About the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA)

"As free congregations we enter into this covenant promising to one another our mutual trust and support."
–UUA Bylaws

How we began

Working together for our mutual benefit is a longstanding tradition for Unitarian Universalist congregations. Our roots in North America go back to the independent, self-governing churches of colonial New England that covenanted to help one another in times of need. In Europe, our heritage reaches back to religious and social reformers in England, Poland and Transylvania.

The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) was formed in 1961 through the consolidation of the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association. Today the UUA is a faith community of more than 1000 congregations that support each other and bring to the world a vision of religious freedom, tolerance and social justice.

Our congregations elect a Board of Trustees to govern the Association in accordance with our commitment to the democratic process. Our Association supports the ongoing vision, mission and ministry of member congregations. Annually, we hold a meeting of the entire Association, called General Assembly, where delegates representing their congregations vote on Association issues.

"The commitment we make to one another, the promises we make to one another as a congregations, as an association, are what creates church community."
–The Rev. Rebecca Parker, The Premise and the Promise (UUA Skinner House Books)

How do we assist one another?

Helping congregations grow and thrive

• We work with congregations to find qualified religious professionals and assist with leadership transitions.
• We develop lifespan religious education curricula and continuing education programs for religious educators.
• We provide resources for lay leaders, such as the InterConnections website and newsletter.
• Skinner House Books publishes meditation manuals and other titles of interest to UUs.
• Members receive the UU WORLD magazine.
• Our Bookstore offers books, pamphlets, RE curricula, audio, visual and other materials.
• We sponsor more than 200 electronic mailing lists and a resource-rich website.
• Our youth, young adult, and campus programs help congregations attract younger members.
• We offer resources and support for congregations as they become anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural, and welcoming.
• We make available fundraising consultation, building grant and loan programs, and size-specific workshops on planning for growth.
• With Umbrella Giving, we help individuals plan gifts to the UU institutions of their choice.
• We help start new congregations and work with district and local leaders to provide resources as they grow. We also support new congregations growing out of local energy.
• We provide "Uncommon Denomination" hospitality, belonging and media resources on our website.

Giving public voice to our values and principles

• We help congregations take action on their values by providing "how-to" resources on advocacy, organizing, public policy issues and the theological motivations for our justice work.
• We keep the national media informed about UU values and activities, and our Association's leaders speak out on current issues.
• The Association's Washington Office for Advocacy implements General Assembly social justice decisions, making our views known to the US Congress and Administration.
• We strengthen our voice in coalition with other organizations.
• We ensure that Association funds are in socially responsible investments, and we provide information on how congregations and individuals can be socially responsible investors.
• We offer endowment management services to congregations.
• Beacon Press offers the public books that are consonant with and promote Unitarian Universalist principles.

How do we fund our work?

Aspirit of love and generosity among UUs, past and present, makes these services possible. The majority of our Association's work is funded by:

• Congregations through their generous Annual Program Fund contributions.
• Individual UUs who give to Friends of the UUA.
• Gifts and Bequests from UUs wanting to insure the continuation of our faith.
• Endowment income, including a large endowment donated by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, NY.
• Capital Campaign income from UUs who want to support needs and projects not covered by the regular UUA budget.

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Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100