The Unitarian Universalist Association
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a religious organization that combines two traditions: the Universalists, who organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825. They consolidated into the UUA in 1961. Both groups trace their roots in North America to the early Massachusetts settlers and founders of the Republic. Overseas, their heritages reach back centuries to pioneers in England, Poland, and Transylvania.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious movement in the United States. The UUA’s 1000+ member congregations are committed to Seven Principles that include the worth of each person, the need for justice and compassion, and the right to choose one’s own beliefs. Our congregations and faith communities promote these principles through regular worship, learning and personal growth, shared connection and care, social justice action and service, celebration of life’s transitions, and much more.
Each UU congregation is democratic—congregational leaders set their own priorities and choose their own ministers and staff. Congregations vote for the leaders of the UUA, who oversee the central staff and resources. The UUA supports congregations in their work by training ministers, publishing books and the UU World magazine, providing religious education curricula, offering shared services, coordinating social justice activities, and more.
Regions
The Unitarian Universalist Association in North America is organized into five Regions. The mission of the UUA Regions is to serve as a resource for local congregations and to help extend UU principles & influence in the larger community. Information and guidance are freely accessible on the full scope of congregational life including leadership, governance, worship, religious education, justice and diversity, fund raising and congregational growth.
The Southern Region includes congregations in 12 states (Alabama, Arkansas, North & South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia). WUU is a member of this Region and is invited to participate in meetings, workshops and various events throughout the year.
Regional gatherings offer opportunities for leadership development, shared resources, a sense of being connected to a larger spiritual community and partnerships.
Clusters
Cluster relationships allow sharing among the member congregations close to each other. WUU is a member of the Tidewater Cluster. Other cluster members include the UU Congregations and Fellowships in Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, Newport News, White Stone, Richmond, and Norfolk.