A creed , also known as a confession of faith , a symbol , or a statement of faith , is a statement of the shared beliefs of a community (often a religious community) which summarize its core tenets.
85-584: United First Parish Church is an American Unitarian Universalist congregation in Quincy, Massachusetts , established as the parish church of Quincy in 1639. The current building was constructed in 1828 by Boston stonecutter Abner Joy to designs by Alexander Parris . It was designated a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970, for its association with the Adams family , who funded its construction and four members are buried there. United First Parish Church
170-432: A Hindu temple, a Reform or Orthodox synagogue, and a Catholic church. There is great variety among Unitarian Universalist congregations, with some favoring particular religious beliefs or forms of worship over others, with many more home to an eclectic mix of beliefs. Regardless of their orientation, most congregations are fairly open to differing beliefs, though not always with various faith traditions represented to
255-478: A Protestant church, but they vary widely among congregations. The most common symbol of Unitarian Universalism is the flaming chalice , often framed by two overlapping rings that many interpret as representing Unitarianism and Universalism (the symbol has no official interpretation). The chalice itself has long been a symbol of liberal religion, and indeed liberal Christianity (the Disciples of Christ also use
340-515: A Unitarian Universalist congregation. As a result, individual practitioners may simultaneously identify as Unitarian Universalists, as well as other faith traditions. Although Unitarian Universalism draws its roots from Christian sources, contemporary Unitarian Universalists in North America view their religion as multifaith and drawing on a variety of sources, both religious and secular. Unitarian Universalism encourages its members to draw on
425-636: A Unitarian minister) and other transcendentalists , Unitarianism began its long journey from liberal Protestantism to its more pluralist form. After the schism in the Congregational Churches resulting in the foundation (1825) of the American Unitarian Association, some of those churches remained within the Congregational fold and became member congregations of the Congregational organization (later
510-463: A branch of the church in Boston , becoming an independent church in 1639, known simply as "Ye Church of Braintry," because the whole area was then known as Braintree . It was a Puritan Congregationalist church when first established. In the mid-18th century it became Unitarian , and then Unitarian Universalist in the 20th century. The 1828 church is constructed of locally quarried granite , and
595-640: A chalice as their denomination symbol ). The flaming chalice was initially the logo of the Unitarian Service Committee during the Second World War . It was created by Austrian artist Hans Deutsch . The holy oil burning in it is a symbol of helpfulness and sacrifice. Nevertheless, other interpretations have been suggested, such as the chalice used by the followers of Czech Jan Hus , which was supposedly reverential of Eastern Orthodox traditions; although Hus's early National Church
680-631: A clause such as this from the First London Baptist Confession (Revised edition, 1646): Also we confess that we now know but in part and that are ignorant of many things which we desire to and seek to know: and if any shall do us that friendly part to show us from the Word of God that we see not, we shall have cause to be thankful to God and to them. Excommunication is a practice of the Bible to exclude members who do not respect
765-915: A common slogan in Unitarian Universalist congregations, "Deeds, not creeds." They hold that belief divorced from action does not change the world, and that good intentions often lead to a worse situation in the long term. Unitarian Universalist thinkers have long recognized the need to bring belief and action together, and encourage their members to go into the larger world and improve it. Because of this importance of action, Unitarian Universalists have long been involved in social , economic , and environmental justice movements, both through organizations created by Unitarian Universalists and through local, regional, national, and international grassroots organizing. Many Unitarian Universalists see this work as inseparable from their Unitarian Universalist faith, and see their participation in justice movements as
850-518: A congregation's lay-led or relatively new status. However, some Unitarian Universalist congregations have grown to appreciate alternative terms such as fellowship and retained them even though they have grown much larger or lost features sometimes associated with their use (such as, in the case of fellowships, a traditionally lay-led worship model). Also of note is that there are many more people who identify as Unitarian Universalist on surveys than those who attend Unitarian Universalist congregations (by
