|
|
The pleasant walkway to the entrance of First Unitarian.
South Bend, Indiana
You need not dress formally to attend our churches.
The form of our services varies. Most include a
thoughtful sermon and related readings by our minister or a guest; a time
for silent, spoken and musical meditation; and opportunities for active
participation by the congregation.
Our services also vary in content. Some address issues
central to all religions: whether there is purpose or plan to the
universe, and the human role in the total scheme of things. Others
concern the application of religious and ethical ideals to the world in
which we live. And sometimes, the emphasis is on sheer celebration!
For more reading about Unitarian Universalism, online
pamphlets are available.
 |
What will I find in Unitarian Universalist churches?
People with many different beliefs agreeing to be of one faith.
How do you define your "one faith"?
We generally agree on living our lives supporting a few principles.
|
|
The Principles We Believe in:
-
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.
|
What does your long name
mean?
We are the result of the joining together of two formerly
liberal Christian denominations - The Unitarian Church and the
Universalist Church. We are not exclusively Christian now. In
addition to Christians, members include people who are Jewish,
atheist, agnostic, pagan, Buddhist and others who agree our
differences are less important than being together.
What does your symbol - the
flaming chalice - stand for?
It stands for the search for truth. Truth is very
difficult to find and discern. In addition to universal truths,
we search for answers that work for us as individuals in our
daily lives.
|
