Unitarianism and Universalism | Definition, History, Beliefs, & Facts Copyright 1996-2023 Unitarian Universalist Association.All Rights Reserved. The Seven Principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote are: 1. He will talk about the intersection of the UU seven principles, stoic philosophy, and his own virtues. In 2004, UU World magazine asked for contributions of "elevator speeches" explaining Unitarian Universalism. They hold that belief divorced from action does not change the world, and that good intentions often leads to a worse situation in the long term. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in. (617) 742-2100 | info@uua.org. [118] Meant to serve as a kind of handbook to be read alongside the Bible, it provides interpretative strategies from a liberal religious perspective for the reader to engage in conversation about the Biblewhat it says and what it means today. Unitarian Universalists and Quakers still share many principles. Historically, Unitarian Universalists have often been active in political causes, notably the civil rights movement,[101] the LGBT rights movement,[102] the social justice movement, and the feminist movement. Ourshared covenant (our seven Principles)supports the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. 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. Servetus was eventually arrested, convicted of heresy, and burned at the stake in Geneva in 1553.[32]. The chalice itself has long been a symbol of liberal religion, and indeed liberal Christianity (the Disciples of Christ also use a chalice as their denomination symbol[89]). [86] These are short speeches that could be made in the course of an elevator ride to those who knew nothing of the religion. Last Site Update: June 29, 2023 10:20 am About the Site A Printable, Introductory Handout Site Map Who are We? Unitarian Universalist thinkers have long recognized the need to bring belief and action together, and encourage their members to go into the larger world and improve it. Green: Grow in spirit and mind Blue: Believe in your ideas and act on them Indigo: Insist on peace, freedom, and justice Violet: Value the connections in all creation *The Unitarian Universalist Association has proposed the eighth principle below. As such, Unitarian Universalists vary greatly in their beliefs, and Unitarian Universalist congregations are often defined by a plurality of beliefs. The inherent worth and dignity of every person. 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.. Liberalizing Unitarians rejected the Trinitarian belief in the tri-personal godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost/Spirit. The Foundation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Act of Toleration (1689) gave relief to English Dissenters, but excluded Unitarians. They are statements we 'covenant to affirm and promote.' Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we holdas strong values and moral guides. The Seven Principles | UUA.org - Unitarian Universalist Association ", The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide, Now Available for Purchase. Others use names that reflect their historic roots by keeping the historical designation "Unitarian" or "Universalist" (e.g. This belief leads many UUs to not only take care of their own spiritual healthbut to care for other people as well. Additionally, four Presidents of the United States were Unitarians: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore, and William Howard Taft.[99]. [141] In 2015, the CUC reported 3,804 members.[142]. (617) 742-2100 | info@uua.org. folk in biblical literacy, many of whom were born into families that eschewed or minimized religious or moral catechisms. The most recent worship songbook published by the denomination, Singing the Journey[94] contains 75 songs and is a supplement to the older Singing the Living Tradition which contains readings as well. Unitarian Universalist's egalitarian outlook lends itself to the promotion of democratic organization. They are not a creed that people must adhere to if they want to be a Unitarian Universalist. [74] Today, Unitarian Universalists are deeply involved in causes such as racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement,[77] LGBT movements,[78] feminism and women's rights,[79] immigration justice,[80] reproductive rights,[81] climate justice,[82] and economic inequality.[83]. The American Unitarian Association was founded as a separate denomination in 1825. The UUA's 1000+ member congregations are committed to Seven Principles that include the worth of each person, the need for justice and compassion, and the right to choose one's own beliefs. Spirituality is a highly complex and subjective topic to UUs, which can lead to multiple conclusions. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/seven-principles-of-unitarian-universalism-95786. [25][26][27], This core doctrine asserts that through Christ every single human soul shall be saved, leading to the "restitution of all things" (apocatastasis). [1][12], The roots of Unitarian Universalism can be traced back to Protestantism[2][13] and liberal Christianity,[1][2] more specifically to Unitarianism and Christian universalism. 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.. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, "The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a . Sometimes the use of another term may simply indicate a congregation's lay-led or relatively new status. General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct the business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean wholly into our mission and principles. Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven 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. These Six Sources and Seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Associationgrew out of the grassroots of our tradition, were affirmed democratically, and are part of who we are. [10][11] Unitarian Universalists assert no creed,[2] but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth. The Seven Principles Unitarian Universalist communities affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. These are the foundations of the organization and which they promote. Commission Considers Changes to the Seven Principles - UU World Magazine The debate saw the publication of a book by the UUA Beacon Press, written by former UUA President John Buehrens[117] and titled Understanding the Bible: An Introduction for skeptics, seekers, and religious liberals. We continue to meet via phone to work for justice. UU-UNO Director's Monthly Report: December 2011. [51] The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was given corporate status in May 1961 under special acts of legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New York. The Vatican is inviting New Zealanders to give public feedback to The Vatican's Child Protection Commission on the Church safeguarding principles. The six Sources of our living UU tradition. Nontrinitarianism was especially prevalent during the theological turmoils of the Protestant Reformation. The Platform was the first formal declaration of the principles of church order and governance in colonial North America. "First Unitarian Church"). [120][121] Of particular discussion was the borrowing rituals and practices that are sacred to specific tribes or using spiritual practices without real context. Services can vary widely between congregations, and can incorporate dancing, contemporary music and poetry, readings taken from secular fiction or original works by congregants. The "borrowing" of religious rituals from other faith traditions by Unitarian Universalists was discussed at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in 2001 during a seminar titled "Cultural Appropriation: Reckless Borrowing or Appropriate Cultural Sharing" by the Religious Education Dept, UUA. The Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights are best known for Bloody Sunday, which refers to March 7, 1965, the most violent of the three marches. Vatican asks NZ for feedback on safeguarding principles Other symbols include an off-center cross within a circle (a Universalist symbol associated with the Humiliati movement in the 1950s, a group of reformist, liturgically minded clergy seeking to revive Universalism). The Seven Principles Unitarian Universalism is a unique religion that is not based on dogma or creed. One of its more popular curricula, Neighboring Faiths (formerly Church Across the Street), takes middle and high school participants to visit the places of worship of many faith traditions including a Hindu temple, a Reform or Orthodox synagogue, and a Catholic church. As such, different UUs can have radically different ideas concerning the nature of the divine (or its absence) as well as ethical decisions. UUs focus on their own personal spiritual development and understanding rather than being concerned about everyone reaching a consensus. Children's and youth's religious education classes teach about the divinity of the world and the sanctity of world religions. It emphasizes the inherent worth of all people rather than any inherent flaws in humanity. 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; Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; 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. We are called today, from the midst of pain and challenge, we are called to praise the world. Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith, Rowe, Ch. The Seven Principles Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. Unitarian Universalism - Wikipedia Two weeks after his death, Viola Liuzzo, a Unitarian Universalist civil rights activist, was murdered by white supremacists after her participation in the protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. [132] In 2015, there were 156,620adult congregational members and 47,623children enrolled in religious education programs. These are often termed "seventh principle" activities because of the seventh principle quoted above. Unitarian Universalism encourages its members to draw on the world's religions as well as the words and deeds of prophetic people as inspiration for their spiritual journeys. The holy oil burning in it is a symbol of helpfulness and sacrifice.[90]. They draw from a variety of religious traditions. "[67], The use of covenants in Unitarian Universalist community dates back to 1646 and the creation of the Cambridge Platform by the Congregational churches of colonial New England, some of whom would later become Unitarians, predecessors of modern Unitarian Universalists. Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote Seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. [134] According to the 2008 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations claimed 214,738members in 2002. A Look at the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism. Many Unitarian Universalists see this work as inseparable from their Unitarian Universalist faith, and see their participation in justice movements as a deeply important part of their religious faith. ", "The Boy Scouts, a Battle and the Meaning of Faith", "Traditional Values, or a New Tradition of Prejudice? [2] Unitarian Universalists state that from these traditions comes a deep regard for intellectual freedom and inclusive love. Opposition to Liberal religious freedom relaxed, so that by 2002 it was agreed to increase autonomy and funding. The fundamentals of our faith: Purpose, Principles, Sources, Freedom of Belief, and Inclusion, are being rewritten. The Seven Principles - Church and Theology Beyer, Catherine. [46], In the 19th century, under the influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson (who