This page is an overview of Unitarian Universalism. 
For information on the Olean UU Community, including when services are held, please see the Olean UU page under this tab (HOME).

What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path. Our faith draws on many religious sources, welcoming people with different beliefs. We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma. UU congregations are places where people gather to nurture their spirits and put their faith into action by helping to make our communities—and the world—a better place.

Seven Principles

The Unitarian Universalist Association’s seven principles express the shared values that UUA congregations affirm and promote.  They are: 

• 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.

Beliefs & Values

Unitarian Universalism is a theologically diverse religion, in which members support one another in the search for truth and meaning.  As members of a non-creedal religious tradition, Unitarian Universalists may also identify as Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Muslim, Pagan, or with other philosophical or religious traditions.  

Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• 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;
• Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspire us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teaching which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
• 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.