About Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalist history traces its roots to the early days of Christianity, in recent centuries growing up through liberal Protestant Christianity. Our roots are especially pronounced in US history. Unitarians emphasized the intrinsic goodness of humanity, while the Universalists argued that all people would receive salvation.

In the twentieth century, Unitarianism and Universalism consolidated into one denomination and broadened to include other paths in addition to Christianity. These days, most of us are Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish,

Muslim, Pagan, atheist and agnostic, believers in God, and more.

You can learn more about us in this brief video:

Our Shared Values

Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that has changed in many ways from the original Christian roots of its Universalist and Unitarian heritages, and it continues to evolve today. Most recently, this evolution has taken the form of adopting new language to describe who we are as UUs.

At General Assembly in June 2024, UUs voted to replace existing Seven Principles and Six Sources language in our bylaws with language describing Unitarian Universalism through these shared values, all centered around love:

Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.
Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.
Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.
Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.

We arrived at this description of Unitarian Universalism after a multi-year process of discernment and discussion, writing and revision, and eventually a final democratic vote. The process of review and revision is mandated by UUA bylaws to happen every 15 years, and the language describing Unitarian Universalist faith has changed multiple times over the course of our history. We encourage you to review the final adopted language of Article II (PDF, 3 pages), which includes our Shared Values.