Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion. Unitarian Universalists do not share a creed, but are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth, as well as a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The roots of Unitarian Universalism are in liberal Christianity, and Unitarianism originated in Eastern Europe (Poland and Translyvania) and England. Unitarianism has had deep ties to both Judaism and Islam from its very beginnings as a separate religious tradition (see: Children of the Same God by Susan Ritchie). Unitarian Universalists uphold a deep regard for intellectual freedom and inclusive love, and actively seek inspiration in and derive spiritual practices from all major world religions.

The theology of individual Unitarian Universalists ranges widely, including Humanism, Atheism, Agnosticism, Pantheism, Deism, Christianity, Feminism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Paganism, Buddhism, and many more.

Seven Principles

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;
  • 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.

Starr King School for the Ministry is one of two theological schools in North America with an explicit Unitarian Universalist identity and mission.  Starr King has a more than 100-year tradition of educating Unitarian Universalist ministers and progressive religious leaders for spiritual and theological work in society.

Resources

Here are some resources that could help you learn more:

Other Online Resources

Starr King School also offers these online resources for Unitarian Universalist history:

Archives

Starr King School for the Ministry houses a 1,300-volume library covering the history of Unitarian Universalism from the early 16th century to the Rev. Thomas Starr King’s San Francisco ministry during the Civil War. The collection was named for Earl Morse Wilbur, the school’s first president (1904 to 1931) and the author of “A History of Unitarianism, Vol. 1 & II,” the first comprehensive chronicle of the movement since the 16th century. Learn more about the Earl Morse Wilbur Rare Book Collection.