Unitarian Universalism facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Unitarian Universalism |
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An early logo of the Unitarian Universalist Association which includes a flaming chalice, its most widely used symbol.
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| Abbreviation | UUism |
| Type | Liberal religion |
| Orientation | Mix of Protestant, Liberal, Progressive, and Pluralist |
| Scripture | Officially none; religious principles and moral teachings are drawn from the Six Sources |
| Founder | Members of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America via consolidation |
| Origin | May 1961 |
| Separated from | Christianity |
| Congregations | 1,048 worldwide |
| Number of followers | 148,232 members of Unitarian Universalist Association congregations in the United States; 800,000 identify as Unitarian Universalist worldwide (including the U.S.). |
Unitarian Universalism (also called UUism or UU) is a religious movement that encourages a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Unitarian Universalists do not follow a strict set of beliefs or a creed. Instead, they are united by their shared journey for spiritual growth.
Unitarian Universalists do not have one official holy book. They find inspiration and guidance from six main areas: personal experiences, wise words from prophets, ideas from world religions, teachings from Jewish and Christian faiths, humanist ideas, and other spiritual teachings. Many Unitarian Universalist groups include people who are atheists, agnostics, deists, and theists. You can find their churches, fellowships, and groups all over the world.
The roots of Unitarian Universalism come from Protestantism and liberal Christianity. More specifically, it grew from two older traditions: Unitarianism and Christian Universalism. Unitarian Universalists say that these traditions taught them to value intellectual freedom and a love that includes everyone. Their groups and members look for wisdom and ideas from all major world religions. The beliefs of individual Unitarian Universalists can be very different. They might include religious humanism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Taoism, syncretism, neopaganism, atheism, agnosticism, New Age, omnism, pantheism, panentheism, pandeism, deism, and teachings from the Baháʼí Faith.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was created in 1961. This happened when the American Unitarian Association (founded in 1825) and the Universalist Church of America (founded in 1793) joined together. The UUA's main office is in Boston, Massachusetts. It mostly serves churches in the United States. A group of thirty churches in the Philippines is also part of the UUA. The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) became its own independent group in 2002. The UUA and CUC are two of the seventeen members of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists.
Contents
History of Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism was formed in 1961 when two separate Christian groups, the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association, joined together. Both groups were based in the United States. By the time they merged, Unitarians and Universalists had already moved beyond their original Christian roots. They started to draw ideas from many different religious traditions.
People in Unitarian Universalism may or may not see themselves as Christians. They may or may not believe in Christian ideas. However, Unitarian Universalist groups often keep some Christian traditions, like Sunday services with a sermon and singing hymns. How much of any faith tradition a person uses in their own spiritual life is their own choice. This fits with their approach of having no strict beliefs or rules.
Early Roots in America
New England Unitarians came from the Pilgrim Fathers' Congregational Christian groups. These groups read the Holy Bible very literally. But Unitarians started to think differently. They did not believe in the Trinitarian idea of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Instead, they believed in one single God. They also rejected the idea of original sin, moving away from the Calvinism of the Congregationalists.
New England Universalists disagreed with the Puritan idea that only a few special people, called the Elect, would be saved from eternal punishment. Universalists believed that all people would eventually be reunited with God. They rejected the idea of hellfire and damnation that some preachers taught. These preachers tried to bring back the very strict Christianity of the early Pilgrims.
Universalism: Everyone is Saved
Universalists believe that through Christ, every single human soul will be saved. This leads to the "restitution of all things." In 1793, Universalism became a distinct Christian group in the United States. It was eventually called the Universalist Church of America. Early American supporters like Elhanan Winchester, Hosea Ballou, and John Murray taught that all souls would find salvation. Sometimes this would happen after a period like purgatory. Christian Universalism says there is no everlasting damnation. It teaches that God is completely loving and will eventually save all human beings.
