Explore the rich history and beliefs of UU. Here’s your chance to do a deeper dive with our carefully curated list of resources.
Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently.
Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love.
To Unitarians today, the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more.
We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing.
The Basics
Check out these brief histories of the Unitarian and Universalist movements.
Unitarian Universalists (UUs) and UU congregations affirm and promote eight Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We covenant to these Principles instead of one particular creed or dogma, because we believe that what matters is not who or what you believe in, but how you live your life.
UUs live out these Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience.o ensure the success and satisfaction of our clients.
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 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;List item
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.List item
Sources
The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:
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;List item
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.List item
Books
SFUC has a few copies of these books (and more) to lend. Please ask. They are also available at online booksellers like Amazon.
