Values and Principles That Guide Unitarian Universalists
What is this faith tradition with long longest name ever—Unitarian Universalism? Every Unitarian Universalist (UU) will give you a different answer. Some will tell you what it’s not—not a doctrinal religion, not creedal, nary a prayer book. Others will tell you what it is—they’ll say that it’s their spiritual home (surprised to hear themselves say such a thing) or that it's where they join other seekers to explore what matters most, or that it's a a movement that inspires them to live with intention.
Unitarian Universalism is a faith tradition that invites individuals to "live on purpose" and inspires them to make a difference in the world we so love. UU congregations are guided not by creed but by covenant—an agreement about how to live our lives as people of faith.
Created by Claire Pullen
Unitarian Universalism is known for its embrace of diverse beliefs and the quest for justice. We strive to center Love, guided by six core values:
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Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
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Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.
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Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it:
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Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.
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Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
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Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion:
At our annual General Assembly in 2024, delegates from UU congregations around the world voted to adopt this new expression of the values that guide us, updating the 1985 adoption of the "7 UU Principles."
The 6 UU Values (2024)
The 7 UU Principles (1985)
Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations affirm and promote:
#1 The inherent worth and dignity of every person
#2 Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
#3 Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
#4 A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
#5 The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
#6 The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
#7 Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Historically, Unitarian Universalism has theological roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In the United States, the Universalist Church was founded in 1793 and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. They consolidated in 1966 to become Unitarian Universalism. Read about UU history in Rev. Mark Harris’s pamphlet “Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith.”