Unitarianism: God is One
Historically, there have been different ideas about the nature of Jesus Christ within Christianity. The term "Unitarian" refers to any belief that says God is a single being. It rejects the idea of the Trinity, which is believed by most mainstream Christians. The Trinity was affirmed by Christian leaders at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. Non-Trinitarian ideas were common during the Protestant Reformation.
A Spanish doctor named Michael Servetus studied the Bible. He concluded that the idea of the Trinity was not in the Bible. His books caused a lot of trouble. Servetus was eventually arrested and put to death in Geneva in 1553 for his beliefs.
The word "Unitarian" came into the English language through Henry Hedworth. He used it to describe the teachings of Laelio Sozzini and the Polish Socinians. Unitarian churches were officially started in Transylvania and Poland in the late 1500s. In these places, some of the first ideas of religious freedom in Europe were established. This happened under the rule of John Sigismund, who was the only Unitarian monarch.
Early Unitarian churches rejected the Trinity. They also rejected the idea that Christ existed before he was born. In many cases, they also rejected predestination and original sin. These ideas were taught by Augustine of Hippo and substitutionary atonement by Anselm of Canterbury and John Calvin. There were different ideas about Jesus in the early Unitarian movement. Eventually, the main idea became psilanthropism: that Jesus was a man, but he had a special connection with God.
Unitarianism in Great Britain
Influenced by the Socinian ideas from the Polish Brethren, a Unitarian minister named Samuel Clarke (1675–1729) changed the Book of Common Prayer. He removed the Trinitarian Nicene Creed and parts that called Jesus God. Theophilus Lindsey also changed the Book of Common Prayer to allow a more open Unitarian interpretation. Neither was charged under the Blasphemy Act 1697, which made it illegal to deny the Holy Trinity. The Act of Toleration (1689) helped English Dissenters, but it did not include Unitarians.
Clarke and Lindsey faced a lot of criticism from more traditional church leaders. In response, in 1774, Lindsey registered the Essex House as a "Dissenting place of worship." He got help from barrister John Lee. On April 17, 1774, the first true Unitarian group quietly met at the Essex Street Chapel. Joseph Priestley and Benjamin Franklin were there. Priestley also started a reform group. But after his home was burned down in the Priestley Riots, he moved to America. There, he became a key figure in starting the Unitarian church in the United States.
After people became more accepting of the Doctrine of the Trinity Act 1813, which protected dissenting religions, the British and Foreign Unitarian Association was founded in 1825. It is based in Essex Hall, which replaced Lindsey's Essex House. Two important churches in national life are the Cross Street Chapel in Manchester and Newington Green Unitarian Church in north London. Unitarian groups in Britain are part of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. There are 170 Unitarian communities across Britain.
Unitarianism in the United States
In the United States, the Unitarian movement began mainly in the Congregational churches of New England. These churches were part of the state church of Massachusetts. In the late 1700s, arguments grew within some of these churches between Unitarian and Trinitarian groups. In 1805, Unitarians gained important positions at Harvard. In 1819, William Ellery Channing gave a sermon in Baltimore, explaining the Unitarian view. The American Unitarian Association was founded as a separate group in 1825. By chance, the AUA was formed on the same day—May 26, 1825—as the British and Foreign Unitarian Association.
In the 1800s, with the influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson (who had been a Unitarian minister) and other transcendentalists, Unitarianism began to change. It moved from being a liberal Protestant group to a more diverse one.
Joining Together: 1825–1961
After the split in the Congregational Churches, which led to the founding of the American Unitarian Association (1825), some churches stayed Congregational. Others voted to become Unitarian. Some of these later joined the Unitarian Universalist Association (formed in 1961) when the Unitarian and Universalist churches merged. Universalist churches, however, started differently. They began as independent groups outside the established Puritan churches. The UUA and the United Church of Christ work together on social justice projects.
In 1961, the American Unitarian Association (AUA) merged with the Universalist Church of America (UCA). This created the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). In the same year, the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) was formed. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was officially recognized in May 1961 by special laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New York.
