Music in Unitarian Universalist Congregations

Music is an important part of worship in Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations. Most congregations sing together during services, accompanied by a piano or organ. Many congregations have choirs that sing additional songs. Instrumental interludes often provide for a time of reflection or prayer during services.

The type of music featured in each congregation can vary greatly from one congregation to the next and from one service to the next within a single congregation. Everything from Christian hymns to Pagan chants to rock songs might be included in a worship service, if they relate to the topic of the sermon.

Unitarian Universalists may also sing from our hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition. Produced by Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) publications office, this hymnal and its supplement, Singing the Journey, provide songs and readings for all Unitarian Universalist congregations. Skinner House Books, an imprint of the UUA, also produces many wonderful songbooks for use in congregations and the UUA Ministries and Faith Development staff group offers a variety of resources for using music in worship.

More information about music in Unitarian Universalist congregations is available from the following UU World articles. UU World magazine is published in behalf of UUA congregations to help its readers build their faith and act on it more effectively in their personal lives, their congregations, their communities, and the world.

• "Choirs Bring a 'Heart Connection'"
• "Music Programs Key to Congregational Life"