Let there be light
Light to illuminate the faces of loved ones
Light to vanquish the shadows of hatred and fear
Light to bring hope to the despairing
And the sweet light of love–its wonder to share

 Our Beliefs

A unique feature of Unitarian Universalist congregations is that we do not require members to accept any
articles of faith that specify what a person must believe in order to join the church or be saved. Instead, we are
united not by dogma, but by the values expressed in our seven Principles. However, we do have beliefs
that are inspired by the Principles. Some of these beliefs have been articulated by Unitarian Universalist
Minister David O. Rankin:

We believe in the freedom of religious expression.
All individuals should be encouraged to develop their own personal theologies, and to present openly their
religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.

We believe in the toleration of religious ideas.
All religions, in every age and culture, possess not only intrinsic merit but also potential value for those
who have learned the art of listening.

We believe in the authority of reason and conscience.
The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, nor a document, nor an official but the personal choice and
decision of the individual.

We believe in the never-ending search for Truth.
If the mind and heart are truly free and open, the revelations that appear to the human spirit are infinitely
numerous, eternally fruitful, and wondrously exciting.

We believe in the unity of experience.
There is no fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, religion and the world, the sacred and the
secular, since they all have their source in the same reality.

We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being.
All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty, and justice—and no idea, ideal, or philosophy
is superior to a single human life.

We believe in the ethical application of religion.
Good works are the natural product of a good faith, the evidence of an inner grace that finds completion
in social and community involvement.

We believe in the motive force of love.
The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks the welfare
of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy.

We believe in the necessity of the democratic process.
Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are open to criticism—so that
people might govern themselves.

We believe in the importance of a religious community.
The validation of experience requires the confirmation of peers, who provide a critical platform along
with a network of mutual support.