Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations draw on elements of a variety of religious traditions, as well as humanitarian and environmental causes, for our spiritual inspiration and practice. As such, UUs have a diversity of beliefs, and may identify as humanists, atheists, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, pagan, something else, or nothing at all.

As we celebrate this diversity, we also have a set of core beliefs that unite us. The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism were written, revised, and approved by members of UU congregations across North America, and undergo periodic review and updating.

The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism

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

For more on our principles, and the sources of our faith, see our Unitarian Universalism page.

The Chalice

The flaming chalice is the official symbol of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Officially or unofficially, it functions as a logo for hundreds of congregations. It was created during WWII, first for use by the Unitarian Service Committee (USC) to help identify official papers as it served in relief efforts throughout the war. It was later adopted by the UUA as an official symbol. Read more about the history of its creation on the UUA website.

We light our chalice at the beginning of each service and recite our covenant. At the end of the service it is extinguished and we say: