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Edited on Thu May-05-11 06:03 PM by LiberalEsto
What we do as congregations is considered more important than what we believe. We raise money to support social justice issues, do volunteer work, and actively welcome gay, bisexual and transgendered people. We were among the first churches to provide marriage ceremonies for them. We borrow from Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and pagan traditions as well as from secular humanism.
I borrowed some info from the Unitarian Universalist Association (uua.org)
"Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the consolidation of two different religions: Unitarianism and Universalism. Both began in Europe hundreds of years ago. In America, the Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. After consolidating in 1961, these faiths became the new religion of Unitarian Universalism through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
Both religions have long histories and have contributed important theological concepts that remain central to Unitarian Universalism. Originally, all Unitarians were Christians who didn't believe in the Holy Trinity of God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), but in the unity, or single aspect, of God. Later, Unitarian beliefs stressed the importance of rational thinking, a direct relationship with God, and the humanity of Jesus. Universalism emerged as a Christian denomination with a central belief in universal salvation; that is, that all people will eventually be reconciled with God.
Since the merger of the two denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its Unitarian and Universalist heritages to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion."
also
"There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote. These express the shared values that unite Unitarian Universalists.
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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