935-761: A deeply important part of their religious faith. Historically, the Unitarian Univeralist Association's predecessor movements, Unitarianism and Universalism saw members involved in abolitionism , women's suffrage , pacifism , temperance , and prison reform . Today, Unitarian Universalists are deeply involved in causes such as racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQ movements , feminism and women's rights , immigration justice , reproductive rights , climate justice , and economic inequality . The Unitarian belief that reason, and not creed, defines
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#17327801302191020-402: A factor of four in a recent survey), reflecting those who have never joined (and lapsed members) but nonetheless consider themselves part of the Unitarian Universalist movement. In 2004, UU World magazine asked for contributions of " elevator speeches " explaining Unitarian Universalism. These are short speeches that could be made in the course of an elevator ride to those who knew nothing of
1105-736: A few. Instrumental music is also a common feature of the typical worship service, including preludes, offertory music, postludes, or music for contemplation. Creed Many Christian denominations use three creeds: the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed , the Apostles' Creed and the Athanasian Creed . Some Christian denominations do not use any of those creeds . The term creed is sometimes extended to comparable concepts in non-Christian theologies. The Islamic concept of ʿaqīdah (literally "bond, tie")
1190-655: A leading figure in the founding of the church on American soil. Once laity and clergy relaxed their vehement opposition to the Doctrine of the Trinity Act 1813 , which finally allowed for protections of dissenting religions, the British and Foreign Unitarian Association was founded in 1825. It has its headquarters in Essex Hall, successor to Lindsey's Essex House. Two that have been significant in national life are
1275-641: A literal reading of the Bible . Liberalizing Unitarians rejected the Trinitarian belief in the tri-personal godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost/Spirit. Instead, they asserted a unitary notion of God. In addition, they rejected the doctrine of original sin , moving away from the Calvinism of the Congregationalists . New England Universalists rejected the Puritan forefathers' emphasis on
1360-562: A part of article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association's bylaws. These Principles and Purposes were statements of shared values that Unitarian Universalist congregations agreed to uphold: These principles, first adopted in 1960 and later revised in 1984 and 1985, proved so popular that many Unitarian Universalists came to see them as a wisdom source in and of themselves and a guide for participation in Unitarian Universalist congregations. In June 2024,
1445-567: A particular caring for the poor, the weak and the downtrodden. As a result, issues of justice, including social justice are held in common among most. It's a blessing each of us was born; It matters what we do with our lives; What each of us knows about God is a piece of the truth; We don't have to do it alone. As in theology, Unitarian Universalist worship and ritual are often a combination of elements derived from other faith traditions alongside original practices and symbols. In form, church services might be difficult to distinguish from those of
1530-475: A period resembling purgatory . Christian Universalism denies the doctrine of everlasting damnation , and proclaims belief in an entirely loving God who will ultimately redeem all human beings. Historically, several forms of Nontrinitarianism have appeared within Christianity. The term may refer to any belief about the nature of Jesus Christ that affirms God as a singular entity and rejects
1615-444: A plurality of beliefs. Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to engage in their own unique spiritual journey and to follow their conscience in what beliefs to hold. Unitarian Universalism is seen as compatible with other spiritual paths, and individual Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to engage in their own spiritual journey, whatever the path. Unitarian Universalists are not required to renounce previous faith traditions to join
1700-467: A sermon and the singing of hymns. The extent to which the elements of any particular faith tradition are incorporated into personal spiritual practice is a matter of individual choice for congregants, in keeping with a creedless, non-dogmatic approach to spirituality and faith development. New England Unitarians evolved from the Pilgrim Fathers ' Congregational Christianity , which was based on
