The roots of Unitarianism in this country go back to the early settlement of New England by the Puritans. The roots of Universalism are diverse and arose in multiple places and diverse communities in America during the mid-1700s. Unitarian Universalism is a faith tradition that came from the merger of those two traditions in 1961.

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote six values, which are rooted in Love. These provide the foundation of our religious tradition and represent the commitment our congregations make to each other about who we are, what we aspire to be, and how we work to live in the world. Ours is a living tradition which does not have any fixed dogmas; instead we are committed to ongoing evolution and deepening. We draw our religious inspiration from the religious traditions and scriptures of the whole world, as well as science, poetry, art, music, the natural world, and personal experience.

We root our communities in covenantal promises that we make to each other. We recognize — and celebrate — that while we do not all believe the same things (Unitarian Universalists include Christians, Atheists, Agnostics, Pagans, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists — and more!) we share our commitments to our covenants and living out these values in our lives as individuals, and as communities. We do not think alike, nor do we seek to. Instead, being people who love alike is our higher aspiration.

The values that we share are:

• Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.
• Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
• Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.
• Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.
• Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
• Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.