UUFSCC: Our History

Our roots reach back to early Christians who looked to the monotheism of the
Jewish tradition and the ethics of Jesus.

Universalism was begun by those who proclaimed that God was Love --
essentially Good -- and would thus restore all of humanity to harmony with
the divine (no one would be damned eternally and we would be universally
"saved"). The Universalist Church in America was founded in 1793. Over
time, Universalism expanded to embrace the universal truths in all
religions: love, compassion, equity and peace.

Unitarianism was begun by those who proclaimed their belief that God was
One, not Three, (Unitarian compared to Trinitarian), and who advocated
applying reason to Biblical interpretation. The American Unitarian
Association was founded in 1825. The Unitarians felt the ethical teachings
and life of Jesus was more important than his death and resurrection.

The two denominations merged in 1961, to form Unitarian Universalism. Today,
we support each individual's search for truth and meaning in what ever path they
may follow, as long as that path does no harm. We are ever conscious of the
interdependent web of life. We promote justice, equity and compassion in
all our relations. UUism is a non-creedal liberal religious tradition that
draws on direct experience of transcending mystery & wonder, words & deeds
of prophetic women & men, wisdom and teachings from the world's religions:
Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Taoist, humanist, and earth-based traditions.

All UU congregations world-wide are democratic in policy and operation and
govern themselves. They unite in the Association to provide services that
individual congregations cannot produce for themselves. The UUA is divided
into 23 districts; we are in the Pacific Central District.

In 1866, in Santa Cruz the second oldest Unitarian congregation in California
was founded. In 1957 the present fellowship was organized, and in 1961 we
added "Universalist." Our main building was constructed in 1966 and the
Bryans Building in 1993.