Unitarian Universalism
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie is a diverse community of liberal religious thought that stands on the side of love and is committed to social justice. What distinguishes us from other denominations is that we adhere to no creed, dogma, or doctrine. We believe that spirituality comes from within and is not dictated by outside institutions.

While we are not governed by dogma, what joins us together are our Seven Principles , which we try to abide by in our own individual ways.

These Seven Principles 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 the use of the democratic process within our congregation 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.

While you may not have heard of us, Unitarianism and Universalism have a rich history.

Unitarianism dates back to the sixteenth century Europe. Universalism came into full flower in late eighteenth century America. The two denominations merged in 1961. Our Erie congregation has been together since 1898. Every Sunday we share in our Bond of Union that dates back to that time. 

We unite ourselves together for the study and practice of morality and religion as interpreted by the growing thought and noblest lives of humanity, believing that we may thereby prove helpful one to another, and promote and cause of truth, righteousness, and love in the world.

Our Children's Bond of Union expresses our essence.

We are Unitarian Universalists. A people of:

Open Minds

Loving Hearts

And

Welcoming Hands

Our only symbols are the flaming chalice, which represents our faith, and the Mandela, which represents the various religious traditions from which we draw wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.

Our Unitarian Universalist beliefs spring from seven sources:

*The sense of wonder we all share

*The women and men of long ago and today whose lives remind us to be kind and fair.

*The ethical and spiritual wisdom of the world's religions.

*The Jewish and Christian teachings that tell us to love all others as we love ourselves.

*The use of reason and the discoveries of science.

*The harmony of nature and the sacred circle of life.

*The faithful words and actions that shape our Unitarian and Universalist heritage.

Whether you come from a faith tradition or are non-religious, you can find a home at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie.