Unitarian Universalist History

Since 1961, Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its Unitarian and Universalist heritages by continuing to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion. Right after the formation of the new denomination, Unitarian Universalists (UUs) nationwide advocated for the rights of conscientious objectors during the war in Vietnam as well as for voting and civil rights for people of color in the American South.

In the 1970s, Unitarian Universalists supported the rights of gay and lesbian people and published the Pentagon Papers.

Unitarian Universalists have also worked to address inequities in the treatment of women and to combat racism and oppression within our faith movement. In 2001, there were more female Unitarian Universalist ministers than male ministers and Unitarian Universalists continue to encourage women’s leadership in our congregations and larger community.

Unitarian Universalists support full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and have made a strong commitment to fight for marriage equality in every state in America.

Some famous modern-day Unitarian Universalists include Tim Berners-Lee, Melissa Harris-Perry, Christopher Reeve, May Sarton, Randy Pausch, Pete Seeger, Joanne Woodward, and Kurt Vonnegut.

Unitarian Universalist theology has continued to evolve since the merger. We have explored the changing role of Christianity in today’s Unitarian Universalism, acknowledged the sources of our faith, included in those sources earth-based spirituality, and explored what religious and spiritual language works best in our congregations.

To learn more about Unitarian Universalist faith, please read the pamphlet, “Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith.”

For information on past presidents of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), please see UUA Past Presidents.

Look inside the UUA Photo Archive Gallery. This collection of photos offers a glimpse at the people and places of UU history. If you would like to see your old photographs added to the album, contact info @ uua.org.