Unitarian Universalist Association
Seven Principles & Purposes

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

  1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

Grateful for the religious pluralism which 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.

FAQ:

Q: What is the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship Mission Statement?

A: To explore new ideas. To search for truth and knowledge. To take care of Earth. To enjoy fellowship with open-minded thinkers. To support and care for each other. To create an atmosphere of love and understanding among our members and for those who come after us. (Adopted 2002)

Q: What is your Statement of Beliefs?

A: There is no creed or Statement of Beliefs. Membership in our Fellowship is open to all who feel they have found a home here. To join simply means three things:

  1. You are in fundamental sympathy with the principles of freedom and reason in religion and in life. This is the basis for our "creedless" fellowship.
  2. You welcome the camaraderie and support of an organized fellowship, but one that does not require you to confess your sins or follow a specific dogma.
  3. You accept the responsibilties that go with membership and are willing to participate as best you can toward furthering the ideals we all share.

Q: Do Unitarians believe in God?

A: While there is a perception of UUs that we do not believe in God, it is much more accurate to say that we do not have a single, defined concept of God in which all UUs are expected to believe. Each member is free to explore and develop an understanding of God that is meaningful to him or her. They are also free to reject the term or concept altogether. Most of us do not believe in a supernatural, supreme being who can directly intervene in and alter human life or the mechanism of the natural world. Many believe in a spirit of life or a power within themselves, which some choose to call God.

Q: Do Unitarians believe in Jesus?

A: Most UUs regard Jesus as one of several important moral and ethical teachers who have shown humans how to live a life of love, service and compassion. Though some of us may question whether or to what extent Jesus was an actual historical figure, we believe his teachings are of significant moral value.

Q: What bible do Unitarians read if any?

A: We regard the Christian Bible as one of many important religious texts. As a group, UUs endorse no single text. But as individuals, we read widely for inspiration and understanding in sacred and secular literature, both ancient and contemporary.

Q: Do some UUs have different beliefs than other UUs?

A: They certainly do. Since individual freedom of belief is one of our basic principles, it follows that there will be differing beliefs among us. Found in today's UU congregations are humanism, agnosticism, atheism, theism, liberal Christianity, neo-paganism and earth spiritualism. These beliefs are not mutually exclusive -- it is possible to hold more than one. While we are bound by a set of common principles, we leave it to the individual to decide what particular beliefs lead to those principles.

Q: What role does science play in your beliefs?

A: We accept the teachings of science and the scientific method. UUs believe that the scientific principle that states there is always more truth to be discovered about our world also applies to religion.

Q: What do children study in your Children's Religious Education program?

A: Our goal is to provide children and young people with knowledge and experiences which will help them make informed choices about their religious life as they approach adulthood. Major goals are to teach respect for oneself and for others, appreciation of the teachings of world religious traditions, concern for social justice, and respect for our planet Earth.

Q: Who are some well known UUs?

A: Four United States Presidents were Unitarians: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore and William Taft. Also, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, while they did not specifically identify with any organized religion, had UU leanings.

Other well-known Unitarian Universalists are:

 

 

 

 

 



 

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