1785-502: A sermon or presentation by a minister, a lay leader of the congregation, or an invited speaker. Sermons may cover a wide range of topics. Since Unitarian Universalists do not recognize a particular text or set of texts as primary or inherently superior, inspiration can be found in many different religious or cultural texts as well as the personal experiences of the minister. The service also includes hymn-singing, accompanied by organ, piano, or other available instruments, and possibly led by
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#17327801302191870-525: A sole member within the UUA. The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) became an independent body in 2002. The UUA and CUC were two of the seventeen members of the now defunct International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (1995–2021). Unitarian Universalism was formed from the consolidation in 1961 of two historically separate Christian denominations, the Universalist Church of America and
1955-604: A song leader or choir. The most recent worship songbook published by the denomination, Singing the Journey contains 75 songs and is a supplement to the older Singing the Living Tradition which contains readings as well. Hymns typically sung in Unitarian Universalist services come from a variety of sources—traditional hymn tunes with new or adapted lyrics, spirituals, folk songs from various cultures, or original compositions by Unitarian Universalist musicians are just
2040-559: A variety of beliefs about the nature of the divine. The diversity of beliefs about divinity in Unitarian Universalism can be accounted for because of the influence of religious humanism on the movement in the late nineteenth century. Although Unitarian Universalists believe that anyone can be a Humanist, regardless of their position on the use of language of divinity, the rise of religious humanism within Unitarian Universalism enable members to be able to further question
2125-569: A whole. The creed was further affirmed in 431 by the Chalcedonian Definition, which clarified the doctrine of Christ. Affirmation of this creed, which describes the Trinity , is often taken as a fundamental test of orthodoxy by many Christian denominations , and was historically purposed against Arianism . The Apostles' Creed, another early creed which concisely details the trinity, virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection,
2210-483: Is a liberal religious movement characterized by a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning ". Unitarian Universalists assert no creed , but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth . Unitarian Universalists do not have an official, unified corpus of sacred texts . Unitarian Universalist congregations include many atheists , agnostics , deists , and theists ; there are churches, fellowships, congregations, and societies around
2295-546: Is a religion marked by freedom, reason, and acceptance. As such, Unitarian Universalists practice a non-creedal religion that does not require one to believe in any particular belief or doctrine. Rather than sharing common beliefs, Unitarian Universalists are united by a common history, the affirmation of each person's individual spiritual quest, and a covenant to uphold the community's shared spiritual values. As such, Unitarian Universalists vary greatly in their beliefs, and Unitarian Universalist congregations are often defined by
2380-484: Is averse to formal creeds which of necessity limit and restrain thought" and asserted in his book Basic Judaism (1947) that "Judaism has never arrived at a creed." The 1976 Centenary Platform of the Central Conference of American Rabbis , an organization of Reform rabbis, agrees that "Judaism emphasizes action rather than creed as the primary expression of a religious life." Still, the opening lines of
2465-614: Is between just two, as in a union of marriage, or whether the agreement is among millions, as in a free nation, or whether the agreement is among members who gather to be a free congregation." The use of covenants in Unitarian Universalist community dates back to 1646 and the creation of the Cambridge Platform by the Congregational churches of colonial New England , some of whom would later become Unitarians , predecessors of modern Unitarian Universalists. The Platform
2550-526: Is called the Church of the Presidents because two American Presidents , John Adams and John Quincy Adams , attended the church along with their wives, Abigail Adams and Louisa Catherine Adams . All four are buried beneath the church in a family crypt . Pew number 54, used by John Quincy Adams and his family, is marked with a plaque and ribbon on the side. The congregation first gathered in 1636 as
2635-696: Is canonized along with the King James Version of the Bible , the Book of Mormon , the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price , as a part of the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . In Islamic theology, the term most closely corresponding to "creed" is ʿaqīdah ( عقيدة ). The first such creed was written as "a short answer to the pressing heresies of
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2720-526: Is most popular within western Christianity , and is widely used in Christian church services . In Islamic theology, the term most closely corresponding to "creed" is ʿaqīdah ( عقيدة ). The word creed is particularly used for a concise statement which is recited as part of liturgy . The term is anglicized from Latin credo "I believe", the incipit of the Latin texts of the Apostles' Creed and
2805-694: Is often rendered as "creed". The earliest known creed in Christianity , " Jesus is Lord ", originated in the writings of Paul the Apostle . One of the most significant and widely used Christian creeds is the Nicene Creed , first formulated in AD 325 at the First Council of Nicaea to affirm the deity of Christ and revised at the First Council of Constantinople in AD 381 to affirm the trinity as
2890-522: Is one of the finest Greek Revival church buildings in New England. It has a Greek temple front, supported by four monolithic granite columns which may have been the largest set in the United States at the time. Each column is 25 feet (7.6 m) tall and weighs an estimated 25 tons. Above the main facade rises a two-stage tower. Its lower section is oblong and unadorned, while the second stage
2975-423: Is seen as an evolving philosophy where the limits of science and reason are recognized, its tenets continue to play a large role in the thought of Unitarian Universalist congregations. Unitarian Universalist Humanists hold that the naturalism of their Humanism encourages individuals to recognize the awe, beauty, and wonder of the natural world and recognize the interdependence between humans and other beings. In
3060-463: Is stepped back and square. It has clock faces on each side, and is topped by an open cupola with eight columns and a dome. President John Adams financed the church's construction through a land donation, and the bulk of the granite comes from the Adams family quarry . However, the pillars are from another local quarry, as the Adams quarry was not deep enough for a full-height pillar. Its original bell
3145-638: The Book of Common Prayer , removing the Trinitarian Nicene Creed and references to Jesus as God . Theophilus Lindsey also revised the Book of Common Prayer to allow a more tolerant, free Unitarian interpretation. Neither cleric was charged under the Blasphemy Act 1697 that made it an "offense for any person, educated in or having made profession of the Christian religion, by writing, preaching, teaching or advised speaking, to deny
3230-676: The Baháʼí Faith . The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was formed in 1961 through the consolidation of the American Unitarian Association , established in 1825, and the Universalist Church of America , established in 1793. The UUA is headquartered in Boston , Massachusetts; and serves churches mostly in the United States . A group of thirty Philippine congregations is represented as
3315-499: The Christian churches and churches of Christ . Restorationists profess "no creed but Christ". The Seventh-day Adventist Church also shares this sentiment. Jehovah's Witnesses contrast "memorizing or repeating creeds" with acting to "do what Jesus said". Several creeds originated in Christianity . Protestant denominations are usually associated with confessions of faith, which are similar to creeds but usually longer. In
3400-541: The Congregational parish churches of New England , which were part of the state church of Massachusetts. These churches, whose buildings may still be seen in many New England town squares, trace their roots to the division of the Puritan colonies into parishes for the administration of their religious needs. In the late 18th century, conflict grew within some of these churches between Unitarian and Trinitarian factions. In 1805, Unitarians gained key faculty positions at Harvard . In 1819 William Ellery Channing preached
3485-797: The Cross Street Chapel in Manchester and, Newington Green Unitarian Church in north London . Unitarian congregations in Britain meet under the auspices of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches . There are 170 communities of Unitarians across Britain. The Chief Officer of the British Unitarians was Liz Slade as of 2024. In the United States, the Unitarian movement began primarily in
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3570-532: The Holy Trinity ". The Act of Toleration (1689) gave relief to English Dissenters , but excluded Unitarians. The efforts of Clarke and Lindsey met with substantial criticism from the more conservative clergy and laity of the Church of England . In response, in 1774, Lindsey applied for registration of the Essex House as a "Dissenting place of worship" with the assistance of barrister John Lee . On
