Unitarian Universalism (UU or UUism) is a theologically liberal, inclusive belief system. The name resulted from the consolidation of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations in 1961. Unitarian Universalists claim a theological orientation that aspires to creativity, freedom, and compassion with respect for diversity and interconnectedness as well as encouraging spiritual growth and justice-making through fellowship, personal experience, social action, and education. The free and responsible search for truth and meaning serves as a touchstone for Unitarian Universalists. The term "Unitarian Universalism" overlaps with Unitarianism and Universalism, though properly speaking the latter two terms refer historically to separate movements.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), founded in 1961 as a consolidation of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church in America, is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and serves churches in North America. The UUA represents more than 1,000 member congregations that collectively include more than 217,000 members. Unitarian Universalists follow a congregational model of church governance, in which power resides at the local level to call ministers and make other decisions involving worship, theology and day-to-day church management. The denominational headquarters in Boston in turn provides services for congregations that can more effectively be handled through joint efforts. Founded in 1995, the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) serves congregations throughout the world.

Both Unitarianism and Universalism trace their roots to Christian Protestantism. Many UUs appreciate and value aspects of Christian and Jewish spirituality, but the extent to which the elements of any particular faith tradition are incorporated into one's personal spiritual practices is a matter of personal choice in keeping with UU's creedless, non-dogmatic approach to spirituality and faith development. Even before the Unitarian and Universalist movements combined their efforts at the continental level, the theological significance of Unitarianism and Universalism expanded beyond the traditional understanding of these terms.

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L.A. Times - Religious News

South Los Angeles church turns theft into a reason to give
Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
After a boy stole the collection plate, the congregation at Holman United Methodist Church starts Jobs for Kids to reach out to teens. When he speaks about the boy who stole the collection plate, the Rev. Henry L. Masters likes to recount the Old Testament story of Joseph and the good that ultimately resulted from his misfortune.
Pope apologizes for clerics' sex abuse
Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Pope Benedict XVI said at a Mass today that he was "deeply sorry" for the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic clergy in Australia, describing the offenses as evil and a grave betrayal of trust.
Pastors defy United Methodist officials to conduct gay weddings
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Some have officiated at such ceremonies, some plan to and 82 retired ministers have offered their services. Bishop warns that violating church guidelines has consequences. Scores of United Methodist Church ministers in California are putting their careers on the line in an open revolt against religious edicts that forbid them to conduct weddings for gay and lesbian couples.

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