“We need not think alike to love alike.” —Unitarian minister Francis David

Are you looking for a place to explore and deepen your spirituality? Are you looking for a community of supportive and engaged people? Our congregation may be just what you're looking for! 

Unitarian Universalism is a spiritually alive, justice-centered religion. Our members search for truth along many paths. At Throop Church, as in many other UU congregations, you are likely to find people who identify as Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and more. Instead of centering our religion on specific beliefs, we gather around shared moral values.

Building a World of Justice and Peace

Working for civil rights and combating oppression are essential parts of our spiritual journey. Our faith community has worked for justice for hundreds of years, from advocating for free speech and the free practice of religion as far back as the fifteen hundreds, to helping to abolish slavery and supporting women's rights beginning in the eighteen hundreds. We continue to work for justice today in ways that resonate with our principles, from protecting our environment to standing up for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people. We work for human understanding and against war and violence.

Unitarian Universalists are enriched by two progressive and life -affirming traditions.

The Universalists trace their roots to the time of the American Revolution, when many thoughtful individuals grew tired with the fire-and-brimstone preaching of the  orthodox and began to proclaim a loving God who saved all souls from damnation. The Universalists brought their good news of a loving and inclusive religion to all corners of this nation, Throop Church was founded by Universalists.

The Unitarians trace their roots to Europe during the Reformation and Renaissance, when courageous thinkers proclaimed the unity of God in the face of dogma.  Later, Liberal-minded New Englanders embraced Unitarianism in the context of the congregational churches.  

The Unitarians and the Universalists, based in their affirmative view of human nature, advanced many social justice projects, including working to end slavery, win the right to vote for women, reform mental health facilities, improve opportunities for the poor, and establish the public schools.  

As Unitarian Universalists we affirm and promote...

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources...

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

First AIM

To be an intentional multicultural, intergenerational, inclusive, and welcoming congregation that embodies and demonstrates Unitarian Universalist values to the wider community. We will seek to grow in numbers, and in spirit; by living our value of generosity, nurturing a faith in abundance of our potential, and by developing practices of compassionate relationship.

Second AIM

To preserve and restore the congregation's historic building as a center for liberal faith and a host of community activities. To transform our spiritual home inot a life giving and sustainable environment that reflects our love fo this earth and our commitment to the generations to come.

Third AIM

To enable the membership in their free and responsible search for truth and meaning and in their spiritual growth through quality worhsip and programs. We will encourage each person to develop spiritual practices that can empower their religious journey. As a congregation we will practice shared ministry enabling each othe to find and express each person's unique gifts as we seek to embody Unitarian Universalist values. The congregation will put special emphasis on encouraging ministries of arts and music that are shared with the wider community.

Fourth AIM

To strive toward a governance structure that is democratic, responsible, transparent, and prudent so that the congregation can fulfill its mission and the membership can be involved and included. Recognizing that a dedicated and qualified staff empowers and enables a growing voluntary organization the congregation will strive toward excellence in staffing and fairness in compensation fo that staff.