• We are a religious people who have woven strands of a rich past into a tapesty of the present.
• Unitarian Universalists are determined to follow our own reasoned convictions, no matter what others may say, and we embrace tolerance as a central principal, inside and outside our own churches
• Unitarian Universalists hold fast to our faith in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We hold the worth and dignity of the individual to be the appropriate basis of all human relations.
• Unitarian Universalist congregations are covenanted, not creedal. Congregational polity is a basic doctrine. In the spirit of freedom, we cherish honest dialogue and persuasion, not coercion. We embrace democratic method as a central principle. Our local members unite to engage in and to support ministries of their own choosing.
• Unitarian Universalists expect new scientific disclosures to cohere, not conflict, with our religious faith. We embrace the challenge and the joy of intercultural religious fellowship.

For a more detailed explanation of these bullet points, please take a look at our history page.

In North America, Unitariansim and Universalism developed separately. Universalist congregations began to be established in the 1770s. Other congregations, many established earlier, began to take the Unitarian name in the 1820s. Over the decades the two groups coverged in their liberal emphasis and style, and in 1961 the consolidated to become the Unitarian Universalist Association.

More than one thousand congregations in the United States and Canada belong to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) of Congregations, with headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts.

The oldest Unitarian congregations are in Romania. There are large Unitarian congregations in the Khasi Hills of India. Others are found in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Australia, Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and Japan. (Some of these are Unitarian and some are Universalist.)

North American Unitarian Universalists maintain ties with other Unitarian Universalists throughout the world, mostly through our membership in the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), organized in 1900. Members of the IARF include other liberal Christian groups as well as Humanist, Hindu Reform, Shinto, and Buddhist groups.

Some Unitarian Universalists are nontheists and do not find language about God useful. The faith of other Unitarian Universalists in God may be profound, though among these, too, talk of God may be restrained. Why?

The word God is much abused. Far too often, the word seems to refer to a kind of granddaddy in the sky or a super magician. To avoid confusion, many Unitarian Universalists are more apt to speak of "reverence for life" (in the words of Albert Schweitzer, a Unitarian), the spirit of love or truth, the holy, or the gracious. Many also prefer such language because it is inclusive; it is used with integrity by theist and nontheist members.

Whatever our theological persuasion, Unitarian Universalists generally agree that the fruits of religious belief matter more than beliefs about religion-even about God. So we usually speak more of the fruits: gratitude for blessings, worthy aspirations, the renewal of hope, and service on behalf of justice.

Classically, Unitarian Universalist Christians have understood Jesus as a savior because he was a God-filled human being, not a supernatural being. He was, and still is for many UUs, an exemplar, one who has shown the way of redemptive love, in whose spirit anyone may live generously and abundantly. Among us, Jesus' very human life and teaching have been understood as products of, and in line with, the great Jewish tradition of prophets and teachers. He neither broke with that tradition nor superceded it.

Many of us honor Jesus, and many of us honor other master teachers of past or present generations, like Moses or the Buddha. As a result, mixed-tradition families may find common ground in the UU fellowship without compromising other loyalties.

In most of our congregations, our children learn Bible stories as a part of their church school curricula. It is not unusual to find adult study groups in the churches, or in workshops at summer camps and conferences, focusing on the Bible. Allusions to biblical symbols and events are frequent in our sermons. In most of our congregations, the Bible is read as any other sacred text might be-from time to time, but not routinely.

We have especially cherished the prophetic books of the Bible. Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and other prophets dared to speak critical words of love to the powerful, calling for justice for the oppressed. Many Unitarian and Universalist social reformers have been inspired by the biblical prophets. We hallow the names of Unitarian and Universalist prophets: Joseph Tuckerman, Dorothea Dix, Clara Barton, Theodore Parker, Susan B. Anthony, and many others.

We do not, however, hold the Bible-or any other account of human experience-to be either an infallible guide or the exclusive source of truth. Much biblical material is mythical or legendary. Not that it should be discarded for that reason! Rather, it should be treasured for what it is. We believe that we should read the Bible as we read other books (or the newspaper)-with imagination and a critical eye.

We also respect the sacred literature of other religions. Contemporary works of science, art, and social commentary are valued as well. We hold, in the words of an old liberal formulation, that "revelation is not sealed." Unitarian Universalists aspire to truth as wide as the world-we look to find truth anywhere, universally.