3655-767: The Nicene Creed . A creed is sometimes referred to as a symbol in a specialized meaning of that word (which was first introduced to Late Middle English in this sense), after Latin symbolum "creed" (as in Symbolum Apostolorum = the " Apostles' Creed ", a shorter version of the traditional Nicene Creed), after Greek symbolon "token, watchword". Some longer statements of faith in the Protestant tradition are instead called "confessions of faith", or simply "confession" (as in e.g. Helvetic Confession ). Within Evangelical Protestantism ,
3740-534: The Swiss Reformed Churches , there was a quarrel about the Apostles' Creed in the mid-19th century. As a result, most cantonal reformed churches stopped prescribing any particular creed. In 2005, Bishop John Shelby Spong , retired Episcopal Bishop of Newark, has written that dogmas and creeds were merely "a stage in our development" and "part of our religious childhood." In his book, Sins of
3825-574: The United Church of Christ ), while others voted to become Unitarian. Some of the latter eventually became part of the Unitarian Universalist Association (formed in 1961) during a consolidation of the Unitarian and Universalist churches. Universalist churches in contrast followed a different path, having begun as independent congregations beyond the bounds of the established Puritan churches entirely. The UUA and
3910-510: The ordination sermon for Jared Sparks in Baltimore , outlining the Unitarian position. The American Unitarian Association was founded as a separate denomination in 1825. By coincidence and unknown to both parties, the AUA was formed on the same day—May 26, 1825—as the British and Foreign Unitarian Association . In the 19th century, under the influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson (who had been
3995-562: The substitutionary atonement of Christ developed by Anselm of Canterbury and John Calvin. There were several different forms of Christology in the beginnings of the Unitarian movement; ultimately, the dominant Christology became psilanthropism : that Jesus was a man, but one with a unique relationship to God. Influenced by the Socinian doctrine of the Polish Brethren , the Unitarian minister Samuel Clarke (1675–1729) revised
4080-615: The 17th century and is similarly non-creedal. They believe that such formal structures, “be they written words, steeple-houses or a clerical hierarchy,” cannot take the place of communal relationships and a shared connection with God. Similar reservations about the use of creeds can be found in the Restoration Movement and its descendants, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) , the Churches of Christ , and
4165-624: The American Unitarian Association, both based in the United States ; the new organization formed in this merger was the Unitarian Universalist Association. At the time of the North American consolidation, Unitarians and Universalists diverged beyond their roots in liberal Christian theology. They draw from a variety of religious traditions. Individuals may or may not self-identify as Christians or subscribe to Christian beliefs. Unitarian Universalist congregations and fellowships tend to retain some Christian traditions, such as Sunday worship with
4250-722: The Bible/New Testament". This was a common reason for Anabaptist persecution from Catholic and Protestant believers. Anabaptist groups that exist today include the Amish , Hutterites , Mennonites , Schwarzenau Brethren ( Church of the Brethren ), River Brethren , Bruderhof , and the Apostolic Christian Church . The Religious Society of Friends , the group known as the Quakers , was founded in
4335-561: The Christian faith and to protect believers from false doctrines. Various Christian denominations from Protestantism and Evangelical Christianity have published confession of faith as a basis for fellowship among churches of the same denomination. Many Christian denominations did not try to be too exhaustive in their confessions of faith and thus allow different opinions on some secondary topics. In addition, some churches are open to revising their confession of faith when necessary. Moreover, Baptist "confessions of faith" have often had
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#17327801302194420-461: The Church's confession of faith and do not want to repent. It is practiced by most Christian denominations and is intended to protect against the consequences of heretics' teachings and apostasy . Some Christian denominations do not profess a creed. This stance is often referred to as "non-creedalism". Anabaptism , with its origins in the 16th century Radical Reformation , spawned a number of sects and denominations that espouse "No creed, but
4505-754: The Errors of the Trinity and Christianismi Restitutio caused much uproar. Servetus was eventually arrested, convicted of heresy, and burned at the stake in Geneva in 1553. The term "Unitarian" entered the English language via Henry Hedworth , who applied it to the teachings of Laelio Sozzini and the Polish Socinians . Unitarian churches were formally established in Transylvania and Poland (by