In 1998, the Canadian Unitarian Council and Unitarian Universalist Association ended their financial agreement. However, they still work together. The CUC was formed at Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1961. But because the number of churches was declining in Canada, the Council planned to merge with the UUA. Opposition to religious freedom lessened, so by 2002, they agreed to have more independence and funding. The merger was difficult for the Canadians, who were a small group with only 45 churches and 5,200 members. The Americans were not always sensitive to cultural differences.
Beliefs and Practices
Diverse Beliefs and Sacred Texts
Unitarian Universalism is a religion known for freedom, reason, and acceptance. It is a non-creedal religion, meaning it does not require anyone to believe in a specific idea or teaching. Instead of sharing common beliefs, Unitarian Universalists are united by their shared history. They also affirm each person's individual spiritual journey. They promise to uphold the community's shared spiritual values. Because of this, Unitarian Universalists have very different beliefs. Their groups are often made up of many different viewpoints.
Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to have their own unique spiritual journey. They are also encouraged to follow their own conscience in what they believe. Unitarian Universalism is seen as compatible with other spiritual paths. Individuals are encouraged to explore their own spiritual journey, no matter the path. Unitarian Universalists do not have to give up their previous faith traditions to join a Unitarian Universalist group. As a result, people may identify as both Unitarian Universalist and another faith tradition at the same time.
Although Unitarian Universalism started from Christian ideas, modern Unitarian Universalists in North America see their religion as multi-faith. They draw from many sources, both religious and non-religious. Unitarian Universalism encourages its members to learn from the world's religions. They also find inspiration from the words and actions of prophetic people for their spiritual journeys. Members are encouraged to find wisdom in many different religions, customs, and cultures from around the world. However, they are also reminded to be careful not to take traditions that do not belong to them.
Six Sources of Inspiration
Unitarian Universalist groups in North America have a list of six sources that modern Unitarian Universalism draws from. This list was first adopted in 1984 and updated in 1995 and 2018. While it's not a complete list, it shows some major influences on how Unitarian Universalists practice their faith today. These sources include:
- Direct experiences of mystery and wonder, found in all cultures. These experiences help us feel renewed and open to the forces that create and support life.
- Words and actions of prophetic people. These challenge us to fight against evil with justice, kindness, and the powerful force of love.
- Wisdom from the world's religions. This inspires us in our ethical and spiritual lives.
- Jewish and Christian teachings. These call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
- Humanist teachings. These advise us to follow reason and the findings of science. They also warn us against worshipping ideas or spirits.
- Spiritual teachings from Earth-centered traditions. These celebrate the sacred circle of life and teach us to live in harmony with nature.
Humanism and Beliefs about God
The earlier forms of Unitarian Universalism, Unitarianism and Universalism, began with different ideas about the nature of the Christian God. However, modern Unitarian Universalists have many different views about whether God exists and what God is like. Most Unitarian Universalist groups do not have an official stance on whether a god or gods exist. They let individual members decide for themselves what they believe. Unitarian Universalists can be atheists, agnostics, or theists. Among those who talk about divinity, both monotheism (one God) and polytheism (many gods) are common. Unitarian Universalists hold many different beliefs about the nature of the divine.
The wide range of beliefs about God in Unitarian Universalism is partly due to the influence of religious humanism. This movement grew in the late 1800s. While Unitarian Universalists believe anyone can be a Humanist, the rise of religious humanism helped members question the existence and nature of God even more, by encouraging them to use reason. Fifteen of the thirty-four people who signed Humanist Manifesto I were Unitarians, and one was a Universalist. Unitarian Universalists were also important among the signers of Humanist Manifestos II and III.
Today, most Unitarian Universalists in North America identify as Humanist. Humanism is seen as a changing philosophy that recognizes the limits of science and reason. Its ideas continue to play a big role in Unitarian Universalist groups. Unitarian Universalist Humanists believe that their naturalism encourages people to see the wonder and beauty of the natural world. It also helps them recognize how humans and other beings depend on each other.
