What is Unitarianism?
Build your own spiritual path
Unitarians find inspiration from many sources. You do not have to believe a specific dogma or any dogma at all, but rather you can participate in a spiritual community that works to create a better world for all, valuing the diversity of thinking. We encourage each person to look to our seven principles and six sources, in order to find the spiritual path that works for them. Here are our principles and sources:
Our seven principles
As Rev. Barbara Wells explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian spiritual communities.”
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.
Our six sources
Unitarian communities draw from a variety of sources for our spiritual inspiration. We have identified six key sources that we affirm and promote, along with many other resources that inspire us on our spiritual path:
Each person’s direct experience of the transcending mystery and wonder which uplifts our spirit and provides a direct knowing of wisdom.
Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of wrong-doing with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
Wisdom from the different world 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 neighbours as ourselves;
Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science;
Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmo
For more information on Unitarianism, visit www.icuu.net and www.uua.org.