4590-522: The Humiliati movement in the 1950s, a group of reformist, liturgically minded clergy seeking to revive Universalism). Other symbols include a pair of open hands releasing a dove . Religious services are usually held on Sundays and most closely resemble the form and format of Protestant worship in the Reformed tradition. Services at a vast majority of congregations follow a structure that focuses on
4675-429: The Philippines, where Unitarian Universalism is much more theistically oriented , member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines affirm the seven principles, but with the addition to their own first principle: "There is God. God is love." Unitarian Universalism believes that actions taken to make the world a better place are more important than what a person actually believes, as espoused by
4760-409: The Scripture , Spong wrote that "Jesus seemed to understand that no one can finally fit the holy God into his or her creeds or doctrines. That is idolatry." Within the sects of the Latter Day Saint movement , the Articles of Faith are contained in a list which was composed by Joseph Smith as part of an 1842 letter which he sent to "Long" John Wentworth , editor of the Chicago Democrat . It
4845-529: The Socinians) in the second half of the 16th century. There, the first doctrines of religious freedom in Europe were established (in the course of several diets between 1557 and 1568, see Edict of Torda ) under the jurisdiction of John Sigismund , King of Hungary and Prince of Transylvania, the only Unitarian monarch. The early Unitarian church not only rejected the Trinity, but also the pre-existence of Christ as well as, in many cases, predestination and original sin as put forward by Augustine of Hippo , and
4930-413: The Sunday following the registration—April 17, 1774—the first true Unitarian congregation discreetly convened in the provisional Essex Street Chapel. In attendance were Lee, Joseph Priestley and the agent of the Massachusetts Colony, Benjamin Franklin . Priestley also founded a reform congregation, but, after his home was burned down in the Priestley Riots , fled with his wife to America, where he became
5015-407: The UU General Assembly voted to replace the 7 principles in Article II of the UUA bylaws with a new covenant of 6 values, centered on Love. In Canada, members of the Canadian Unitarian Council affirm the seven principles along with an eighth principle: "Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions." In
5100-429: The United Church of Christ cooperate jointly on social justice initiatives such as the Sexuality Education Advocacy Training project. In 1961 the American Unitarian Association (AUA) was consolidated with the Universalist Church of America (UCA), thus forming the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). In the same year, the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) formed. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
5185-453: The United States contains a presidential tomb: the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. , where the remains of President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Edith Wilson are interred. Since 2004, the United First Parish Church has hosted the Prison Book Program in the church basement. The origins of the PBP started in 1972, in the Red Book Store Collective in Cambridge, where it disseminated progressive literature, and advocated for
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#17327801302195270-674: The absence of shared beliefs, Unitarian Universalists often see their religion as a covenantal (as opposed to a creedal ) one. Unitarian Universalists see covenants as the promises that bind congregations, communities, and individuals together in community. In Unitarian Universalism, covenants are mutual promises among individuals and communities about how they will behave and engage with each other. Covenants help create trust and care among Unitarian Universalists and in their congregations. Rather than creating things people have to do, covenants in Unitarian Universalist communities create freedom by helping members know what to expect from each other. In
5355-475: The almost complete failure of the Universalist movement in Canada had caused the formation of the Council to prompt a plan to merge with the UUA. Opposition to Liberal religious freedom relaxed, so that by 2002 it was agreed to increase autonomy and funding. The amalgamation proved troublesome for the Canadians, a small minority largely ignored, with only 45 congregations and 5,200 members—the Americans were insensitive to cultural differences. Unitarian Universalism
5440-413: The breaking of Ramadan fast for Muslims), and Christmas Eve/ Winter Solstice services. Children's and youth's religious education classes teach about the divinity of the world and the sanctity of world religions. One of its more popular curricula, Neighboring Faiths (formerly Church Across the Street), takes middle and high school participants to visit the places of worship of many faith traditions including
