Unitarian Universalists create change: in ourselves and in the world.
First Universalist Parish of Chester is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), an organization with more than 1000 member congregations. Unitarian Universalism has no shared creed. This means that UUism, unlike most religions, takes no position on key theological questions that are impossible to answer, such as “Is there a God?” or “Is there an afterlife?” Instead, each individual is encouraged to develop answers to these questions that are personally most helpful. Having no shared creed, however, emphatically does not mean we have no shared values. UUs believe there are certain core values that every thoughtful and responsible person should agree upon.
Our central shared value is love, and love is the animating force underlying six subsidiary values: interdependance, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity. Interdependence calls us to show reverence for the great web of life. Pluralism calls us to embrace our differences and commonalities and to learn from each other. Justice calls us to dismantle all forms of systemic oppression. Transformation calls us to collectively grow spiritually and ethically. Generosity calls us to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Equity calls us to affirm that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish. Shown below is an artistic rendition of our shared values.
Shared Values
Unitarian Universalism grew from the union of two radical Christian groups: the Universalists, who organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825. They joined to become the UUA in 1961. More information about Unitarian Universalism may be found at the UUA website, www.uua.org. Our own church is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, elected by the membership.
Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently.
Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love.
To Unitarian Universalists today the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more.
We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing.