What Is Unitarianism?

Unitarianism is a liberal religion that promotes freedom of belief and respect for all people regardless of their religious beliefs, sexual orientation, race, age or gender. Ours is a community of covenant, not creed- meaning that we support each other’s individual searches for truth and meaning. We are united by the shared values of radical inclusion, compassion and social action as summarized in our Eight Principles:

  • 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;

  • We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.

With its roots in the Protestant Reformation movement, Unitarianism has a long-standing regard for those who felt called to a different understanding of spiritual truths; and who sometimes gave their lives to uphold those truths. Our fascinating story encompasses 500 years and includes famous figures in European, American, and Canadian history. In Canada, we are served by the Canadian Unitarian Council, our national body. The Council includes congregations that call themselves either Unitarian or Unitarian Universalist (UU), representing the other historical denomination in our covenant. In practice, we use the terms “Unitarian” and “Unitarian Universalist” interchangeably.

As Canadian Unitarian Universalists, we aspire to be:

Deeply Connected: We strive to foster healthy relationships amongst and within UU communities, with the broader world and with all life.
Radically Inclusive: We strive to create hospitable, diverse, multi-generational communities.
Actively Engaged: We strive to work joyfully for a just and compassionate society, experimenting with new forms of community.
Theologically Alive: We seek to be ever-evolving in our understanding, open to new knowledge.
Spiritually Grounded: We seek transformation through personal spiritual experiences and shared ritual.

Our Affirmation

We recite this affirmation in unison as part of our service every Sunday:

Love is the doctrine of this church.
The quest for truth is its sacrament,
And service is its prayer.
To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom,
To serve humanity in harmony with the earth,
Thus do we covenant together.

~Adapted from L. Griswold Williams

For further information, view the document “What We Wish People Knew About Unitarian Universalism” provided by the Canadian Unitarian Council.