Tenets and Unitarian Universalist History

We 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.

Unitarian Universalist Videos

• Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) represents the interests of more than 1,000 Unitarian Universalist congregations on a continental scale. The UUA grew out of the 1961 consolidation of two religious denominations: the Universalists, organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, organized in 1825.
• Central Midwest District (CMwD) is one of 20 districts working to further liberal religious values as part of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The CMwD covers all or part of five states – Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan and Indiana – and serves nearly 80 congregations with over 12,000 members.
• Church of the Larger Fellowship's mission is to provide a ministry to isolated religious liberals, and to offer a spiritual home within the Unitarian Universalist movement.  The Church of the Larger Fellowship promotes the understanding and growth of Unitarian Universalism and institutes programs to that end.
• Interconnections is a useful resource for lay leaders of Unitarian Universalist congregations and the professional staff who work with them, providing information and resources that help make congregations vital.
• UU World is a companion website to UU World, the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.
• UU Small Group Ministry Network is an Independent Affiliate Organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association focused on providing help that creates healthy congregations and a vital Unitarian Universalist movement by supporting and promoting Small Group Ministry.