Covenant: Promises that Connect Us
Since Unitarian Universalists do not share the same beliefs, they often see their religion as a covenantal one, rather than a creedal one. Unitarian Universalists see covenants as promises that connect groups, communities, and individuals together. In Unitarian Universalism, covenants are mutual promises among people and groups about how they will act and interact with each other. Covenants help build trust and care among Unitarian Universalists and in their groups.
Instead of telling people what they have to do, covenants in Unitarian Universalist communities create freedom. They help members know what to expect from each other. As Unitarian Universalist minister Alice Blair Wesley said:
"...true human freedom is, by its nature, lawful freedom. We receive the possibility of freedom as a gift of how things are. So, a true covenant is a joyful promise to live freely together, as much as we can. We do this according to the rules of reality that make our freedom possible. This is true whether the agreement is between just two people, like in a marriage, or among millions, like in a free nation, or among members who gather to be a free group."
The use of covenants in Unitarian Universalist communities goes back to 1646. That's when the Cambridge Platform was created by the Congregational churches of colonial New England. Some of these churches later became Unitarians, who were predecessors of modern Unitarian Universalists. The Platform was the first official statement of how churches should be organized and governed in colonial North America. Today, many Unitarian Universalist groups create their own covenants. These are often called covenants of right relations. They formally outline the principles of their groups.
Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism
In the United States, members of the Unitarian Universalist Association make a promise together through the seven Principles and Purposes. These are part of the UUA's bylaws. These Principles and Purposes are statements of shared values that Unitarian Universalist groups agree to uphold:
- The great worth and respect of every person;
- Fairness, equality, and kindness in how people treat each other;
- Accepting each other and encouraging spiritual growth in our groups;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right to follow one's conscience and use democratic processes within our groups and in society;
- The goal of a world community with peace, freedom, and justice for everyone;
- Respect for the interconnected web of all life, of which we are a part.
These principles were first adopted in 1960 and later updated in 1984 and 1985. They became so popular that many Unitarian Universalists see them as a source of wisdom themselves. They also use them as a guide for being part of Unitarian Universalist groups.
In June 2024, the UUA National Assembly will vote on whether to keep or change these seven principles.
In Canada, members of the Canadian Unitarian Council affirm the existing seven principles. However, many groups in the United States have also adopted an eighth principle. This principle is: "Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions."
In the Philippines, where Unitarian Universalism is more focused on God, member groups of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines affirm the seven principles of their North American counterparts. They also have their own first principle: "There is God. God is love."
Justice: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Unitarian Universalism believes that actions taken to make the world better are more important than what a person actually believes. A common saying in Unitarian Universalist groups is, "Deeds, not creeds." They believe that belief without action does not change the world. They also think that good intentions can sometimes lead to worse situations in the long run. Unitarian Universalist thinkers have long known the need to bring belief and action together. They encourage their members to go out into the world and improve it.
Because action is so important, Unitarian Universalists have long been involved in social, economic, and environmental justice movements. They work through organizations created by Unitarian Universalists. They also work through local, regional, national, and international grassroots efforts. Many Unitarian Universalists see this work as a key part of their Unitarian Universalist faith. They see their involvement in justice movements as a very important part of their religious faith.
Historically, Unitarian and Universalist groups had members involved in abolitionism (ending slavery), the women's suffrage movement (women's right to vote), pacifism (peace), the temperance movement (reducing alcohol use), and prison reform. Today, Unitarian Universalists are deeply involved in causes like racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBT movements (rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people), feminism and women's rights, immigration justice, reproductive rights, climate justice, and economic inequality.
Worship and Practices
Diverse Ways to Worship
Unitarian Universalists believe that reason, not strict beliefs, helps find truth. They also believe that God accepts all people equally. This has led to the current Unitarian Universalist idea that truth and spiritual meaning can be found in all faiths. This is shown in the many different spiritual practices found among Unitarian Universalists today. Many Unitarian Universalist groups have Buddhist-style meditation groups. They also hold Jewish Seder, Yom Kippur and Passover dinners. They might have iftaar meals (breaking the Ramadan fast for Muslims), and Christmas Eve/Winter Solstice services.
Children's and youth religious education classes teach about the sacredness of the world and world religions. One popular program, Neighboring Faiths, takes middle and high school students to visit places of worship from many faiths. These include a Hindu temple, a Reform or Orthodox synagogue, and a Catholic church.
There is a lot of variety among Unitarian Universalist groups. Some prefer certain religious beliefs or ways of worship. Many others have a mix of beliefs. No matter their focus, most groups are quite open to different beliefs. However, not all faith traditions are represented equally.
Different Kinds of Congregations
There is a wide variety in how groups see themselves. They might call themselves "churches," "societies," "fellowships," or "congregations." Some avoid using any specific word. Many use the name "Unitarian Universalist" (and a few "Universalist Unitarian"). They have slowly adopted this name since the merger in 1961. Others use names that show their historical roots, keeping "Unitarian" or "Universalist" (e.g., "First Unitarian Church"). A few groups use neither (e.g., Unity Temple). For some groups, the name can hint at their religious focus. For others, avoiding the word "church" shows a desire to be different from traditional Christian ideas. Sometimes, using another term might just mean a group is led by its members or is relatively new. However, some Unitarian Universalist groups have grown to like terms like fellowship and kept them, even if they have become much larger or changed from being lay-led.
It's also interesting that many more people identify as Unitarian Universalist in surveys than those who actually attend Unitarian Universalist groups. This is about four times as many people in a recent survey. This includes people who have never joined (and former members) but still see themselves as part of the Unitarian Universalist movement.
Explaining Unitarian Universalism: "Elevator Speeches"
In 2004, UU World magazine asked for "elevator speeches" to explain Unitarian Universalism. These are short speeches that could be given during a quick elevator ride to someone who knows nothing about the religion. Here are some examples of the speeches that were submitted:
In Unitarian Universalist congregations, we gather in community to support our individual spiritual journeys. We trust that openness to one another's experiences will enhance our understanding of our own links with the divine, with our history, and with one another.
Most Unitarian Universalists believe that nobody has a monopoly on all truth, or ultimate proof of the truth of everything in any one belief. Therefore, one's own truth is unprovable, as is that of others. Consequently, we should respect the beliefs of others, as well as their right to hold those beliefs. Conversely, we expect that others should respect our right to our own beliefs. Several UU's then, would likely hold as many different beliefs. Other beliefs they may hold in common are a respect for others, for nature, and for common decency, leading to a particular caring for the poor, the weak and the downtrodden. As a result, issues of justice, including social justice are held in common among most.
It's a blessing each of us was born; It matters what we do with our lives; What each of us knows about God is a piece of the truth; We don't have to do it alone.
Worship and Rituals
Like their beliefs, Unitarian Universalist worship and ritual often combine elements from other faith traditions with their own unique practices and symbols. The structure of their church services might look similar to a Protestant church, but they can vary greatly among different groups.
Symbols of Unitarian Universalism
The most common symbol of Unitarian Universalism is the flaming chalice. It often has two overlapping rings around it. Many people think these rings represent Unitarianism and Universalism joining together. The chalice itself has long been a symbol of liberal religion. The flaming chalice was first the logo of the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. It was created by Austrian artist Hans Deutsch. The holy oil burning in it represents helpfulness and sacrifice.
Other ideas for the symbol's meaning have been suggested. For example, some say it relates to the chalice used by followers of Czech Jan Hus. Many Unitarian Universalist groups light a chalice at the start of their worship services. Other symbols include an off-center cross within a circle. This was a Universalist symbol from the 1950s. Another symbol is a pair of open hands releasing a dove.
