How can a religious congregation have diverse beliefs?
“We don’t have to believe together to love together.” — Unitarian minister Francis David. The “glue” that holds us together is not a shared theological belief system, as it is in many other religious groups. Instead, among UU’s the most important factors are our shared values and principles, and acceptance, respect and support for each other as individuals. Our approach is unity without giving up diversity – an essential attitude if people are to survive in this world! We trust people’s ability to determine their own faith and we believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. This freedom of belief is a basic principle of Unitarian Universalism. We do not require assent to any creed or statement of faith before a person can join us. In the spirit of freedom, we cherish honest dialogue and persuasion, not coercion. We embrace democratic method as a central principle. Our local members unite to engage in and to support ministries of their own choosing.
“We don’t have to believe together to love together.” — Francis David. The “glue” that holds us together is not a shared theological belief system, as it is in many (but not all!) other religious groups. Instead, among UU’s the most important factors are our shared values and principles, and acceptance, respect and support for each other as individuals. Our approach is unity without giving up diversity – an essential attitude if people are to survive in this diverse world and in the pluralistic America of today! We trust people’s ability to determine their own faith and we believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. This freedom of belief is a basic principle of Unitarian Universalism. We do not require assent to any creed or statement of faith before a person can join us. In the spirit of freedom, we cherish honest dialogue and persuasion, not coercion. Reason takes the place of dogma among us. We embrace democratic method as a central principle. Our local members uni