The English word salvation dervies from the Latin salus, meaning health. Unitarian Universalists are as concerned with salvation, in the sense of spiritual health or wholeness, as any other religous people.

However, in many Western churches, salvation has come to be associated with a specific set of beliefs or a spiritual transformation of a very limited type.

Among Unitarian Universalists, instead of salvation you will hear of our yearning for, and our experience of, personal growth, increased wisdom, strength of character, and gifts of insight, understanding, inner and outer peace, courage, patience, and compassion. The ways in which these things come to, change, and heal us, are many indeed. We seek and celebrate them in our worship.

Our ceremonies-of marriage and starting a new family, naming or dedicating our children, and memorializing our dead-are phrased in simple, contemporary language. We observe these rites in community, not because they are required by some rule or dogma, but because in them we may voice our affection, hopes, and dedication.

Though practices vary in our congregations and change over time, UUs celebrate many of the great religious holidays with enthusiasm. Whether we gather to celebrate Christmas, Passover, or the Hindu holiday Divali, we do so in a universal context, recognizing and honoring religious observances and festivals as innate and needful in all human cultures.

Yes and no.

Yes, some Unitarian Universalists are Christian. Personal encounter with the spirit of Jesus as the christ richly informs their religous lives

No, Unitarian Universalists are not Christian, if by Christian you mean those who think that acceptance of any creedal belief whatsoever is necessary for salvation. Unitarian Universalist Christians are considered heretics by those orthodox Christians who claim none but Christians are "saved." (Fortunately, not all the orthodox make that claim.)

Yes, Unitarian Universalists are Christian in the sense that both Unitarian and Universalist history are part of Christian history. Our core principles and practices were first articulated and established by liberal Christians.

Some Unitarian Universalists are not Christian. For though they may acknowledge the Christian history of our faith, Christian stories and symbols are no longer primary for them. They draw their personal faith from many sources: nature, intuition, other cultures, science, civil liberation movements, and so on.

The program of religious education is determined, as are all other programs, by members of the local congregation. A wide range of courses is available through our Association. These are adapted by members as they choose. Courses appropriate for children may be offered in subjects as varied as interpersonal relations, ethical questions, the Bible, world religions, nature and ecology, heroes and heroines of social reform, Unitarian Universalist history, and holy days around the world. The same is true of adult religious education.

In most of our congregations, regular children's worship-often held during a portion of the adult service-is part of the program. We seek to teach our children to be responsible for their own thinking and to nurture their own impulses of reverence, morality, respect for others, and self-respect.

Religious liberals put less emphasis on formal beliefs and more on practical living. Our interest is in deeds, not creeds. We appreciate the biblical text, "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only."

Our members have been active leaders in the struggles for racial equality, civil liberty, international peace, and equal rights for all people. We work as individuals, in congregational social action, and in other groupings, including such denominational efforts as the UUA's Faith in Action Department and the UU-UN Office. We also work with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, which brings critically needed social change to many parts of the world.

The best way to find out if a congregation will feel comfortable to you and your family is to attend a number of services. Talk with the ministers and religious educator; sit in on some religious education programs. Many of our societies offer introductory sessions, study groups, videotapes, and increasingly, a World Wide Web homepage to acquaint those interested in membership with our history, Principles, and programs. Individual appointments with ministers and members are encouraged. Many pamphlets are available through the UUA Bookstore. Usually, these are readily accessible in a church's foyer, and even small fellowships may have a good library of Unitarian Universalist writings. The UUA website at www.uua.org is another good source of information about Unitarian Universalism.

All of these, along with your presence with us at worship and in our many other activities, provide the means for learning more about who Unitarian Universalists are, and whether you want to become one of us.

The last act of joining the congregation is simple, but significant: You write your name on a membership card or in the membership book or parish register. We have no creedal requirements. With your signature you affirm your pledge to enter and to remain in a continuing and tolerant dialogue concerning the ways of truth and love, a dialogue within which free persuasion may occur; to share in our fellowship and in our corporate decision making; and to support with your gifts of energy and money our common work for the common good.

On any given Sunday one will find a full spectrum of attire at First Unitarian from sweatpants to suits and everything in between. You are encouraged to wear what is comfortable for you; you are accepted as you are.

The regular worship service starts at 11:00am.