5525-542: The defining doctrine of Universalism ( universal salvation ). This core doctrine asserts that through Christ every single human soul shall be saved, leading to the "restitution of all things" ( apocatastasis ). In 1793, Universalism emerged as a distinct denomination of Christianity in the United States, eventually called the Universalist Church of America . Early American advocates of universal salvation such as Elhanan Winchester , Hosea Ballou and John Murray taught that all souls would achieve salvation, sometimes after
5610-424: The doctrine of the Trinity , as affirmed by the mainstream Christianity : a consensus of Christian bishops at the First Council of Nicaea in 325. Nontrinitarianism was especially prevalent during the theological turmoils of the Protestant Reformation . A Spanish physician, Michael Servetus , studied the Bible and concluded that the concept of the Trinity, as traditionally conceived, was not biblical. His books On
5695-407: The existence and nature of the divine through its encouragement towards reason. Fifteen of the thirty-four signers of Humanist Manifesto I were Unitarians and one was a Universalist. Unitarian Universalists were also a significant presence among the signers of Humanist Manifestos II and III . Today, the majority of Unitarian Universalists in North America identify as Humanist. Although Humanism
5780-399: The historical designation "Unitarian" or "Universalist" (e.g. " First Unitarian Church "). A few congregations use neither (e.g. Unity Temple ). For some congregations, the name can be a clue to their theological orientation. For others, avoidance of the word "church" indicates a desire to distance itself from traditional Christian theology. Sometimes the use of another term may simply indicate
5865-534: The nature of the Christian God , modern Unitarian Universalists hold a variety of views about the nature and existence of deity. Most Unitarian Universalist congregations take no formal stance on whether or not a god or gods exist but leave it up to individual members to decide for themselves what they believe. Unitarian Universalists may be atheists , agnostics , and theists . Among those Unitarian Universalists who use language of divinity, both monotheism and polytheism are common, and Unitarian Universalists hold
5950-425: The prayer Shema Yisrael can be read as a creedal statement of strict monotheism : "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One" ( Hebrew : שמע ישראל אדני אלהינו אדני אחד ; transliterated Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad ). A notable statement of Jewish principles of faith was drawn up by Maimonides as his 13 Principles of Faith . Following a debate that lasted more than twenty years,
6035-430: The religion. Here are examples of the speeches submitted: In Unitarian Universalist congregations, we gather in community to support our individual spiritual journeys. We trust that openness to one another's experiences will enhance our understanding of our own links with the divine, with our history, and with one another. Most Unitarian Universalists believe that nobody has a monopoly on all truth, or ultimate proof of
6120-426: The same degree. There is a wide variety in how congregations conceive of themselves, calling themselves "churches", "societies", "fellowships", "congregations", or eschew the use of any particular descriptor. Many use the name "Unitarian Universalist", (and a few "Universalist Unitarian"), having gradually adopted this formulation since consolidation in 1961. Others use names that reflect their historic roots by keeping
6205-524: The search for truth, and the Universalist belief that God embraces all people equally has led to the current Unitarian Universalist belief that truth and spiritual meaning can be found in all faiths. This is reflected in the wide array of spiritual practices found among Unitarian Universalists today. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations include Buddhist-style meditation groups, Jewish Seder , Yom Kippur and Passover dinners, iftaar meals (marking
6290-554: The select few, the Elect , who were supposed to be saved from eternal damnation by a just God. Instead Universalists asserted that all people will eventually be reconciled with God. Universalists rejected the hellfire and damnation of the evangelical preachers, who tried to revive the fundamentalist Christianity of the early Pilgrim fathers. Universalists claim a long history, beginning with several Church Fathers, though some modern scholars question whether these church fathers taught
6375-593: The terms "doctrinal statement" or "doctrinal basis" tend to be preferred. Doctrinal statements may include positions on lectionary and translations of the Bible , particularly in fundamentalist churches of the King James Only movement . The first confession of faith established within Christianity was the Nicene Creed by the Early Church in 325 . It was established to summarize the foundations of
