A Brief Explanation

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal faith tradition — an affirming, democratic, diverse, inclusive, and multigenerational faith tradition that welcomes all.

Internationally, nationally, and locally, Unitarian Universalists (UUs) are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people with many beliefs.

As the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) asserts, “We build connections across generations … from infancy to old age, Unitarian Universalism supports us in living with integrity, compassion, commitment, and joy.”

Our core values are reflected in our Seven Principles and Six Sources. According to the Bylaws of the UUA:

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
• 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

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
• Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.”

Here at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier (UCM), we live out our Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values through our mission statement:

“We welcome all as we build a loving community to nurture each person’s spiritual journey, serve human need, and protect the earth, our home.”

For additional information about UCM and Unitarian Universalism, please visit the Hospitality Table on any Sunday morning (when we are meeting in person); stay after our Sunday Worship Services for Coffee Hour on Zoom; and/or explore the links provided above, on our ucmvt.org website, in our weekly e-newsletters, and/or on the UUA’s website, uua.org.

— Elaine Ball — Congregational Life Coordinator; Dave Peters, past Membership & Hospitality Committee Chair; based in part on: “Welcome: A Unitarian Universalist Primer,” by Patricia Frevert, 2008

Further Reading & Learning

“Welcome to the Unitarian Church of Montpelier” — from our Minister, Rev. Joan Javier-Duval

Our Covenant — adopted May 24, 2020

Our Bylaws, Governance, and Operational Policies

Our History — 1864 – present