had been a Unitarian minister)[47] and other transcendentalists, Unitarianism began its long journey from liberal Protestantism to its more pluralist form. Instead, it is an organization of congregations, and the requirements are that the congregations afrm and promote the seven principles. "[104] Unitarian Universalists have been in the forefront of the work to make same-sex marriages legal in their local states and provinces, as well as on the national level. This understanding is closely related to the respect which UUs show each individual person, both in and out of the UU community. In May 2004, Arlington Street Church, in Boston, Massachusetts, was the site of the first state-sanctioned same-sex marriage in the United States. By a happy coincidence, in those days of slow posts, no transatlantic telegraph, telephone or wireless, our American cousins, in complete ignorance as to the details of what was afoot, though moving toward a similar goal, founded the American Unitarian Association on precisely the same dayMay 26, 1825.". The UUA revised these Principles in 1985. It places value on each person as an equal in that everyone has a connection to 'the sacred' and through that, a trust is developed. "The inherent worth and dignity of every person;", "Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;", "Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth;", "A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;", "The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process;", "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.". A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 5. ERUUF - Unitarian Universalism Visit the UUA Bookstore forBooks and Pamphlets about the Principles. The 7 Principles of UU | uufc In the words of Unitarian Universalist minister Alice Blair Wesley: "authentic human freedom is of necessity, lawful freedom, and because we receive the possibility of freedom as a gift of the way things are, an authentic covenant is: a glad promise to live freely together, insofar as we are able, in accordance with the laws of reality that make our freedom possible. A Handy Guide to the 7 Principles of Unitarian Universalism Unitarian Universalists see covenants as the promises that bind congregations, communities, and individuals together in community. Religious Landscape Survey, conducted in 2007 by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life and featuring a sample size of over 35,000, puts the proportion of American adults identifying as Unitarian Universalist at 0.3%. [114], During the presidency of William Sinkford, debate roiled the Unitarian Universalist (U.U.) 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. [17] The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was formed in 1961 through the consolidation of the American Unitarian Association, established in 1825, and the Universalist Church of America, [5] established in 1793. Many use the name "Unitarian Universalist", (and a few "Universalist Unitarian"), having gradually adopted this formulation since consolidation in 1961. Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote Seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We are united in shared experience: our open and stirring worship services, religious education, and rites of passage; our work for social justice; our quest to include the marginalized; our expressions of love. Unitarian Universalist ministers perform same-sex unions and now same-sex marriages where legal (and sometimes when not, as a form of civil protest). These Principles and Purposes are statements of shared values that Unitarian Universalist congregations agree to uphold: These principles, first adopted in 1960 and later revised in 1984 and 1985, proved so popular that many Unitarian Universalists see them as a wisdom source in and of themselves and a guide for participation in Unitarian Universalist congregations. [24], Universalists claim a long history, beginning with several Church Fathers, though some modern scholars question whether these church fathers taught the defining doctrine of Universalism (universal salvation). Unitarian Universalists believe more than one thing. As Rev. [52], In 1998 the Canadian Unitarian Council and Unitarian Universalist Association dissolved their financial accord, although they continue to cooperate. Daniel McKanan, "Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism", Harris, MW. It is therefore common to see Unitarian Universalists and Quakers working together. 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. A few congregations use neither (e.g. There is great variety among Unitarian Universalist congregations, with some favoring particular religious beliefs or forms of worship over others, with many more home to an eclectic mix of beliefs. 24 Farnsworth Street | Boston, MA 02210 [91] Many Unitarian Universalist congregations light a chalice at the beginning of worship services. In 2004 UU minister Debra Haffner of The Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing published An Open Letter on Religious Leaders on Marriage Equality to affirm same-sex marriage from a multi-faith perspective. Unitarian churches were formally established in Transylvania and Poland (by the Socinians) in the second half of the 16th century. Please join us Sunday, June 25, 2023, where we will get to hear read more. Therefore, one's own truth is unprovable, as is that of others. [22], New England Unitarians evolved from the Pilgrim Fathers' Congregational Christianity, which was based on a literal reading of the Holy Bible. [57] Although members are cautioned to be aware of possible cultural appropriation of traditions that do not belong to them, Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to find wisdom in a diverse spectrum of religions, customs, and cultures from around the world.