What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a religion that promotes a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. In Unitarian Universalism, we believe more than one thing. You can bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, your expansive heart. Unitarian Universalists assert no shared creed but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth, guided by a dynamic and changing "living tradition". Our beliefs are diverse and inclusive of all. Currently, these traditions are summarized by the Six Sources and Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism, documents recognized by all congregations who choose to be a part of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

These documents are 'living', meaning always open for revisiting and reworking. Unitarian Universalist (U.U.) congregations include many atheists, agnostics, and theists within their membership—and there are U.U. churches, fellowships, congregations, and societies all over America—as well as others around the world. Unitarian Universalists state that from these traditions comes a deep regard for intellectual freedom and inclusive love. Congregations and members seek inspiration and derive insight from all major world religions.

Together, we create a force more powerful than one person or one belief system. As Unitarian Universalists, we do not have to check our personal background and beliefs at the door: we join together on a journey that honors everywhere we’ve been before.

UU Seven Principles

  1. 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  2. 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  3. 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  4. 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  5. 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  6. 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  7. 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

What is CUUPS?

The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is an organization dedicated to networking Pagans, educating people about Paganism, promoting interfaith dialogue, developing Pagan liturgies and theologies, and supporting Pagan-identified religious professionals. 

CUUPS exists on three levels.
  • CUUPS exists at the individual level – our members, friends, and frequent participants, as well as Pagan-identified UUs and UU-friendly Pagans.
  • CUUPS exists at the chapter level – chapters have their own organization, activities, and relationships with their host congregations.
  • CUUPS exists at the Continental level – our Board of Trustees, which manages our wider programs and maintains a relationship with the UUA.

CUUPS chapters are organized democratically just like our Parent UU Congregations. Many Chapters hold elections and have a President. Wyoming Valley CUUPS elected Emily Haberkern as Wyoming Valley CUUPS Manager. The next elections members will be able to vote is January 2023. ​

About UU Paganism

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UU Paganism is a community of Pagans instilled with specific UU values that include the celebration of diversity and respect for all. UU Paganism does not tie a person to any particular dogma in the Earth-centered religious traditions. Each person is free to choose their own spiritual "truth." Heathens, Hellenics, Druids, Wiccans, Witches, Animists and so on make up the community of UU Pagans. 
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  • We are active in UU congregations and we support UU principles and causes.
  • We have many different Pagan identities, beliefs, and practices.  Some are more represented than others (Earth-centered, Pagan, and Witch are the most common labels selected) but none dominate.
  • Nature is very important to us, and our most popular spiritual practices involve interacting with Nature.  We connect to Nature physically, spiritually, and mystically.
  • Like most UUs, we want community but we value individual sovereignty even more.
  • We meet most frequently for group rituals.
  • We like educational opportunities, but there is no clear consensus on what we should study.
  • We have an interest in gods and spirits.  About 60% of us see them as independent beings, while 40% see them as metaphors for natural phenomena.