Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism is an intentionally creedless religion with many centuries of history. Rather than provide a single set of beliefs, UUs believe that each person has both the right and the responsibility to develop their own beliefs in matters of religion, and that we do this best in the context of a nurturing and challenging community. UU does not offer THE answer, rather it encourages individuals to question and develop their own framework of beliefs within a loving atmosphere.

Values and Covenant

As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love

Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:

Interdependence

We honor the interdependent web of all existence. We covenant to cherish Earth and all beings by creating and nurturing relationships of care and respect. With humility and reverence, we acknowledge our place in the great web of life, and we work to repair harm and damaged relationships.

Equity

We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

Transformation

We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.

Pluralism

We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.

Generosity

We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.

Justice

We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions.

Inspirations

As Unitarian Universalists, we use, and are inspired by, sacred and secular understandings that help us to live into our values. We respect the histories, contexts and cultures in which they were created and are currently practiced. These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary, difficult, and joyous times. Grateful for the religious ancestries we inherit and the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom.

Worship

Unitarian Universalism invites you to bring your whole self—your identity, questioning mind, and expansive heart.

Together, we create a force greater than one person or belief system. As Unitarian Universalists, we do not leave our backgrounds and beliefs at the door. We join in a journey that honors where we have been.

Our beliefs are diverse and inclusive. We have no shared creed. Our covenant, the seven Principles, supports “the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” While rooted in liberal Christian traditions, we embrace wisdom from many religions and philosophies.

Unitarian Universalists believe more than one thing. We think for ourselves and reflect together on:

  • The existence of a higher power
  • Life and death
  • Sacred texts
  • Inspiration and guidance
  • Prayer and spiritual practices

We are united by shared values, meaningful worship, lifelong learning, social justice efforts, and a commitment to inclusivity and love.

Holidays and Traditions
As an open religious community, UUFVB honors the holidays and traditions of many religions and cultures.

Life Celebrations
UUFVB offers various life celebrations, including child dedications, marriages, funerals, and memorial services. As an inclusive congregation, we welcome gay marriages. Arrangements for these ceremonies can be made through the fellowship minister.