Our Values
& Beliefs
What is Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that welcomes people from many spiritual backgrounds. Some of us identify as religious, some as spiritual, and some as humanist or secular.
What brings us together is a shared commitment to seek meaning, grow spiritually, and live our values in the world.
Rather than asking everyone to believe the same things, Unitarian Universalism encourages exploration, curiosity, and thoughtful questioning. We believe that our spiritual journeys are strengthened when we walk them together in community.
Where We Come From
Unitarian Universalism grew out of two reform movements within Christianity.
Unitarianism rejected the doctrine of the Trinity and affirmed the unity of God and humanity.
Universalism rejected the idea of eternal damnation and proclaimed that love ultimately prevails.
Over time, these traditions came together and continued to evolve. Today, Unitarian Universalism draws wisdom from many sources—including world religions, humanist thought, scientific understanding, and personal experience.
What We Believe Today
In Unitarian Universalism, people bring many beliefs and spiritual practices into this community, and some Unitarian Universalists also draw from or practice another faith tradition.
What holds us together is not a shared creed, but a shared covenant—the promises we make to one another about how we live together.
We gather because we believe that asking life’s biggest questions, growing in wisdom, and working toward a more compassionate and just world are journeys best taken together.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about Unitarian Universalism or about First Unitarian Church of Rochester, we’d love to help you get connected.
Join us for Sunday worship, attend an Inquirers Series, or reach out to Rev. AJ to learn more about our beliefs.
Our Shared Values
Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition. While it grew out of the Christian roots of Unitarianism and Universalism, our faith has continued to evolve over time as our community and understanding grow.
At the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly in June 2024, delegates voted to update the language in our bylaws describing our faith. The long-standing “Seven Principles and Six Sources” were replaced with language centered around a set of Shared Values, all centered around Love.
These values describe how Unitarian Universalists seek to live and relate to one another and the world:
Justice
We work to build diverse, multicultural Beloved Communities where all are welcomed and can thrive.
Equity
We affirm that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.
Transformation
We remain open to growth and change as we respond to the needs of our world.
Pluralism
We affirm that all people are sacred beings, bringing diverse cultures, experiences, and theologies.
Interdependence
We honor the interdependent web of all existence and recognize our place within it.
Generosity
We cultivate gratitude, hope, and a spirit of sharing.
These Shared Values emerged through a multi-year process of reflection, discussion, and democratic decision-making across the Unitarian Universalist Association. The review of this language is required by UUA bylaws approximately every 15 years, reflecting our commitment to being a living, evolving faith.
You can read the full text of the adopted Article II language, which includes these Shared Values, in the official UUA document.
Our Mission
Through spiritual connection in community, we
listen deeply to others and ourselves,
open to wonder and transformation and
serve together with love and humility.