6460-648: The time" is known as Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar and ascribed to Abū Ḥanīfa . Two well known creeds were the Fiqh Akbar II "representative" of the al-Ash'ari , and Fiqh Akbar III , "representative" of the Ash-Shafi'i . Iman ( Arabic : الإيمان ) in Islamic theology denotes a believer's religious faith. Its most simple definition is the belief in the six articles of faith , known as arkān al-īmān . Rabbi Milton Steinberg wrote that "By its nature Judaism
6545-461: The truth of everything in any one belief. Therefore, one's own truth is unprovable, as is that of others. Consequently, we should respect the beliefs of others, as well as their right to hold those beliefs. Conversely, we expect that others should respect our right to our own beliefs. Several UU's then, would likely hold as many different beliefs. Other beliefs they may hold in common are a respect for others, for nature, and for common decency, leading to
6630-519: The well being of prisoners. It was influential in creating a legal primer, and prison resource list that prisoners can request by letter, along with the other works of literature the PBP offers. The PBP is not associated with the UFPC and is a secular organization, however the UFPC supports the work the PBP does. Unitarian Universalist Unitarian Universalism (otherwise referred to as UUism or UU )
6715-406: The words of Unitarian Universalist minister Alice Blair Wesley: "...authentic human freedom is of necessity, lawful freedom, and because we receive the possibility of freedom as a gift of the way things are, an authentic covenant is: a glad promise to live freely together, insofar as we are able, in accordance with the laws of reality that make our freedom possible. This is true whether the agreement
6800-512: The world's religions as well as the words and deeds of prophetic people as inspiration for their spiritual journeys. Although members are cautioned to be aware of possible cultural appropriation of traditions that do not belong to them, Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to find wisdom in a diverse spectrum of religions, customs, and cultures from around the world. Although the predecessors of Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism and Universalism , find their origin in unorthodox beliefs about
6885-795: The world. The roots of Unitarian Universalism can be traced back to Protestantism and liberal Christianity ; more specifically, it can be traced to Unitarianism and Christian Universalism . Unitarian Universalists state that from these traditions comes a deep regard for intellectual freedom and inclusive love. Congregations and members seek inspiration and derive insight from all major world religions . The beliefs of individual Unitarian Universalists range widely; they can include, but are not limited to, religious humanism , Judaism , Christianity , Islam , Hinduism , Sikhism , Buddhism , Taoism , syncretism , neopaganism , atheism , agnosticism , New Age , omnism , pantheism , panentheism , pandeism , deism , and teachings of
6970-442: Was cast by Paul Revere , but was melted down and recast as it was not loud enough to serve as a fire alarm . The unusual domed ceiling represents a passion flower surrounded by lotuses . The fine mahogany altar is original. Both John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams , together with their first ladies, Abigail Adams and Louisa Catherine Adams , are buried in a family vault in the church's basement. Only one other church in
7055-673: Was given corporate status in May 1961 under special acts of legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New York . In 1998 the Canadian Unitarian Council and Unitarian Universalist Association dissolved their financial accord, although they continue to cooperate. The CUC had come into being at Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1961. However the continual decline of denominational churches and
7140-489: Was intrinsically an evangelical Protestant. In some agnostic historiographies the flaming chalice displayed a vague resemblance to a cross in some stylized representations, relying on the sepulchral traditions of the Hospitallers. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations light a chalice at the beginning of worship services. Other symbols include an off-center cross within a circle (a Universalist symbol associated with
7225-424: Was the first formal declaration of the principles of church order and governance in colonial North America. Today, many Unitarian Universalist congregations create their own covenants, often called covenants of right relations, to formally lay out the principles of their congregations. In the United States, members of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenanted together via the seven Principles and Purposes,
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