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Unitarian
Universalist
Fellowship of North Central
Iowa
606 North
Monroe Ave.
Mason City, IA
641-423-1793
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The Origins of Unitarian Universalism
 "Universalism"
and "Unitarianism" were separate liberal religious movements that came into
existence in the 16th century in Europe and North America. Both groups
looked towards the Bible for guidance, and rejected Catholic dogma that was not
based on the Bible.
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The name Unitarianism refers
to the belief in a single God. Unitarians were opposed to the Holy
Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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The name Universalism refers
to the belief in a loving God and universal salvation, as opposed to a
vengeful God and the existence of hell, purgatory, and limbo. |
Unitarians and Universalists merged in 1961 to
become the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), a world-wide liberal
religious organization with over 1,000 congregations and 200,000 members.
In a Nutshell
A quick review of where most, but not all, UU's stand on nine important questions. |
 UU Principles
& Purposes
Unitarian Universalists have no creed. However, the
Unitarian Universalist Association
(UUA) by-laws do contain these Principles
and Purposes.
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
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| 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
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| 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. |
The living tradition we share draws from many sources
including:
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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
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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
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Wisdom from the world's religions which
inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life
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Jewish and Christian teachings which call us
to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves
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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
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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.
The Unitarian Universalist Association shall
devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious,
educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is
to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations,
extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, and implement its
principles.
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Members are not required to subscribe
to any particular creed. Some are Christians, some are atheists, agnostics, or
humanists. The living tradition we share draws from many sources: direct
experience of transcending mysteries, words and deeds of prophetic women and
men, wisdom from the world's religions, humanist teachings, and earth-centered
spirituality.
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Congregations receive recommendations from
the UUA, but not orders. The concept of congregational polity states
that each congregation makes its own decisions. Ministers are hired by the
congregation, not appointed by the UUA. Some congregations are Bible-centered,
others are not.
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Unitarian Universalists believe in
tolerance and independent thinking. |
 Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship
of North Central Iowa
The Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of North
Central Iowa will be a beacon of liberal religious thought and action whose
members are committed to the search for truth and meaning, the acceptance of
diversity, and the promotion of social justice within a supportive and caring
community.
Our Mission and Covenant
Embracing the Purposes and Principles of
Unitarian Universalism and the Vision we have chosen, as members of the
Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of North Central Iowa we will:
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Support and respect one another in our
searches for meaning, value, and personal/spiritual growth |
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Join with one another in providing,
nurturing, and celebrating a free religious community through common worship,
shared activities, and programs for all ages
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Promote a sense of family within the
congregation through mutual support and friendship, and by attending to each
other's needs |
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Be a positive presence for, and work to
create, a more just, humane and caring society through outreach to our local
community and to the wider human family.
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