Some religions teach that suffering and injustice in the world are caused by sin, people lacking in the right beliefs, and the wrath of a punishing God. They conclude that people are in need of repentance and salvation. 

In our tradition, we see disconnection as the root of the suffering and injustice in the world. People are often disconnected from their deepest selves, from one another, and from a sense of belonging to a greater whole. 

We see salvation as the experience of connection, here and now, in this life.
Connection to greater depth, meaning and purpose heals and gives life meaning and joy. When we recognize our profound inter-connection with one another, we wake up to what we can do to contribute and serve needs greater than our own. 

As Unitarian Universalists, we have diverse spiritualities and inclusive beliefs. We have no shared creed. We think for ourselves, and reflect together, and encourage each other to find our own spiritual paths. We impose no dogma — no required set of beliefs, doctrines or unquestionable sources of authority.

Though our tradition originated within Christianity and traces its roots back hundreds of years, UU congregations are now intentionally diverse religious communities, embracing Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, pagans, and persons of many other spiritual paths and traditions. We share a common desire to live with greater depth, meaning and purpose, to grow spiritually, and to learn, serve and celebrate life together.

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 women and men 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.

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote eight Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides: 

• 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 the 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.

• Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.