FUUNO - What is UU?

What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism is grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world's religions. Our spirituality is unbounded, drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition.

Shared Values, Inspirations, Inclusion, and Freedom of Belief

Unitarian Univeralism is a covenantal religion, rather than a credal one. In this way, our Unitarian Universalist shared values work very differently than a traditional creed or a statement of belief. Our covenant is an agreement and a promise we make to ourselves, our congregations and our communities and the values that underlie those promises.

Unlike credal religions, there is no test to take to belong among Unitarian Universalists, no proof required, no grand sweeping statement to make about what you believe or do not believe.

Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that has changed in many ways from the original Christian roots of its Universalist and Unitarian heritages, and it continues to evolve today. In June 2024, UUs adopted a revised covenant and statement of shared values.

As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.

Love

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values.

Interdependence

We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.

Pluralism

We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.

Justice

We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all 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.

Unitarian Universalist (UU) Principles and Sources

The Principles of Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism affirms and promotes seven Principles, grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world's religions.

The inherent dignity and worth 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 Sources of Unitarian Universalism

Our spirituality is unbounded, drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition as described in our six 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 people 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.

Greater New Orleans Unitarian Universalists

GNOUU is a local cluster of three Unitarian Universalist churches who are revitalizing their faith while rebuilding their city.

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