Lifespan Faith Development classes are offered for adults at 10:00 from September to May. The adult RE classes are given by anyone who has an area of expertise and is willing to share their knowledge with others. Classes are not limited to religious subjects, but cover a broad range of spiritual, ethical, and intellectual issues. While you attend Faith Development classes, your children are welcome to attend UU Café and enjoy a time for free play with crafts, board games, yoga, and more. Following the "story for all ages" during the worship service, children can attend their own Faith Development class. The wide array of children’s classes may include such topics as the environment, animals, expressing creativity, homelessness, and learning about world religions. For more information on our Lifespan Faith Development, click here.

You are welcome to park in our parking lot. If there are no spaces available, we have access to the church parking lot next door. There is even a convenient paved path leading from their lot to ours.

The order of service typically involves readings, chalice lighting, hymns, greet your neighbor, children’s story, meditation, musical selections by the Chalice Choir and/or The Gathering, the offering, and an insightful sermon. The words recited during the chalice lighting, children’s story, and the offering are printed in the order of service. Our sanctuary is situated like a traditional church with pews facing the altar at the front of the sanctuary.

You will have a chance to meet the ministers after the service outside the sanctuary. Most attendees then decide to stay for a light lunch at coffee hour. We were all visitors at one time and want to make sure you feel welcome. If you choose to stay, there are placemats at each table that mark reserved seats for visitors, as our coffee hours are very popular. The fourth Sunday of every month is a potluck which allows members and visitors more time to socialize and pursue common interests. If you would like a tour of the building we would be happy to give you one after the service.

On the second and fourth Sundays of the month, following our 11:00am service, our greeters and members of the membership committee will meet with interested visitors to share a little information about our congregation. You are encouraged to attend to learn the basics about Unitarian Universalism and to familiarize yourself with our church, lifespan faith development classes, child care, coffee hour and much more.

Of course! Our Lifespan Faith Development program is what often attracts families to First Unitarian. From September to May your children are welcome to join us for UU Café at 10:00am to enjoy an array of fun activities like board games, crafts, or yoga on select Sundays. If you would like loving volunteers to care for your child while you attend an RE class and/or worship, our nursery is available from 9:50 am to 12:15 pm for children from birth to preschool age. Just ask a greeter or usher to show you to the nursery.

On most Sundays, there will be a "story for all ages" during the service where children are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary to listen to the story. After the story, children are welcome to attend the Religious Education class for their age group. For more information on our Lifespan Faith Development program, click here.

Children are also welcome to stay in the sanctuary with their parents. There are boxes located in the back of the sanctuary for children who would like to pick an activity package to take with them to their seats.

Many holidays are honored and celebrated at First Unitarian, including but definitely not limited to Easter, Solstices, Day of the Dead, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

EVERYONE is welcome to First Unitarian of Toledo. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, no matter their race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, occupation, social status, or sexual orientation. A greeter will welcome you into the church and will offer you a nametag to help others welcome you by name.

No need to hide your identity here; your relationship and/or family will be welcome! Unitarian Universalism has been on the forefront of the gay rights movement and has many homosexual ministers. First Unitarian has obtained Welcoming Congregation status by the Unitarian Universalist Association, which means that the congregation has taken steps to educate itself about LGBT issues. We hope you find a home at First Unitarian Church of Toledo.

You will fit into our already diverse church family! Many interfaith families find a home in First Unitarian because we embrace, honor, and celebrate many religions.

All spiritual beliefs are welcome. Our congregation is made up of Agnostics, Atheists, Pagans, Buddhists, Humanists, Theists, Christians, Catholics and more. We strive to provide an environment for exploration, growth and discovery of your own spiritual path no matter where you are on your journey.

While we want to welcome everyone who comes through our doors, we do not ask visitors to join our church right away. Take your time to explore the UU faith and our church to make sure it is the right fit for you. If membership feels right to you, please speak with a minister or a member of the membership committee. We are offering a series about the history of our church. If interested in joining, please read about the First Unitarian Exploration Series. At First Unitarian, certain rights and responsibilities come along with membership such as voting rights, financial contribution, and service to the church and/or the community. However, we have "friends" of the church that are involved in the spirit and giving of the church without signing the membership book. For more information about membership at First Unitarian, click here.

Visitors are not required to pledge (or tithe) but there is an opportunity to place a greatly appreciated donation in the offering plate during our Sunday service. We are a self-sustaining church; therefore our entire budget is funded solely by the financial contributions & yearly pledges of our members & friends. For more information on Stewardship, click here.