Sunday Services
Religious services are usually held on Sundays. They often look and feel most like Protestant worship services. Services in most groups focus on a sermon or presentation. This might be given by a minister, a lay leader from the group, or an invited speaker. Sermons can cover many different topics. Since Unitarian Universalists do not see one text as more important than others, inspiration can come from many religious or cultural texts. It can also come from the minister's personal experiences.
The service also includes singing hymns. These are usually accompanied by an organ, piano, or other instruments. A song leader or choir might lead the singing. The most recent songbook, Singing the Journey, has 75 songs. It is a companion to the older book, Singing the Living Tradition, which also has readings. Hymns sung in Unitarian Universalist services come from many places. These include traditional hymn tunes with new words, spirituals, folk songs from different cultures, or new songs by Unitarian Universalist musicians. Instrumental music is also common, such as music before, during, or after the service, or for quiet reflection.
Pastoral parts of the service might include a time for sharing Joys and Sorrows/Concerns. During this time, people in the group can light a candle or say a few words about important events in their lives. Many services also include a time for meditation or prayer, led by the minister or service leader. This can be spoken or silent. Responsive readings and stories for children are also typical. Many groups also have a time at the end of the service, called "talk back." Here, members can respond to the sermon with their own ideas and questions, or even disagree with what was said.
Many Unitarian Universalist groups no longer observe the Christian sacraments of baptism, communion, or confirmation in their traditional ways. Groups that still do these practices often have connections to other Christian churches. "Child dedications" often replace traditional infant baptisms. Annual celebrations of Water Communion and Flower Communion may replace or add to Christian-style communion. Confirmation might be replaced by a "Coming of Age" program. In this program, teenagers explore their own religious identity. They often develop their own statement of beliefs. After exploring their spiritual beliefs, they write a speech about it and share it with the group.
Services can differ widely between groups. They might include dancing, modern music and poetry, readings from non-religious fiction, or original works by members.
Politics and Social Action
Historical Politics of Unitarians and Universalists
In the 1800s, Unitarians and Universalists were active in many social reform movements. These included abolitionism (ending slavery), the women's movement, and the temperance movement. The second women's rights convention was held at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York. Also, four Presidents of the United States were Unitarians: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore, and William Howard Taft.
Politics of Unitarian Universalists Today
Historically, Unitarian Universalists have often been involved in political causes. This includes the civil rights movement, the LGBT rights movement, the social justice movement, and the feminist movement.
Susan B. Anthony, a Unitarian and Quaker, was very important in the women's suffrage (right to vote) movement. Unitarian Universalists and Quakers still share many principles. So, it is common to see them working together.
Unitarian Universalists were and still are very involved in the fight to end racism in the United States. John Haynes Holmes, a Unitarian minister and social activist, helped found both the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He even chaired the ACLU for a time. James J. Reeb, a minister, was attacked in Selma, Alabama on March 8, 1965, and died two days later. Two weeks after his death, Viola Liuzzo, a Unitarian Universalist civil rights activist, was murdered by white supremacists after a protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
The former head of the Unitarian Universalist Association from 2001–2009, William G. Sinkford, is African-American. This made Unitarian Universalism one of the first traditionally white denominations to be led by a person of color.
While most Unitarian Universalists are politically liberal, the movement aims for diversity. It officially welcomes members no matter their political views. Politically conservative Unitarian Universalists point out that neither their religious ideas nor the UUA's Principles require liberal politics. Like their beliefs, politics are decided by individuals, not by groups or the denomination.
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Several groups have taken steps to become a "Welcoming Congregation." This means they have taken specific actions to welcome and include LGBT members. Unitarian Universalist ministers perform same-sex unions and now same-sex marriages where they are legal. On June 29, 1984, the Unitarian Universalists became the first major church "to approve religious blessings on homosexual unions." LGBT members are also regularly ordained as ministers.
Many groups are very involved in projects and efforts to support environmental causes and sustainability. These are often called "seventh principle" activities, because of the seventh principle mentioned earlier.
