Who We Are

"I call that mind free which jealously guards its intellectual rights and powers, which does not content itself with a passive or hereditary faith."

Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis: the church of the warm heart, open mind and helping hands where a growing enthusiastic congregation shares ideas, dreams and visions; where inclusiveness and diversity are sought and celebrated; where people are urged to get involved.

A basic tenet of our church and Unitarian Universalism is that each person is responsible for his or her own beliefs. Unitarian Universalism maintains that all persons have an obligation to seek the truth wherever it may lead. Bound by this common purpose and committed to freedom of belief, we hold a diversity of convictions in our unity of spirit.

Members of the Unitarian Universalist church of Indianapolis are busy people involved in many activities inside and outside of the congregation. At the heart of the church's life, however, three commitments sum up our unique identity as a religious community: caring, learning, and celebrating.

We care for one another and for the world we live in. Whether engaging in spirited conversation around a church member's table at a pitch-in "dinner discussion" group, or sharing a tender moment silently holding someone's hand beside a hospital bed, we are involved in one another's lives, in time of sorrow and joy. Beyond our church walls, we are engaged in many efforts to make our neighborhood, our city, and our world a better place.

We are committed to learn about ourselves, one another, and our religious heritage. Throughout our lifespan, we participate in education activities through classes, workshops and other programs which deepen and extend our knowledge.

We gather each week to celebrate life through beautiful music, story-sharing, sermons, and reflective meditation. Our style of worship is flexible and free, yet rooted and grounded in centuries of liberal religious tradition. Celebration is the integrating focus which brings together all dimensions of our common life, and reconnects us to the sources of inspiration which strengthen and encourage us throughout the week.

Covenant *

Love is the spirit of this church
And service is its law.
To dwell together in peace,
To seek the truth in love,
And to help one another,
This is our Covenant.

* I thought UU was a non-creedal religion?

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis (UUI) is part of a religious tradition of free thinkers which began as an organized movement in the 16th century (See also A Brief History). UUI was founded in March 1979 by charter from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). It was incorporated in the State of Indiana as a not-for-profit organization. The UUI property was purchased in May 1981 and came into active use in September 1981. The four and one-half acres contain the Meeting House, to which the Meeting Hall was added in 1994, the Commons, the Religious Education Building and Cottage (See also Take the Virtual Tour).

The first manual of organization and operation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis was issued in 1982. Although our purpose has remained unchanged, our structure and procedures have continued to evolve.

Although methods and ways of carrying out the work of the church may change, basic principles upon which the operation rests remain the same. Of greatest significance is the democratic management of church affairs.

The present does not alter the basic structure of the church:

• We are part of a worldwide association, the Unitarian Universalist Association (www.uua.org)
• The local Congregation remains the governing authority
• The Minister is the spiritual leader
• The Board of Trustees develops and interprets policies and has charge of business affairs
• Various committees implement our purpose
• All members have full opportunity to participate in the work according to their talents and interests

Principles

Adults' Language

• We affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
• We affirm and promote justice, equality, and compassion in human relations.
• We affirm and promote acceptance of one another and encourage each other in spiritual growth.
• We affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
• We affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process.
• We affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
• We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of existence of which we are all a part.

Children's Language

• We believe that every person is important.
• We believe that all people should be treated fairly.
• We respect different ways of being religious.
• We believe that people can act responsibly to decide for themselves what is true and right.
• We believe that all people have a right to say what they think and vote on the rules for the place where they live.
• We believe that we should work for a peaceful, fair, and free world.
• We believe that we should care for our planet.