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Who We Are...
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that draws wisdom and inspiration from many sources. Unitarian Universalists include people who identify themselves as Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, LGBT+, along with other religious or philosophical traditions. Unitarian Universalism dictates no creed, dogma, or doctrine. We support and encourage the discovery of personal spiritual beliefs.
The video, "We Are Unitarian Universalists" is published by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
The video, "UU Theology" is by Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson, the Congregational Life Consultant for the MidAmerican Region of the UUA. He served for five years as the minister at High Plains UU Church, Colorado Springs, and for 17 years as the Senior Minister at The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL.
Sources of Unitarian Universalist Faith
Sources of Unitarian Universalist Faith
The Living Tradition we share draws from many 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 that create and uphold life;
Words and deeds of prophetic people that 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 that 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 that celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Grateful for the religious pluralism that enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations, we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.
The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism
The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism
For some within Unitarian Universalism, there are seven Principles which reflect deeply-held values and serve as a moral guide. The wisdom and spirituality of these Principles are drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience.
These seven Principles are as follows:
1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The Shared Values of Unitarian Universalism
The Shared Values of Unitarian Universalism
At General Assembly in 2024, after several years of reviewing Article II (which has housed the 7 Principles), the UUA voted and affirmed a new set of Unitarian Universalist Shared Values. BSUU is spending the next year or so discussing these new Shared Values and finding ways to fold them into our spiritual lives.
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.
The Five Jagged Rocks
The Five Jagged Rocks
The Five Jagged Rocks were created by Rev. Nancy Bowen, Rev. Mike Morran, and others within the Mountain Desert District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. They are a specifically UU understanding and expansion of what James Luther Adams called “the five smooth stones of liberal religious tradition.” Adams created the smooth stones with inspiration from the biblical story of David and Goliath.
The Five Jagged Rocks is a re-interpretation through the lens of Unitarian Universalism (UU). While David used five smooth stones to defeat Goliath, modern UU theology uses the metaphor of “Five Jagged Rocks” to represent the faith’s core values—an evolution from James Luther Adams’s “Five Smooth Stones” of liberal religion.
These Five Jagged Rocks are:
There is a unity that makes us one – Everything is interconnected, allowing for diverse theological expressions.
All souls are sacred and worthy – Every person has inherent value, regardless of identity or beliefs.
Courageous love transforms the world – Radical, justice-driven love is at the heart of creating a better world.
Truth continues to be revealed – Revelation is ongoing; UU faith evolves with new understandings and experiences.
Salvation in this life – The focus is on creating justice and wholeness now, rather than awaiting an afterlife.
You can read more about the Five Jagged Rocks at https://www.uua.org/worship/words/sermon/five-jagged-rocks-unitarian-universalism.
On May 11, 2025, Cass Mitchell presented the history of Unitarian Universalism and the establishment of the seven principles and shared values.
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