Organizations Around the World
Asia
- Philippines: Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines
- India: The Indian Council of Unitarian Churches, which includes the Khasi Unitarian Union
- Indonesia Global Church of God
Africa
- South Africa: Unitarian Church of South Africa
Australia and New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association (ANZUUA) is an organization for Unitarian and Universalist groups in Australia and New Zealand.
North America
- Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) is the national body for Unitarian Universalist groups in Canada. They were part of the UUA until July 2002.
- Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice (CUSJ) is a Canadian Unitarian Universalist social justice organization. It is an associate member of the CUC.
- Canadian Unitarian Universalist Women's Association (CUUWA) is a Canadian Unitarian Universalist women's rights organization. It is an associate member of the CUC.
- Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is the largest association of Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist groups in the world. It is the most well-known. It mainly works in the United States, including Puerto Rico. A few Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist groups in other countries, like San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) and Auckland (New Zealand), are also members of the UUA. As of 2020, the UUA represents 1,078 member groups with over 152,000 members.
- Promise the Children is a non-profit group. Its goal is to help Unitarian Universalists support children and youth. Promise the Children is also connected to the UUA.
- Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) is a term used within the UUA and CUC. YRUU was a group at the North American level mainly run by youth, aged 14 to 20, with adult mentors. The North American YRUU organization ended in 2008. However, the term is still used by some active youth groups and conferences at local and regional levels.
- Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship (UUBF) is a group of Unitarian Universalists who identify as Buddhists.
- Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) serves Unitarian Universalists who live far from any physical group.
- Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is a group of Unitarian Universalists who identify as Pagans or Neopagans.
- Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF) is a group of Unitarian Universalists who identify as Christians.
- Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is a non-religious organization dedicated to promoting human rights and social justice worldwide.
- Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry (UUAM) is a group of Unitarian Universalists who want to extend kindness to animals.
Europe
- European Unitarian Universalists (EUU) is a network connecting Unitarian Universalists and English-speaking Unitarian Universalist groups in Europe.
- Czech Republic: Náboženská společnost českých unitářů (Religious Society of Czech Unitarians)
- Denmark: Unitarisk Kirkesamfund
- Finland: Unitarian Universalist Society of Finland
- Germany: Unitarier - Religionsgemeinschaft freien Glaubens
- Hungary: Unitarian Church of Transylvania
- Netherlands: Vrijzinnige Geloofsgemeenschap NPB
- Romania: Unitarian Church of Transylvania
- Spain: Unitarian Universalist Society of Spain
Worldwide
- International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) represents Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist churches worldwide. The UUA and CUC are both members of this organization.
Number of Members
As of 2020, the UUA had 1,027 Unitarian Universalist member groups in the United States and some outside the US. In 2011, it had two groups in the U.S. Virgin Islands, 19 in Canada, and six in other countries. It also had 28 multi-denominational member groups. The state with the most groups and members is Massachusetts. As of December 2023, there are 42 Unitarian Universalist groups in Canada connected with the CUC.
In 1956, Sam Wells wrote that Unitarians and Universalists were thinking about merging. This would have brought their total U.S. membership to 160,000 (500,000 worldwide). In 1965, Conkin wrote that at the time of the merger in 1961, membership in the United States was 104,821 in 651 groups. The combined membership grew to its highest level in the mid-1960s (about 259,000) before falling in the 1970s. According to the 2008 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches, the Unitarian Universalist Association claimed 214,738 members in 2002.
In the United States, the American Religious Identification Survey reported 629,000 people identifying as Unitarian Universalist in 2001. This was an increase from 502,000 in a similar survey in 1990. The highest numbers are in New England and around Seattle, Washington.
The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey in 2007 found that 0.3% of American adults identified as Unitarian Universalist.
The 2001 Canadian census reported 17,480 Canadian Unitarians. In September 2007, the CUC's membership statistics showed 5,150 official members. In 2015, the CUC reported 3,804 members.
Notable Members
See also
In Spanish: Unitarismo universalista para niños
- List of Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist churches
- Postchristianity
- United and uniting churches
- United Church of Christ
