Our Faith
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that emerged from the consolidation of two faiths: Unitarianism and Universalism.
Who We Are
What We Believe
Seven Principles
Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote seven guiding principles of our faith. We practice these principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality:
- 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.
Six Sources
Our faith draws from many sources, including but not limited to:
- Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a 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 inspires 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 teachings 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.
Within the broad covenant of Unitarian Universalism, we embrace a wide variety of specific beliefs, reflecting our inclusive community. Some Unitarian Universalists believe in God, while others do not — all are welcome!
Covenant & Mission
A covenant is simply a promise we make to one another. Covenants are specific to each individual congregation.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint Covenant:
Recognizing the richness of diversity, the beauty and wonder of shared worship, and the transforming power of love and service, we gather as a sacred, intentional community to freely seek knowledge and truth, to celebrate the fullness of life, and by our actions to increase goodness and justice.
Our History
1930's
Gathering Throughout Flint
First Unitarian Church of Flint meets in various Flint locations: the Durant Hotel; Pengelly Building; the YWCA; and Temple Beth El.
1937 – 1940
Flint Congregations Merge
First Unitarian Church of Flint merges with Congregationalists to form the Congregational-Unitarian Church (CUC). They maintain individual identities but meet in the same building. CUC members support labor movement, including the historic 1936-37 Sit-Down Strike.
1940 – 1961
Gathering on Clifford
Congregational-Unitarian Church meets at 803 Clifford Street, Flint.
1960's
Building for Change
Unitarians occupy a new building built at the present site for a cost of $70,000. Congregation members house sit in support of a black family moving into a segregated area in Flint. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint (UUCF) is surveilled by Michigan State Police “Red Squad” due in part to targeted groups that met at the church such as the Weathermen. UUCF is a site for protest meetings in support of civil rights movement, political speeches, ACLU meetings, draft and abortion counseling. UUCF supports Open Occupancy Ordinance.
1987
Building Expansion Sparks Conflict
Addition to the original building completed at a cost of $500,000 which includes present sanctuary, Nelson Hall, offices and children’s bell tower. The building project prompts the most serious congregational conflict in Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint history.
1999
UUCF Becomes a Welcoming Congregation
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint becomes a Unitarian Universalist Association Welcoming Congregation; periodic recertifications occur. Burmese refugees are supported for several years.
2012
Green Sanctuary Accreditation Earned
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint receives Green Sanctuary accreditation.
2014
UUCF Supports Black Lives Matter Movement
Public position taken to condemn racist mistreatment of young people of color by police. Black Lives Matter banner placed on the building. Matching endowment fund campaign raises $25,000 from 57 donors.
2016
Flint Water Crisis Advocacy
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint adopts 15-point resolution calling for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the Flint water crisis. Hosts a Poetry of Witness event to give voice to the Flint community.
