What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism is a faith that welcomes different beliefs and encourages a responsible search for truth and meaning. We learn from one another, ask questions, and put compassion into practice. No single creed or required belief about God defines our community.

Unitarian Universalists include people with Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Pagan, Humanist, atheist, agnostic, and other perspectives. Our connections grow through shared values and the commitments we make to one another.

Shared values, with love at the center

The Unitarian Universalist Association describes our faith through interconnected values centered on love:

  • Interdependence: Caring for the earth and recognizing our responsibilities to each other and all life.
  • Pluralism: Learning from different cultures, experiences, and beliefs with curiosity and respect.
  • Justice: Challenging oppression and building communities where people can participate and thrive.
  • Transformation: Remaining open to change and growing in our spiritual and ethical lives.
  • Generosity: Sharing our time, presence, and resources with gratitude and care.
  • Equity: Honoring each person's worth and working toward accessible, inclusive communities.

Read the UUA's shared values.

Principles and sources of inspiration

You may also hear UUs refer to the Seven Principles and Six Sources. These earlier expressions of our faith remain important to many people. The UUA now describes its covenant through the shared values above.

The principles encourage respect for every person's dignity; justice and compassion; spiritual growth; a responsible search for truth; freedom of conscience and democratic participation; peace and liberty; and care for the interconnected web of life.

Our sources of inspiration include personal experiences of wonder, people who challenge injustice, wisdom from world religions, Jewish and Christian teachings, humanist thought and science, and earth-centered spiritual traditions. Scripture, poetry, nature, reason, and lived experience can all contribute to spiritual learning.

Explore the principles and sources of inspiration.

Our roots and living tradition

Unitarianism and Universalism grew from Christian traditions. Unitarianism emphasized the oneness of God; Universalism emphasized a love and salvation that extended to everyone. The traditions later joined together as Unitarian Universalism.

Today, our faith includes many religious and secular perspectives. Its history continues through conversations about freedom of belief, human dignity, and how to live responsibly with others.

Read about UU history at Harvard's Pluralism Project.

Our faith at UUCL

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry is a welcoming, inclusive faith community in Bluffton serving the surrounding Lowcountry. We bring our values into Sunday gatherings, lifelong learning, music, conversation, and care for our neighbors and the environment.

Our congregation's mission

To enrich and clarify our understanding of religious thought; to provide experiences for spiritual growth; to encourage and protect the right of individual freedom of belief; to promote equality and justice in human relations; and to advance these principles for the benefit of each other, our community and our world.

Questions about belonging

Do I have to believe in God? No. UUCL welcomes people who believe in God and people who identify as atheist or agnostic.

Do I need to adopt a particular belief? No single belief system is required. We encourage openness, thoughtful questions, and respect for other people's paths.

Are LGBTQIA+ people welcome? Yes. We welcome and affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.

How does faith connect with justice? Our commitment to human dignity includes care for our neighbors, social justice, and environmental responsibility. Learn about local work through our Social Justice Committee.

For our people, programs, and local community, visit About UUCL. Our visitor guide explains Sunday services, parking, and visiting with children.

UU connections beyond our congregation

Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)

The UUA connects and supports Unitarian Universalist congregations. Its website offers information about beliefs, spiritual practices, faith development, and justice work.

Visit the UUA or read about UU beliefs.

South Carolina Unitarian Universalist Justice Alliance (SCUUJA)

SCUUJA brings South Carolina Unitarian Universalists together with partners to work for justice. Its work centers people who experience injustice and includes climate, democracy and voting, economic, immigration, LGBTQ+ and reproductive, and racial justice issues.

Learn about SCUUJA and find its current work and opportunities to participate.

Hear from UUCL members

Members describe what the Unitarian Universalist faith means in their lives.