What Unitarian Universalists Believe

We uphold the free search for truth . We will not be bound by a statement of belief, We do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. We say ours is a non-creedal religion; ours is a free faith.

We believe that religious wisdom is ever-changing, Human understanding of life and death, the world and its mysteries, is never final. Revelation is continuous. We celebrate unfolding truths known to teachers, prophets and sages throughout the ages.

We affirm the worth of all women and men. We believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. We know people differ in their opinions and life-styles and believe these differences generally should be honored.

Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

• 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 women and men 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.

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.

From www.uua.org

David Rankin's Ten Beliefs

(David O. Rankin is a long time Unitarian Universalist Minister, Free lance writer, and activist from Moscow, Idaho.  His "Ten Beliefs" are considered one of the great starting points in understanding Unitarian Universalism.)

1. We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All individuals should be encouraged to develop a personal theology, and to openly present their religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.
   

2. We believe in tolerance of religious ideas. The religions of every age and culture have something to teach those who listen.
   

3. We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, a document, or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual.
   

4. We believe in the search for truth. With an open mind and heart, there is no end to the fruitful and exciting revelations that the human spirit can find.
   

5. We believe in the unity of experience. There is no fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge; religion and the world; the sacred and the secular.
   

6. We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being. All people on earth have an equal claim to life., liberty and justice; no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a single human life.
   

7. We believe in the ethical application of religion. Inner grace and faith find completion in social and community involvement.
   

8. We believe in the force of love, that the governing, principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which seeks to help and heal, never to hurt or destroy.
   

9. We believe in the necessity of the democratic process. Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are open to criticism, so that people might govern themselves.
   

10. We believe in the importance of a religious community. Peers confirm and validate experience, and provide a critical platform, as well as a network of mutual support.
    

From Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, by John A. Buehrens and F. Forrester Church (Boston: Beacon Press, 1989).

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