Ministries in Unitarian Universalism

Unitarian Universalism welcomes people with diverse beliefs, people from diverse backgrounds, and people in different life circumstances. We commit to serving the unique needs of these groups through specialized ministries.

For those called to practice ministry professionally, please see our excellent information on becoming a Unitarian Universalist (UU) minister. The Unitarian Universalist Association credentials ministers once they have satisfactorily completed a rigorous process of education and training.

Ministries For All Stages of Life

Unitarian Universalist religious education ministry serves individuals in each life stage. With curricula and professional leadership to support the faith development of children, youth, adults, and multigenerational groups in congregations, religious education offers opportunities for lifespan faith development.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries supports all Unitarian Universalist youth and young adults. They offer online connections, congregational programming, campus ministry resources, leadership training, and more.

As youth prepare to leave childhood, they mature physically, emotionally, and spiritually, which opens the door for greater understanding of their faith. Coming of Age programs address changes in youth’s spiritual and faith development.

Marriages, child dedications, coming of age ceremonies, and memorial services are among the ceremonies held in Unitarian Universalist congregations to celebrate life-stage transitions.

Multicultural Ministries

Unitarian Universalist congregations intentionally receive all in a spirit of radical welcome and multiculturalism. Multiculturalism encompasses many aspects of identity—race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability/disability, class, age, language, citizenship status, and more.

The UUA office of Multicultural Growth & Witness provides leadership and resources to make Unitarian Universalism welcoming, affirming, and inclusive of all people and families. This office also houses Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Ministries, which helps foster acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and equity for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

In addressing issues around accessibility, the UUA works to cultivate and institutionalize a theology of wholeness and justice. Our disability and accessibility pages are a resource for us all on our journey toward wholeness.

Community Ministers, Chaplains, and Other Specialized Ministries

Community ministry has a long history in our faith. Joseph Tuckerman is often credited as the “father of community ministry” because of his work with poor in Boston in the early 19th century. Tuckerman established the Benevolent Fraternity of Unitarian churches in Boston in 1826, which still operates today as the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Urban Ministry.

Community ministers are eligible for fellowship with our Association. Learn more about this in the Guide to Affiliation for UU Congregations and Parish Ministers.

Chaplains serve others in many different contexts including military chaplains, hospital chaplains, and hospice chaplains. If you are a military chaplain that wishes to be endorsed by the UUA, please read more about the process for endorsement.

Other specialized ministries in Unitarian Universalism include addictions ministry, prison ministry, and pastoral care counseling. These ministries offer resources and expertise for to help serve the spiritual needs of people in different life circumstances.

To experience Unitarian Universalism firsthand, please visit a congregation near you.