker, Agnostic Humanist Buddhist, Christian Humanist Buddhist, Jewish Humanist Buddhist, Humanist Buddhist Dreamer, Atheist With Buddhist Thoughts, Seeking Inspiration From The Goddess, Pagan, Earth Worshipper, Earth Magic, Naturalist-Energy-Oriented Believer, Spiritual Agnostic, Spiritual Feminist and Social Activist, Gnostic, Bleeding Heart Pragmatist, Taoist/Theist, Something Spiritual, Seeker of Spiritual Guidance and Growth, Existential Humanist, Hard To Say, None and All of the Above, Kind of like a sponge and a sieve all in one, Electric, Person, Eternal Dancer, Unitarian Universalist Dogmatist, and (this year's winner) Frisbeetarian. Where in the world do people like you come from? 30% of you began as Roman Catholics (up from 26% in 1987), 15% as Congregationalists (up from 8%), 10% are birthright Unitarian Universalists (down from 14%), 6% as Episcopalians (down from 14%), and 4% were born Jewish (in both 1987 and 1995). Along with former Methodists, Lathering, and Baptists, we have all kinds of others, including a dear souls who claims to have begun as a "Sweet child that didn't care about religion and had no need of it." |
Voting
Remember, our country
exists in part because people felt it was important to have freedom
of religion. Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists (they
eventually merged) have been trying to protect that freedom ever since.
It is getting tough these days though. That is why it is SO VERY IMPORTANT
that you register to vote. If you aren't registered and you are of age,
use the links below to get started...
Find
a UU congregation in the US
Visit the UUA's
directory of congregations. This will open a page where you can enter
your zipcode or state and find Unitarian Universalist communities within
a certain distance of your location.
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What's Unitarian Universalism all about? You've probably heard we don't make anyone believe anything specific. It is true that we have no creed we force everyone to believe. Now I know you're saying, Peter, so what unifies you as a religion? Our values and how we feel human beings should be in community together. The majority UU congregations in the USA have joined together in an association of congregations. This association of independent congregations has a set of principles that all agree to "affirm and promote" - think of it as our UU glue. Below our the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support. Read the full Principles and Purposes of our association. |
UUWorld Magazine
& UUA News Feeds
My favorite
UU
blog, Philocrites
News
from The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and Amnesty
International USA
AI USA's president is a former president of the UUA and a UU minister...
To check out every Unitarian Universalist blog under the Sun visit UUpdates.Net
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meter installed
9/19/2006