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UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM Introduction Unitarian Universalism is based on a religious tradition dating back more than four hundred years in Europe, and over two hundred years in the United States. It rests on the basic principle that individuals should be able to pursue religious truth according to their own conscience. Our congregations, including the Lake Shore Unitarian Society, are comprised of people with countless backgrounds and beliefs. All are welcome under our "big tent." We are brought together by basic, funadamental beliefs concerning religion and how we should live our lives together. At Lake Shore, we begin our Sunday services by reciting together the following Unitarian Covenant, which sums up our perspective in perhaps its simplest form: Unitarian Covenant Love is the spirit of this church And service is its law This is our great covenant-- To dwell together in peace To seek the truth in love and to help one another A more detailed statement of our beliefs is incorporated in The Principles of the Universalist Universalist Association, our national organization: The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote 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. The living tradition which we share draws from many sources: 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. Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support. To Learn More For more information, it is perhaps easiest to consult the web-site of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Several links to especially helpful materials on "UUism" at that site are provided below. Unitarian Universalism and the UUA in Brief. Two-paragraph descriptions of the Unitarian Universalist tradition and the Unitarian Universalist Association. We Are Unitarian Universalists. By Marta Flanagan. A succinct introduction to Unitarian Universalist beliefs. Web reprint of UUA pamphlet. Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith. By Mark W. Harris. Overview of Unitarian Universalist history, placing our origins in a broad interpretive framework. Web reprint of UUA pamphlet.

Lake Shore Unitarian Society, 620 Lincoln Ave. Winnetka, IL 847-441-6336