[58]. Sinkford denied such motives, citing the words of Unitarian Universalist humanists as examples of what he meant by "language of reverence".[116]. The Seven Principles are expressed as a covenant among congregations to affirm and promote rather than statements of belief by individual members. We live out these Principles within aliving tradition of wisdom and spirituality, drawn fromsourcesas diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience. The 7 Principles, Part Five: The Use of The Democratic Process Phillip Baber On the 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. The 7 Principles of Unitarian Universalists - Unitarian Universalist [56], Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to engage in their own unique spiritual journey and to follow their conscience in what beliefs to hold. In addition, they rejected the doctrine of original sin, moving away from the Calvinism of the Congregationalists. The As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm and promote: Thechildrens version expresses these Seven Principles in simpler language. More from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop. It is all-encompassing and helps each individual understand society, culture, and nature while trying to support it where they can. Seven of the ten US states with the most congregations are also among the most populous states; the state with the most congregations and members is Massachusetts; Vermont is No. [2] The UUA is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and serves churches mostly in the United States. Neither cleric was charged under the Blasphemy Act 1697 that made it an "offense for any person, educated in or having made profession of the Christian religion, by writing, preaching, teaching or advised speaking, to deny the Holy Trinity". https://www.uua.org/files/includes/snippet-important-message.txt, From UU World: "Shared Values: How the UU Principles and Purposes Were Adopted", From UU World: "Who Says Unitarian Universalism's Principles Are Easy? As varied as the beliefs are, there are seven principles which members of the UU religious community agree upon. The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism have stood as a statement of fundamental faith values unaltered for nearly forty years, not meant to tell UUs what they have to believe, but as a guide for people who choose to participate in UU communities. Read them as they are written in the UUA Bylaws. As Rev. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations include Buddhist-style meditation groups, Jewish Seder, Yom Kippur and Passover dinners, iftaar meals (marking the breaking of Ramadan fast for Muslims), and Christmas Eve/Winter Solstice services. Indeed, some were concerned that it might be a call to oppose the growing influence among UUs of humanism and atheism, the adherents of which would be made unwelcome within the community. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious movement in the United States. Many also include a time of meditation or prayer, led by the minister or service leader, both spoken and silent. This is true whether the agreement is between just two, as in a union of marriage, or whether the agreement is among millions, as in a free nation, or whether the agreement is among members who gather to be a free congregation. Actions taken seemingly in isolation can still have far-reaching effects, and responsible behavior includes being mindful of these potential consequences. Internal controversy over the hiring of the UUA's Southern Region Lead (a white man from outside the region was hired rather than a Latina woman who resided within the region) led to resignations and apologies in 2017. Either way, changes are coming to Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association's by-laws. 1 relative to its total population. Consequently, we should respect the beliefs of others, as well as their right to hold those beliefs. Since Unitarian Universalists do not recognize a particular text or set of texts as primary or inherently superior, inspiration can be found in many different religious or cultural texts as well as the personal experiences of the minister. [137] The highest concentrations are in New England and around Seattle, Washington. [3][12] Congregations and members seek inspiration and derive insight from all major world religions. The term "Unitarian" entered the English language via Henry Hedworth, who applied it to the teachings of Laelio Sozzini and the Polish Socinians. [36] Priestley also founded a reform congregation, but, after his home was burned down in the Priestley Riots, fled with his wife to America, where he became a leading figure in the founding of the church on American soil. It is not a matter of faith, but in the face of injustice, tragedy, and atrocities in the world, it can test one's faith. Several congregations have undertaken a series of organizational, procedural and practical steps to become acknowledged as a "Welcoming Congregation": a congregation which has taken specific steps to welcome and integrate gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) members. UU acknowledges that reality consists of a complex and interconnected web of relationships. [111] Without the knowledge or approval of the UUA, the program was approved by the BSA Religious Relationships committee in 2005. In form, church services might be difficult to distinguish from those of a Protestant church, but they vary widely among congregations. (There is no live stream of the service today. The Seven Principles - Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville Instead, there are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote: * The inherent worth and dignity of every person; * Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; Our inclusive spirituality is drawn from six sources: from scriptural wisdom to personal experience to modern day heroes.