A Brief History of Unitarian Universalism

We are part of a local, statewide, continental, and worldwide association. We are glad you found us!

Our denomination combines two traditions: the Universalists, who organized in America in 1793 and see good in everyone; and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825 and see us all as one world. Both groups trace their roots in North America to the early Massachusetts settlers and to the founders of the republic.

Oversees, our heritages reach back centuries to religious pioneers and reformers in England, Poland, and Transylvania. On a global scale, we bond with all those who stand for freedom, reason, tolerance, and love. The religion's philosophical roots may be traced to:

1. The Universalist ideas that emerged in Ancient Greece in the 5th century B.C.E. (Before the Common Era.);
2. The Jewish belief in one God;
3. The life and teachings of Jesus;
4. The Unitarian ideas of Arius at the Council of Nicea in 325 C.E. (Common Era) that God is one;
5. The Protestant Reformation when Unitarians became part of the protest for religious freedom;
6. The concept of a loving God as preached by Universalists in England in the 18th century;
7. The use of reason in religion as fostered by Unitarians in North America in the 18th and 19th centuries;
8. The rise of humanist thinking and new calls for social justice in the 20th century; and
9. The return towards earth-centered spirituality.

As Unitarian Universalists, 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.

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