UUFA: Who We Are

Who We Are

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Austin (UUFA) was created in 1984 by seven people who wanted less ceremony and more diverse speakers than the local Unitarian Universalist (UU) church offered. The Fellowship was chartered in 1989 when it reached twenty members.

Following the Unitarian Universalist religion principles, we support the individual's search for spiritual beliefs and truths. We are not bound by a particular theology. All religious backgrounds, and those from none, are invited to our Sunday services. You will find a wide variety of opinions on theology and lifestyle among members of the Fellowship. These differences of opinion are important because they challenge us to re-examine our beliefs.

All liberal, open-minded people who enjoy the affinity of a small lay-led group are welcome. Our Fellowship is open and supportive, ready to welcome people regardless of ethnic background, sexual orientation, education, or income level. We try to accept each other with all our quirks and frailties, support each other with love and understanding, and inspire each other with new ideas.

We promote the practice of liberal religion, acceptance for and growth of each individual, and a caring outreach to society.

Currently there are twenty six members and the Fellowship would like to grow to approximately 40 members.

Origin

The Unitarian and Universalist denominations began in New England around 1800. Unitarians rejected the divinity of Jesus and the doctrine of the Trinity: they believed instead that God was a Unity. Universalists affirmed "universal salvation," the idea that since God was merciful, everyone would eventually be redeemed from hellfire.

By the time the two denominations merged to form the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in 1961, they had learned to accept a variety of theological viewpoints, even those of pantheists, atheists, and humanists.

Unitarian Universalist 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.

Unitarian Universalism is a religious movement that encourages people to think for themselves and live by the highest ethical values.

For more information, visit the Unitarian Universalist Association (www.uua.org) web site. Also visit the Church of the Larger Fellowship, your online congregation of Unitarian Universalists.

Unitarian Universalism in Texas

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