Unitarian Universalism
Welcome to Unitarian Universalism
We are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster affirms and promotes eight principles, 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.
What is Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism (UUism) is a spirituality that promotes freedom of belief and respect for all people. We provide a warm, open, inclusive supportive community for people who believe “how we live is more important than what we believe.”
Unitarian Universalism is approximately 400 years old and there are more than one thousand UU congregations in the United States, Canada, and around the world.
We do not need to profess a “creed” in order to be a UU. We believe that an individual’s theology is a result of their own search for truth and meaning, not obedience to an outside authority. Instead, we are united by shared values including tolerance, compassion, and ongoing commitment to making the world a more humane and peaceful place.
Unitarian Universalism welcomes people with different beliefs and there is a rich dialogue in our congregations about spiritual issues. We welcome and embrace all who share our values and principles regardless of their religious beliefs, sexual orientation, race, age, or gender.
The Six Sources of Our Living Tradition
- 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.
Further Reading
- The Unitarian Universalist Association
- Church of the Larger Fellowship (the UUA’s “Church without walls”)
- UUWorld (Magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association)
- UUBF (Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship)
- UUCF (Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship)
- UUJA (Unitarian Universalists for Jewish Awareness)
- HUUmanists (Unitarian Universalist Humanists)
- CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans)
- UUW&R (Unitarian Universalist Women & Religion)
- DRUUMM (Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries)
- Interweave (Unitarian Universalists for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concern)
About Us
We welcome you: your whole self, with all your truths and your doubts, your worries and your hopes.
Newcomers
We are so glad you have found us! Learn more about what to expect when you visit and ways to get involved.
Membership
Are you thinking about becoming a member of our congregation? Learn more about membership.
