Looking for a different kind of church?  Uncomfortable with the church of your youth?  Unitarian Universalists are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds and people of many beliefs.  They are brave, curious and compassionate thinkers and doers, creating spirituality and community, working for more justice and more love in the world.  Unitarian Universalism affirms and promotes seven Principles, grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world’s religions (not just Christianity), drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient traditions.  

Here are a few reasons you might want to try Unitarian Universalism:

1. Unitarian Universalists (UUs) believe there are many ways to understand what is most holy, precious and true
   Unitarian Universalism, a liberal, creedless religious tradition, welcomes religious and spiritual questions rather than dictates the answers.  They believe the search for truth and meaning is an individual’s privilege and responsibility. Developing one’s own personal theology is embraced in a welcoming community of seekers.  While UUs are diverse in faith, ethnicity, history and spirituality, they are aligned in their desire to make a difference for the good.
   
   
2. UUs are welcoming of all
   Ultimately, UUs believe that all people on earth are worthy, regardless of racial or cultural background, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, physical or mental ability.  If you are comfortable with this premise and the questions that arise, and open to learning from others about their truths and sharing yours, despite personal differences, this could be the place for you.
   
   
3. You will find many activists among UUs
   As a religious organization, UUs don’t officially support political candidates, but they do stand up for human rights – this is fundamental to UU values.  You will see many UUs participate in efforts to support such things as marriage equality, protection of the earth, support of the LGBTQ+ community, peace initiatives, and other efforts which support the oppressed in our community and the world.
   
   
4. UUs examine how their lives reflect their values
   One of the Unitarian Universalist programs is Side with Love.  You may have seen UUs with those yellow Side with Love shirts out in the world.  UUs reflect on how they are taking care of our planet, respecting the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.  They ask themselves questions like, “Are we kind? Are we creating more love? Are we helping the world to be more just?” These are important questions of reflection to UUs.
   
   
5. UUs learn from many sources
   While the Unitarian Universalist Judeo-Christian roots are still a part of UU theology, UUs also explore other religions in our search for truth and meaning.  UU children are exposed to other religions in their religious exploration classes at an appropriate age, and they are encouraged to develop their own beliefs through the Coming of Age Program when they are in 8th and 9th grades.  Each year UU youth have an opportunity to share what they have learned about themselves with the congregation – a truly moving experience for all.
   

You can read more about Unitarian Universalism at www.uua.org.  While Unitarian Universalism may not be the right fit for all (read “A Candid Welcome” by Meg Riley of the Church of the Larger Fellowship: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/candid-welcome-uu.), it may be just what you’ve been looking for and didn’t know existed.  Try it and see.